Upper School

Upper School

Upper School is the time to pursue academic opportunities that support you – your interests, your plans, your goals. Our Upper School curriculum is wide-ranging and flexible, which allows students to pursue their interests, expand their horizons, and develop their intellect and their character. Students can conduct independent research at universities, choose from a diverse offering of advanced academic electives, and even design an independent study with a faculty member. There is no one path for our exceptional students, who challenge themselves to excel in exciting new ways.

Classes Highlights

Upper School classes instill critical thinking, cultivate creativity, and challenge students to go deeper. From core classes in ninth and tenth grades to honors, AP, and elective classes in eleventh and twelfth grades, teachers engage the students in a variety of ways. Read below to learn more about a few of the projects students may participate in.

Graphic Novels

Analyze graphic novels, making connections between images and words, while gaining greater understanding of impactful events from colonialism to the civil rights movement. Students collaborate as they interpret texts, supporting each other in finding deeper meaning in pictures and how they relate to the words.

Analyze an Empire

Conduct an autopsy of an empire, dissecting the leadership, social dynamics, and other factors to understand the ultimate cause of death. Students summarize findings in an obituary which is presented to classmates. 

Statistics

Use simulations to answer tricky probability questions, like what are the chances that a child’s nesting cups will stack up if they come in a random order? Or if students all randomly pick an IDs from the table, what are the chances that no one picks their own ID? 

Magnetic Fields

Study the magnetic force on a current-carry wire using highly sensitive balance scales containing strong magnets. Watch as the scale reading changes to determine the force the magnetic field exerts on the wire.

Dia de los Muertos

Honor meaningful people while learning more about an important Latin American tradition during Dia de los Muertos each November. Students strengthen Spanish-speaking capabilities while expanding cultural competency. 

Download our Curriculum Guide for details about all classes available.

CURRICULUM GUIDE

TREVOR WORCESTER
HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

Along the Upper School journey, we hope students will take advantage of all the opportunities we offer, particularly those outside the traditional classroom. Clubs, service opportunities and requirements, affinity groups, the possibility of leadership in student government – these are all part of the culture of the Upper School, and they are important ways to feed the soul.

The Wholistic Experience

Arts, athletics, and design and innovation are an integral part of the Upper School experience. 

Arts

Our arts program spans genres, disciplines, and definitions. Students may choose from video production, the chemistry of photography, band, or dance, to name just a few options. We emphasize curiosity, motivation, and self-discipline, celebrate their originality, and connect with an audience. Our stunning 54,000-square-foot Marshall Family Performing Arts Center matches the ambitions and talents of our students and faculty.

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Athletics

Physical education and athletics in our Upper School share the same principles: play hard, play smart, play with integrity, and love the process. Along the way, students develop grit and determination. Students can take physical education courses (including our foundational fitness class, yoga, dance, workout challenge, backpacking and camping, and musical theater) or join one of our 24 interscholastic teams, using our advanced facilities, fields, and equipment.

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Design and Innovation

Our Upper School Design & Innovation program works at the intersection of humanity, technology, and entrepreneurship. Students use ethnographic and user-experience research to identify meaningful problems to solve while delving into artificial intelligence (AI) models, hardware, and, hardware, and robotics. Through a variety of courses, extracurricular activities, and special programs, students do real work for real companies while considering a wide range of problems. Students develop, test, and revise solutions to social, environmental, and technical challenges. In ways large and small, they envision – and build – the world ahead.

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COLLEGE COUNSELING

Our four full-time college counselors provide our families with customized guidance throughout the college selection and application process, connecting students to the schools that offer the best fit for their interests and passions.

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Student Experience

Advisory
In class, on the field, and on the stage, we treat students as growing, complex individuals. Advisory groups – small peer groups facilitated by faculty members – meet every other day to discuss everything from communication skills to time management. Advisory groups stay together for four years, building long lasting bonds.  
Student Support
Students can also take advantage of our student support staff, including counselors and learning specialists. They also receive wellness programming throughout the year. Our holistic approach to student learning helps students both academically and socially, preparing them for life after Greenhill. Find out more here.
Student Life
Our students lead, support, and learn from each other. Student advisory boards in arts, athletics, and community service encourage participation, build school spirit, and give back to the community. The Student Council and Honor Council offer valuable leadership skills, and groups like Hope Squad and Peer Mentors offer meaningful peer support. Students may also join myriad clubs and affinity groups, giving each person a place to build community.
Community Service and Service Learning
When students serve, they learn! Students support organizations across North Texas as they earn service hours, connecting them to the community as they learn how to give of themselves, support others, and become involved citizens. 
Global Online Academy Partnership
Greenhill's partnership with Global Online Academy expands the course options available and allows juniors and seniors to learn with students and instructors around the world.
Technology
With Greenhill’s 1:1 device program, all Upper School students receive a laptop to use during the school year preloaded with the programs needed to support classroom learning. Technology costs are included with tuition. 

Where to Next?

Admission
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College Counseling
Clubs and Activities