Our Upper School

Upper School students face a new degree of independence, as they rise to meet the demands of the college-preparatory program. But BWL’s Upper School students are confidently prepared for every step that lies ahead. From the very beginning of Grade 9 through the day graduates receive their diplomas, each student is guaranteed guidance by members of a superior faculty and College Counseling team.

The Upper School Curriculum

Students are educated within BWL’s rigorous academic environment, which also incorporates nurture, structure and guidance. Expectations of Upper School students include high achievement in academics, active social awareness and a wide range of extracurricular activities, all culminating with students' matriculation at a fine college or university.

The Upper School curriculum consists of compulsory studies that include:

• Four years of English and Physical Education
• Three years of History, Math, Science, and World Language
• Two years of the Arts

Opportunities for students to add elective courses to their schedules are enhanced further by the offering of Advanced Placement courses to eligible students. BWL is also a member of the Constellation Learning Consortium, giving our students access to a broad range of elective and even more AP courses.

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Additionally, to follow each student's unique path as they strive to master the course work, the faculty measures academic progress through quarterly grades, comments, conferences and standardized testing, always maintaining a partnership between parents and the School.

At BWL, we believe that education is a constantly evolving process that responds to the issues of the day and looks to the future to address how the world may one day be. With that philosophy in mind, we are constantly evaluating our curriculum and innovating new programs and academic courses to allow students to engage with the modern world and prepare them to lead the world of tomorrow. In the 2024–2025 academic year, BWL plans to offer a variety of new and exciting course offerings for the Upper School:

NeuroLOGY AND LEARNING HOW TO LEARN
Modern Crossroads: The Middle East and the Arab-Israeli Conflict
History of Western Political Thought
Engineering: THE DESIGN PROCESS
Advanced Seminar in Scientific Research
OUT OF THE CAVE: AN INTRODUCTION TO KNOWING
Sustainable Futures: Examining Environmental Systems
LITERATURE OF WAR: THE RAGE OF ACHILLES
HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDE
PANYC: Performing Arts NYC

Advanced Seminar in Scientific Research is a cutting-edge program designed for high-performing students passionate about both STEM and the humanities. Students will:

• Work closely with faculty members across diverse disciplines
• Engage in rigorous research projects that bridge the gap between science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the liberal arts
• Focus on interdisciplinary functions, applying scientific methods to humanities research and vice versa, fostering a holistic understanding of complex topics

Click here for more information about our new offerings.

Upper School students are keenly aware of their responsibility and privilege of being role models for the rest of the School, as they are given the opportunity to hold positions in peer leadership as well as student government.

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are expanded through the addition of new clubs every year, such as the Debate Team, Film Club, Sports Analysis Club, Robotics, Support & Inclusivity Club, Peer Tutoring, Community Service clubs, and various student publications (yearbook, newspaper, poetry and a lifestyle magazine), to name just a few.

Interscholastic Athletics

Interscholastic athletics are an integral part of the BWL Upper School. For a small, independent institution, BWL offers an impressive list of sports teams for all students.  Student-athletes rise to the highest levels of divisional and state competitions, generating excitement throughout the community. Through teamwork, sportsmanship and drive, they are able to reach their athletic goals.