Academics at Concord
Every course at Concord is part of a deliberate sequence. Families can review the course map and descriptions to see how core classes, Pre-AP recommendations, and Advanced Placement (AP) options connect across high school.
Placement
A short placement assessment in Mathematics and English helps the academic team confirm the right course level for each new student. Placement can be adjusted after the first term if needed.
High School Curriculum Map
The high school curriculum is organized in clear phases. Each stage has a distinct academic purpose, helping students build advanced skills and prepare for university-level performance.
Grades 9–10 · Lower High School
Students build the writing, quantitative reasoning, lab habits, and study skills needed for advanced work while moving through core courses, Pre-AP sections, and gateway AP options such as AP Human Geography, AP World History: Modern, AP Pre-Calculus, and AP Computer Science Principles as readiness allows.
Grades 11–12 · Upper High School
Juniors and seniors shape a more advanced schedule across English, mathematics, sciences, social studies, world languages, and computer science, typically mixing upper-level core classes with AP coursework aligned to university goals.
Course Explorer
Browse the catalog by department to review course descriptions, prerequisites, and Pre-AP recommendations. Each course is tagged by level, showing how foundational courses, Pre-AP placement, and AP pathways connect to build a coherent four-year academic plan from grades 9 through 12.
Mathematics
Our mathematics courses build a strong foundation in problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills, preparing students for advanced studies and real-world applications.
Students explore linear equations, functions, and polynomials, developing skills to solve real-world problems using algebraic methods.
Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra or equivalent.
Pre AP Prerequisites: A- or higher in Pre-Algebra and teacher recommendation.
This course covers shapes, spatial reasoning, proofs, and trigonometry, emphasizing logical reasoning and practical applications.
Prerequisites: Algebra I.
Pre AP Prerequisites: A- or higher in Algebra I and teacher recommendation.
Building on Algebra I, this course delves into quadratic functions, logarithms, and complex numbers, preparing students for advanced math.
Prerequisites: Geometry
Pre AP Prerequisites: B or higher in Geometry and teacher recommendation.
Pre-Calculus explores advanced functions, trigonometry, and analytical geometry, setting the stage for calculus and higher mathematics.
Prerequisites: Algebra II.
This college-level course deepens understanding of functions, polynomials, and trigonometry, preparing students for AP Calculus and beyond.
Prerequisites: Honors Algebra II and teacher recommendation.
Students study limits, derivatives, and integrals, applying calculus concepts to solve complex problems in a college-level setting.
Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus or AP Pre-Calculus.
An extension of AP Calculus AB, this course includes advanced topics like parametric equations, polar functions, and series.
Prerequisites: AP Calculus AB or AP Pre-Calculus with teacher recommendation.
This course introduces statistical analysis, probability, and data interpretation, equipping students for data-driven decision-making.
Prerequisites: Honors Algebra II.
Students learn to collect, analyze, and interpret data, focusing on statistical methods and their real-world applications.
Prerequisites: Algebra II.
Science
Our science courses foster inquiry and exploration, encouraging students to understand the natural world through hands-on learning and critical analysis.
This algebra-based course covers Newtonian mechanics, work, energy, and waves, preparing students for college-level physics.
Prerequisites: Algebra II or concurrent enrollment.
Building on AP Physics 1, this course explores fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism.
Prerequisites: B+ or better in AP Physics 1.
This calculus-based course explores kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, and oscillations for students planning advanced STEM study.
Prerequisites: AP Physics 1 and Calculus (or concurrent enrollment).
This calculus-based course examines electrostatics, conductors, circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism for students pursuing advanced STEM study.
Prerequisites: AP Physics 1 and Calculus (or concurrent enrollment).
This course introduces fundamental physics concepts, including motion, forces, energy, and waves, with practical applications.
Prerequisites: Algebra I.
Students explore living organisms, ecosystems, and biological processes, building a foundation for advanced science studies.
Prerequisites: None, recommended for grade 9 or 10 students.
Pre AP Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation.
This college-level course delves into molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology, preparing students for the AP exam.
Prerequisites: B+ or better in Pre-AP Biology, or A- or better in Biology and Chemistry, with teacher recommendation.
Students study chemical reactions, atomic structure, and stoichiometry, applying concepts to real-world scenarios.
Prerequisites: Algebra I.
Honors Prerequisites: A- or higher in Algebra and teacher recommendation.
