STEM Education for Girls
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Our mathematics curriculum builds foundational problem-solving, number sense, and procedural fluency skills with increased complexity across grades. Math faculty emphasize deep understanding and application while incorporating group work, discovery, and class discussions into lessons. By prioritizing experience and conversation before formalization, students make sense of their solutions and apply them to the real world. As they progress through our program, students gain confidence and the necessary skill set\ to continue their math journeys successfully.

The math department at Harpeth Hall is committed to delivering an exceptional educational experience that respects each student’s unique abilities, interests, and the foundational skills necessary for success in future mathematical pursuits. Our curriculum challenges students to think critically and apply their knowledge in innovative ways. Students deepen their computational understanding through exploration, risk-taking in problem-solving, and active engagement with peers. We value diverse teaching methods, including group problem-solving, presentations, explicit instruction, and independent practice. A deliberate emphasis on fostering a growth mindset and continuous improvement supports student confidence throughout their upper school journey. Technology is integrated into the curriculum, with the TI-84 graphing calculator as a pivotal tool at all instructional levels. Graduation requires a minimum of three years of upper school mathematics, with a strong recommendation for a fourth year.

• Algebra I and II
• Geometry
• College Algebra and Trigonometry
• Precalculus
• Calculus
• Statistics
• Differential Equations

The middle school science program is designed to encourage wonder and teach scientific skills. Through experiment-based inquiry and the engineering design process, students explore a broad range of topics within the earth, life, chemical, computer, and physical sciences. Emphasis is placed on helping students make meaningful connections between the material learned in class and the world around them. This program prepares students for future science courses and promotes confidence in experimental design, a spirit of curiosity, and a disciplined approach to inquiry and research.

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 the analytical abilities necessary to utilize these concepts. Our 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. In life science, chemistry, and physics courses, students learn to interpret facts about our world in terms of basic principles. Laboratory experiments are an integral part of the curriculum, reflecting and reinforcing classroom experiences as students develop the process of scientific thinking. There is a great deal of flexibility within the science curriculum for girls to lean into areas of challenge that make sense for their strengths. All Harpeth Hall students are required to take one course in each discipline: biology, chemistry, and physics. Most students elect to take science classes beyond these basic requirements.

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Envirnmental Science
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Honors STEM Research

The upper school provides students opportunities to engage with technology through curricular offerings in the mathematics, arts, and science departments, extracurricular activities, and a variety of elective courses. The technology and engineering offerings described in this section offer students many lenses through which they can explore STEAM disciplines. All of these courses count as elective credits.

• Introdcution to Computer Science
• Technical Theatre
• Introduction to Engineering
• Honors Computer Science Projects
• AP Computer Science A

Competitions:
TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science) Competition
Math League Competition
TMTA (Tennessee Mathematics Teachers Association) State Competition
AMS (American Mathematics Competitions)
AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination)