Get ready for an intellectual journey
Our Philosophy
Explore Course Offerings
Our Program
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.
What does it take to “make it” in the art world? Talent, sure — but a keen business sense doesn’t hurt. Students can explore the “business side of art” in The Artist as Entrepreneur. Students begin the semester researching artists and building a body of inspiration based on websites, Instagram, and podcasts. From their research they gain tools needed to promote the arts as a business. Students will form their own small business using branding boards and prototypes to design specific products they wish to market. Students will have an opportunity to meet with successful local artists and makers through a series of field trips, with a particular focus on women in the arts.
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.
During senior year, history students delve deeper through courses like African and African American History, International Relations, Middle Eastern History, Third Reich and the Holocaust, and History Through Fiction. 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.
Signature Programs
Special Studies Program
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.