We introduce students to the pleasures of the humanities and a liberal arts education. We set high academic standards and encourage excellence. We value honest, open discussion. We challenge our students to think both creatively and analytically. We expect them to do a great deal of writing, problem solving and analytical thinking. Our goal is to educate students in many areas to prepare them for the next step in their education.
At University High School, the process is as important as getting the right answer. We want students to understand how they got an answer and to analyze what the answer means. Throughout the process, we help students develop critical-thinking skills and solve dilemmas. We inspire them to take intellectual risks.
A student must successfully pass a minimum of 48 semester credits. All students must carry at least six classes a semester and take one January Term class a year. If approved beforehand, students may apply courses taken outside of University High School towards these requirements. Students also must satisfy the minimum subject requirements.
8 credits
2 credits: Language & Literature
2 credits: Great Books
1 credit per semester of advanced course work in the Junior and Senior years, with no more than 2 credits from the same area.
6 credits
2 credits: Algebra I
2 credits: Geometry
2 credits: Algebra II
Minimum of 4 credits must be taken at a high school: additional credits may be taken in Precalculus, AP Calculus,Trigonometry and Finite Math, AP Statistics, or an equally challenging program.
Students are required to take a math or physics course (2 credits) in their junior or senior year.
6 credits
2 credits: Biology I
2 credits: Chemistry I
2 credits: Additional credits from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space Science or an equally challenging program
6 credits
2 credits: Level I
2 credits: Level II
2 credits: Level III
Minimum of 4 credits must be taken at a high school
8 credits
2 credits: Nonwestern History
2 credits: European History
2 credits: U.S. History
1 credit: U.S. Government
1 credit: Economics
4 credits
It is highly recommended that at least two of these credits be earned by the end of the 10th grade year; at least one more of these credits be earned by the end of the 11th grade year.
3 credits
Students must pass 1 semester of physical education/health and pass at least 2 additional semesters of physical education. Either or both of these additional semesters can be replaced with successful participation in a full season (or two) on an athletic team. It is highly recommended that at least one of these credits be earned by the end of the 10th grade year; at least one more of these credits be earned by the end of the 11th grade year.
At least enough to meet the minimum total credit requirement
48 credits
