Upper School
Get ready for an intellectual journey
At Agnes Irwin, 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.
Our Philosophy
We like to think of our curriculum as a "choose-your-own-adventure" story. Students partner with teachers, advisors, and parents to curate their learning and uncover hidden passions along the way. Here, upper schoolers can take on classes like Astrophysics, Anatomy and Physiology, Art and Society, the Third Reich and the Holocaust, Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra, Neuropsychology, Film as History, and more.
We know that girls are more engaged in learning when it is relevant to their lives — and when their schools give them the opportunity to choose what it is they're learning.
2024-25 US Course of Study
Our Program
Agnes Irwin offers a rich and diverse curriculum that provides girls with a deep foundation in the humanities, mathematics and science, wellness and athletics. Upper schoolers are required to study a wide variety of subjects, with the flexibility to pursue their individual interests.
For example: Four years of English are required in Upper School, but during senior year, students choose two semester-long courses on topics of their choosing — such as The Craft of Playwriting; Irish Literature; Exploring Mental Illness in Literature; Modernism; and Contemporary Native American Literature, among other options.
For example: Four years of English are required in Upper School, but during senior year, students choose two semester-long courses on topics of their choosing — such as The Craft of Playwriting; Irish Literature; Exploring Mental Illness in Literature; Modernism; and Contemporary Native American Literature, among other options.
Chart your own course.
Below are just a few of the courses available to students in our course booklet. And, since we are intentional about igniting curiosity in our students, we're always exploring new ideas for courses to offer.
Musical Theatre
In this year-long course, students will get the chance to explore the history of American Musical Theatre and to expand their skills and repertoire by learning and performing songs from multiple eras and styles. Students will focus on acting through song and by the end of this course, they will have a deeper understanding of the relation of text and music, as well as gaining performance experience and significant feedback. The work in this course will culminate in a cabaret performance, where students will be required to sing one solo song and maywork on additional duets or group performances.
History & Social Science Electives
During senior year, history students delve deeper through courses like The American Constitution, Economics & Entrepreneurship, Modern Black History, The Third Reich and Holocaust, The World Before and After 9/11. Students can also elect to pursue an optional honors designation, choosing a related topic that interests them, and exploring it further through a yearlong independent research project.
Independent Scientific Research
In Agnes Irwin’s Independent Science Research Program, students conduct an independent science project to experience how science is done in the “real world.” Students are matched with mentors who guide their research project, and typically spend 4-8 weeks working in a research laboratory before writing up their findings to be presented to the AIS community. Over the last eight years, the ISR program has given over 40 students an opportunity to see science in action as they research topics in biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science alongside our community partners, including professors at University of Pennsylvania College of Medicine, Villanova University, Ursinus College, and CHOP.
Signature Programs
Every AIS upper schooler takes part in our three signature programs: our Special Studies Program, Senior Assembly, and the With Honors program.
Special Studies Program
SSPs are our immersive learning adventures held each spring. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors can choose on-campus options or travel to far-off places to broaden their horizons and ways of thinking.
Senior Assembly
By senior year, the art of public speaking is second nature to our students. Each senior prepares and presents a 10-minute speech on a topic of her choice, sharing her passion and knowledge with the entire Upper School community.
Honors Capstone
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.