Upper School
High School for Girls in Pennsylvania
Charting her course.
Here she is free to explore, stretch, soar, and try anything. Agnes Irwin girls lead the way.
Upper School at Agnes Irwin is full of discoveries. Our rich curriculum provides students with a deep foundation in humanities, STEAM, wellness, arts, and athletics — and the opportunity to further explore their individual academic interests with extensive higher level courses. By the time our girls graduate, they're ready to take on whatever comes their way. They are unafraid to raise their hand, let their voices be heard, and make an impact on the world in their own way.
Choose your own adventure.
We know there’s no one way to learn. Every path is different. Our Upper School curriculum empowers students to explore their interests through tailored classes, independent research, and other opportunities to delve deep. Students partner with teachers, advisors, and parents to curate their learning and uncover hidden passions along the way. Students take on classes like Astrophysics, Anatomy and Physiology, Art and Literature, the Third Reich and the Holocaust, Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra, Neuroscience, Film as History, and more.
Learn more about our curriculum.
Global Special Studies Program
Our global SSP program is designed to help students investigate the world beyond their immediate environment, recognize their own and others’ perspectives, communicate ideas effectively with diverse audiences, and translate ideas and findings into actions.
Senior Assembly
Agnes Irwin seniors have presented Senior Assemblies, a time-honored tradition, since at least the 1930s. Students conduct in-depth research about a topic of choice, and present it before the entire Upper School student body, faculty, as well as their families. It is a signature project – the culmination of skills built in research, public speaking, and confidence during a student’s Agnes Irwin journey.
Honors Capstone Showcase
11th and 12th grade students who are intrinsically motivated and eager to dive deeper into a discipline and extend their learning beyond what is covered in the curriculum may apply for Honors Capstone in their chosen discipline.
Self-discovery extends beyond the classroom.
Agnes Irwin girls find their passion by choosing from over 50 student clubs and organizations that focus on everything from wielding the gavel in student government to harmonizing in our a cappella group, the Bel Cantos. And if we don’t have the activity you want, make a pitch for a new one and take the lead. That’s the mark of a true Agnes Irwin girl.
Service at AIS
Service learning plays an integral role at AIS, as girls put their values into action and become engaged citizens.
Athletics
Our girls can compete for the blue & gold in one or more of our 14 varsity sports (many of which are nationally ranked).
You couldn't ask for better college counselors.
They're veteran college admission officers and master counselors who really get to know our students and help them reach their goals. Education about the college admission process begins in ninth grade and becomes intensive junior year, with seminars, family meetings, and visits from colleges. Seniors participate in weekly seminars, one-on-one meetings, application sessions, and more.
31 years
of combined experience between our 2 expert college counselors
96%
of the Class of 2022 is attending one of their top choices
87
visits from college admission officers in 2021-22
21%
of Class of 2022 senior recruited athletes
12
Class of 2022 seniors admitted to Honors Colleges
13
Class of 2022 seniors recognized by the National Merit Program
Upper School Director
Joy Prince joined The Agnes Irwin School community in July 2021 as its Director of Upper School. Prior to AIS, Joy served as the Director of College Counseling and Interim Middle School Dean of Student Life at Atlanta Girls’ School. Her background in teaching, student life, college admission and college counseling gives her a unique perspective for understanding the developmental needs of students in their transition to high school and to college.
Meet Upper School Director Joy Prince