Rising Upper School Students Start Process of Selecting Courses for 2022-2023 School Year

With 188 courses being offered next year, including several new options in history, visual arts, computer science and more, St. Margaret’s students grades 8-11 have plenty of options to weigh as they look ahead to the 2022-2023 school year in the Upper School.

Students are currently in the course-registration process, a two-week window allowing students to research, ask questions, and develop a personalized academic plan, with the Upper School professional community available to assist.

“We hope students take this time to speak to teachers, advisors, college counselors and parents as they plan for the next academic year,” Upper School Principal Jeneen Graham said. “Students can revise and optimize their initial plans as they get further information through these conversations. We encourage students to make a goal to build a list of course requests that are exciting, challenging and manageable within the framework of their personal and school commitments.”

The kick-off to course registration took place before Winter Break, as next year’s Upper School student body—including, for the first time, grade 8 students currently in the Middle School—attended the Course and Community Fair in Pasternack Field House. Students visited the many tables set up by each academic department, learning more about classes and asking questions to the teachers and department chairs in attendance.

Also set up were tables for each of the Upper School’s leadership groups, including Yearbook, Admission Ambassadors, ASB, Peer Counselor, Tartan Inclusivity and Diversity Education (TIDE), Tartan Tutors and Honor Committee.

Students have a lot to consider, including graduation requirements, prerequisites for future classes, summer school options, and AP and honors requests and requirements.

The 188 courses students are choosing from feature several new options, including California histories, web 3.0 programming and developing, software engineering, the study and production of American cinema, and perspectives in American history. The Upper School creates new classes each year based on student interest and faculty expertise, keeping the curriculum innovative and giving students an abundance of choices.  

Students have until March 11 to submit online course requests. Placements for AP and honors classes will be finalized by March 28, and at that point students can enter new/updated course requests through April 1. Students can register for summer academic courses starting on April 15.