"We prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be."
Academics
Upper School
Course Catalogue

Academic Overview


GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The minimum number of course credits required for graduation from Friends Seminary is 80. Distribution requirements by department are:
Computer Science 1 semester 2 credits
English 4 years 16 credits
History 3 years 12 credits
**Mathematics 3 years 12 credits
***Science 3 years 12 credits
*World Languages 3 years 12 credits
Health & Wellness 2 semesters 2 credits
Performing Arts 1 semester 2 credits
Visual Arts 1 semester 2 credits
Physical Education 4 years
Service Learning 100 hours (at least 25 hours/year)
Additional Electives 16 credits
All students must be registered for a minimum of 10 credits per semester, and a physical education class or team sport.  A full credit course is the equivalent of 2 credits per semester. Any qualified student wishing to take more than two Advanced courses must also obtain approval from the Advisor and the Head of the Upper School.  

*Students must complete 3 consecutive years of the same World Language, beginning in Grade 9, to fulfill the graduation requirement.
**Students must complete Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. Students must complete three years of math courses during Grades 9–12.
***This requirement includes two years of a laboratory science; see departmental course descriptions for further information and appropriate placement. However, most students take a minimum of three years of science.
Two of the additional elective credits must be taken in either the Visual or Performing Arts departments (effective for classes graduating 2026 and beyond)

SUGGESTED PROGRAMS BY GRADE

Grade 9 Year:
English English 9
History  History of Beliefs and Belief Systems 
World Languages Continue language from Middle School; or begin another language; second language by permission only
Mathematics Geometry, or Algebra II
Science Physics
Visual and Performing Arts            Department electives
Physical Education Choice between P.E. elective or interscholastic team
Health 9 One Semester Placement
Study Skills Placement if deemed appropriate
Service Learning A 25 hour minimum of in-school and out-of-school service
Computer Science Programming and Computing
Grade 10 Year:
English English 10: British Literature
History  History 10: World History
World Languages Continue one or more languages
Mathematics Geometry, Algebra II, or Precalculus
Science Chemistry
Visual and Performing Arts Department electives
Physical Education Choice between P.E. elective or interscholastic team
Health 10 One semester placement
Study Skills Placement if deemed appropriate
Service Learning A 25 hour minimum of in-school and out-of-school service
Computer Science Department electives
Grade 11 Year:
English English 11: American Literature
History  U.S. History or Advanced U.S. History
World Languages Elective if requirement completed
Mathematics Choice of suitable course to fulfill matriculation requirement
Science Biology recommended or appropriate elective
Visual and Performing Arts Department electives
Physical Education Choice of P.E. elective or interscholastic team
Junior Seminar Spring semester placement
Study Skills Placement if deemed appropriate
Service Learning A 25 hour minimum of in-school and out-of-school service
Computer Science Department electives
Grade 12 Year:
English English 12
History Department electives
World Languages Elective if requirement completed one or more languages
Mathematics Department electives
Science Department electives
Visual and Performing Arts Department electives
Senior Seminar Fall semester placement
Physical Education Choice of P.E. elective or interscholastic team
Service Learning A 25 hour minimum of in-school and out-of-school service
Computer Science Department electives
Friends Seminary actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all its programs and operations, including admissions, financial aid, hiring, and all facets of the educational experience. To form a community which strives to reflect the world’s diversity, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, physical ability, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Friends Seminary is an equal opportunity employer.

FRIENDS SEMINARY
222 East 16th Street
New York, NY 10003
P: 212-979-5030
F: 212.979.5034
Friends Seminary — the oldest continuously operated, coeducational school in NYC — serves college-bound day students in Kindergarten-Grade 12.