Upper School
Course Load & Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Students must successfully complete 24 Upper School (post grade 8) credit hours in order to qualify for a McLean School diploma.
English
Three Years. 3 Credits
Senior Humanities
One Year. 1 Credit
World Language
Two years of one language. A third year is strongly recommended. 2 Credits
History
Three years, one of which must be United States History. Four years are strongly recommended. 3 Credits
Literature
Three years. 3 Credits
Mathematics
Three years, including Algebra 2/Trigonometry. Four years are strongly recommended. 3 Credits
Science
Three years. Four years are strongly recommended. 3 Credits
Arts
One credit of art, music, and/or computer art. More are strongly recommended. 1 Credit
CORE (Community Oriented Reflective Education)
4 years. 4 credits
Electives
At least one, more recommended. 1 Credit
Service Learning
10 hours per year (40 hours total).
Credit Definition
A unit of credit is awarded for a course that meets one class period per day for the entire academic year. A partial credit is awarded in the same ratio. Any Upper School courses taken before grade 9 will be listed on the individual student’s transcript; grades will be listed and students will receive Upper School credit for these courses.
Course Load
Students in Upper School are required to carry a course load of six year-long academic classes (English, literature, world language, history, mathematics, and science). They must select courses in art, music, graphic art, and other electives to complete graduation requirements. Study halls are offered.
Any Upper School courses taken before grade 9 will be listed on the individual student’s transcript; grades will be listed, and students will receive Upper School credit for these courses.
Discover the McLean Experience
It’s critically important for a child to be in a school that respects them for who they are, and supports their academic strengths and challenges. This has always been true for McLean.