Upper School Academics (9-12)

Intellectual rigor and a variety of opportunities provide a strong liberal arts foundation for upper school students. Planning an individual high school curriculum that fits each student is the cornerstone of a successful academic journey at Harpeth Hall.

From the Director

Harpeth Hall’s upper school  offers a strong foundation in the sciences, humanities, and arts that fosters creative and critical thinking, promotes global perspectives, and sparks life-long learning in our students.

Winterim

Winterim, a fusion of classroom academics with real-world experience, offers upper school students the very best in experiential learning.

Public Purpose

Harpeth Hall develops responsible citizens who have global perspectives and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world. 

Did You Know?

Harpeth Hall Upper School students are recognized in Middle Tennessee Science and Engineering Fair.

Thirty Harpeth Hall students received regional recognition in Scholastic Art Awards program.

Harpeth Hall students continue to be recognized by the National Merit Scholarship program.

Over 100 Harpeth Hall students received accolades in the Scholastic Writing Awards program.



Upper school history teacher Jack Henderson talks about teaching Harpeth Hall students for more than 15 years.

Explore our Curriculum

English

The English curriculum at Harpeth Hall includes an array of literary works that provide opportunities for each student to think deeply about her relationship to the world around her and the complexities of the human experience. Writing, reading, research, grammar, and vocabulary strands serve as the foundation of our program.

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Mathematics

The math department's goal is to give each student the very best mathematics education possible, taking into consideration ability, interest, and necessary preparation for success in college and in life. Each teacher strives to instill the confidence necessary to extend the students' horizons into new areas of mathematically related study such as science, and each hopes to foster independent study and continued interest in mathematics.

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Science

Science is at the same time a body of information and a way of looking at the world. Graduates of Harpeth Hall must possess both an understanding of scientific processes and analytical abilities necessary to utilize these concepts. Our science students are well prepared for the next level in science whether future endeavors include a concentration in scientific areas or extensive scientific literacy in an ever-increasing science and technology-based world

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History and Social Sciences

The Upper School history and social sciences curriculum is based on the belief that Harpeth Hall students need a basic understanding of how humanity has tried to establish a stable government, economic well-being, and social justice. It is the goal of the department to develop a sequence of skills that builds progressively from 9th through 12th grade.

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World Languages

Harpeth Hall believes that the study of language plays an integral role in a college preparatory, liberal arts education. Students are encouraged to study a second language with the goal of achieving the highest possible level of linguistic and cultural proficiency. Therefore, in order to graduate, each student must complete three years of one language in the Upper School. 

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Girls Tap Dancing on Stage during a musical.

In performing arts courses, instructors emphasize active participation by all students in the creative process. Solving problems creatively involves more than the acquisition of certain fundamental skills. It demands analysis and synthesis and calls upon all the senses to think, feel, act, and evaluate. Students are encouraged to seek personal, innovative responses to assignments and to build on a basic understanding of the processes involved.

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