"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 or more than five academic classes 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 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)
⍆ 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 — the oldest continuously operated, coeducational school in NYC — serves college-bound day students in Kindergarten-Grade 12.
