Our Upper School
The Upper School at BWL is a serious, personal, opportunity-rich high school experience. Students are challenged by a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, guided by teachers who know them well, and encouraged to take full advantage of the academic, artistic, athletic, leadership, and signature-program opportunities available to them.
Because BWL is intentionally scaled, Upper School students are not anonymous. They are seen by faculty, known by their deans, and able to step into meaningful roles earlier. They lead clubs, compete on teams, pursue advanced study, conduct research, perform, debate, build ventures, and prepare for college with confidence.
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.
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.
Upper School Concentrations
BWL’s academic concentrations give Upper School students the opportunity to shape their academic journeys around areas of particular interest and passion. Through focused coursework and hands-on learning experiences, students deepen their knowledge, make meaningful connections across disciplines, and develop skills that prepare them for college and beyond.
Completed concentrations are indicated on students’ diplomas and shared with colleges, highlighting the depth and focus of their academic experience.
Concentration areas include:
| Performing Arts Visual Arts Environmental Studies |
Robotics Constructive Dialogue Neuroscience/STEM |
Writing Entrepreneurship History |
Explore our Concentration Profiles, including descriptions and course requirements.
Upper School Curricular Highlights
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.
Our Upper School offers a range of distinctive, thought-provoking courses that set us apart from other independent schools. These courses encourage students to think critically, express themselves creatively, and explore complex ideas from multiple perspectives.
FEATURED COURSES:
Honors Creative Writing & Poetry: Portfolio
Advanced Seminar: International Relations
Advanced Seminar: Research in the Humanities
Advanced Seminar: Science Research
Advanced Seminar: Democracy & Dissent
Dialogue Across Difference
Foundations of Constructive Dialogue
Entrepreneurship
Post-AP Computer Science: Python Applications
Artificial Intelligence: Principles & Applications
Visit the Upper School Course of Study for more information about these and other exciting offerings.
Entrepreneurship Program
Entrepreneurship is a signature program at BWL, offering Upper School students the opportunity to turn ideas into action through a four-year sequence. Students engage in hands-on learning as they develop concepts, test ideas, build prototypes, and transform promising ideas into real ventures. With mentorship from faculty and industry professionals, along with a roster of high-profile guest speakers, students gain firsthand insight into what it takes to build and grow a business. They put that knowledge into practice by developing their own ventures and participating in entrepreneurship competitions with opportunities to win prize money. Through these experiences, students build creativity, resilience, collaboration, problem-solving skills, and the confidence to think and act like entrepreneurs.
Internship and Job Shadowing Program
BWL’s Internship and Job Shadowing Program connects classroom learning with real-world experience, giving Upper School students opportunities to explore professional environments and potential career paths. Our dedicated Internship and Job Shadowing Coordinator works closely with students to seek out tailored opportunities that align with their individual interests and aspirations, while helping them navigate their first experiences in the professional world. Students gain firsthand exposure to different industries, workplaces, and career possibilities while beginning to build valuable professional skills and meaningful relationships. Through these experiences, they develop confidence, independence, perspective, and a clearer sense of the paths they may want to pursue.
Outside the Classroom
Upper School students are keenly aware of both the privilege and responsibility that come with being role models for the rest of the School. Through opportunities in peer leadership, student government, clubs, athletics, service, and school traditions, students are encouraged to take an active role in shaping the life of the School and strengthening the community around them.
Our Community
Community is an essential part of the Upper School experience at BWL. Through our House System, Peer Leaders, Student Council, service opportunities, and shared traditions, students build meaningful relationships across grades while finding countless ways to lead, contribute, and make a positive impact. These experiences foster the sense of connection and belonging that extends throughout the school and are the lifeblood of the BWL community.
Clubs and Activities
Beyond the classroom, Upper School students have countless opportunities to explore their interests, discover new passions, and take on leadership roles. Dozens of student-led and faculty-sponsored clubs and organizations span the arts, STEM, service, publications, academic competition, and more. With new offerings each year, students can pursue what excites them, connect with others who share their interests, and help shape life at BWL.
Interscholastic Athletics
Interscholastic athletics are another integral part of the Upper School experience. BWL offers an impressive range of teams, giving student-athletes opportunities to challenge themselves, represent their school, and contribute to a spirited campus community. Our athletes compete at high levels of divisional and state competition while developing the teamwork, sportsmanship, resilience, and drive that help them reach their goals both on and off the field.
The BWL College Counseling Experience
College Counseling is an integral part of the Upper School experience at BWL, beginning well before the college application process itself. From the early years of Upper School, students are encouraged to explore their interests, recognize their strengths, pursue meaningful opportunities, and think intentionally about their goals for the future. By starting these conversations early, BWL helps students develop the self-awareness and confidence that will guide them throughout their college journey.
As students move through Upper School, College Counseling becomes increasingly individualized, with counselors providing thoughtful guidance tailored to each student and family. Students explore a wide range of possibilities, identify colleges that align with their interests and aspirations, develop authentic and compelling applications, and make informed decisions about what comes next. Throughout the process, they are supported by counselors who know them well and are deeply invested in helping each student find the path that is right for them.
Upper School Leadership
Guillermo Salgado
Associate Director of Upper School,Dean of Student and Faculty Engagement
What's next?
Explore the Admissions Process
Discover how to begin your child’s journey at BWL and take the next step toward joining our community.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT BWL ADMISSIONS
Visit Us
Our Admissions team looks forward to meeting you! We hope you will join us for an information session and a tour to see our building and students in action. We also welcome all prospective families to Open House in the fall. You can learn more about these and other opportunities and register for Admissions events via Ravenna.
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