Course Load
The course requirements for Students at McLean Upper School are outlined below. Students must take a minimum of 6 credits each year.
| Typical Freshman Course Load | Typical Sophomore Course Load |
| English 9 | English 10 |
| Contemporary Classics | World Literature |
| East/West Civilizations | World History |
| Mathematics (Algebra 1 or Geometry) | Mathematics (Geometry or Algebra 2/Trig) |
| Biology | Science (Environmental or Chemistry) |
| Foreign Language (Spanish, ASL, Latin) | Foreign Language |
| Elective | Elective |
| Physical Education | Physical Education |
| Off Campus Education | Off Campus Education |
| Total: 6-7 Credits | Total: 6-7 Credits |
| Typical Junior Course Load | Typical Senior Course Load |
| English 11 | Senior Humanities (AP English Lit, 20th Century Culture and Thought, Themes in US Conflict, Creative Writing) |
| American Literature | History (AP Gov’t, Anthropology, Religion) |
| U.S. History | Mathematics (Precalculus, Senior Math or AP Calculus) |
| Mathematics (Algebra 2/Trig or Precalculus) | Science* (PAID, Forensic Chem, Sports Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, AP Chem, AP Bio) |
| Science* (Physics, Chemistry, AP Chem, AP Bio) | Foreign Language |
| Foreign Language | Electives |
| Electives | Off Campus Education |
| Physical Education | Physical Education |
| Off Campus Education |
|
| Total: 6-7 Credits | Total: 6-7 Credits |
*Some students elect to take PAID in lieu of chemistry or physics
Electives
Arts:
Art I (Foundation Art)
Art II (Principles of Design)
Advanced Art/Independent Study
Ceramics (one semester)
Printmaking (one semester)
Performance Arts:
Communication Techniques (one semester)
Acting Workshop
Computer:
Graphic Art/Photoshop (one semester)
Animation (one semester)
Yearbook
Music:
Chorus
Jazz Band
Rock, Pop & Blues
Guitar