This advanced course covers chemical equilibria, thermodynamics, and molecular structure, preparing students for college chemistry.
Prerequisites: B+ or better in Pre-AP Chemistry; A- or better in Chemistry and Algebra II and teacher recommendation.
This course examines the structure and function of the human body, focusing on systems like the circulatory and nervous systems.
Prerequisites: Biology.
Students explore environmental issues, sustainability, and ecosystems, learning to address real-world ecological challenges.
Prerequisites: None, recommended for grades 10-12.
Students explore environmental issues, sustainability, and ecosystems, learning to address real-world ecological challenges.
Prerequisites: Recommended for grades 10-12 with teacher recommendation.
English Language Arts
Our English courses develop critical reading, writing, and communication skills, fostering creativity and analytical thinking.
Students build foundational academic English through integrated reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar practice for success across the curriculum.
Prerequisites: Placement based on demonstrated English-language proficiency.
This course introduces literary genres, writing techniques, and critical thinking through analysis of fiction and nonfiction.
Prerequisites: ELA 8 or equivalent.
Pre-AP Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.
Students explore world literature, refine writing skills, and develop analytical abilities through diverse texts.
Prerequisites: English 9.
Pre-AP Prerequisite: A- or above in English 9 and teacher recommendation; Pre-AP English I.
Focusing on American literature, this course hones critical reading, writing, and research skills for college readiness.
Prerequisites: English 10.
This college-level course emphasizes rhetorical analysis, argument, and synthesis, preparing students for the AP exam.
Prerequisites: A- or above English 10 and teacher recommendation; Pre-AP English II.
Students explore British and world literature, refining skills in critical analysis, writing, and research for post-secondary success.
Prerequisites: English 11.
This advanced course focuses on literary analysis, interpretation, and critical writing, preparing students for the AP exam.
Prerequisites: A- or above in English 11 and teacher recommendation; AP English Language and Composition.
This foundational interdisciplinary course engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore complex academic and real-world topics by analyzing divergent perspectives. Students develop skills in critical thinking, research, synthesis of multiple sources, evidence-based argumentation, collaboration, and both written and oral/multimedia presentations, while preparing for the AP Capstone program.
Prerequisites: None. Recommended for students ready for rigorous inquiry-based work.
This culminating course in the AP Capstone program allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation, culminating in a 4,000-5,000 word academic paper and a public presentation and oral defense. The course emphasizes advanced research methodology, ethical research practices, critical analysis, and sophisticated argumentation.
Prerequisites: AP Seminar and teacher recommendation.
This interdisciplinary AP pathway combines AP Seminar and AP Research, helping students develop evidence-based argument, collaboration, presentation, and independent research skills.
Prerequisites: Students begin with AP Seminar and continue to AP Research with teacher recommendation.
Social Studies
Our social studies courses cultivate an understanding of historical, geographical, and societal issues, encouraging civic engagement.
This course studies physical and human geography, exploring global cultures, environments, and interconnections.
Prerequisites: None, recommended for grades 9-12.
A college-level course examining human populations, cultures, and their impact on the global landscape.
Prerequisites: World Geography or teacher recommendation.
Students explore global historical events, from ancient civilizations to modern societies, emphasizing cause and effect.
Prerequisites: None, recommended for grades 9-10.
Students explore global historical events from ancient civilizations to modern societies, emphasizing cause and effect, and exploring global cultures, environments, and interconnections.
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation.
This advanced course analyzes global historical patterns, from the rise and fall of empires to the present, preparing students for the AP exam.
Prerequisites: World History or teacher recommendation.
Students analyze political, economic, cultural, and social developments in Europe from the Renaissance to the present while preparing for the AP exam.
Prerequisites: World History or AP World History: Modern, with teacher recommendation.
This course covers American history from colonization to the present, focusing on key events and societal changes.
Prerequisites: None, recommended for grades 10-11.
A college-level course exploring American history in depth, preparing students for the AP exam through rigorous analysis.
Prerequisites: AP World History or teacher recommendation.
A college-level course exploring the relationship between the president, Congress, and Supreme Court, and how different political ideologies and opinions shape American politics, preparing students for the AP exam through rigorous analysis.
Prerequisites: AP World History; AP US History or teacher recommendation.
Students study national economies, fiscal policy, and global trade, preparing for the AP exam.
Prerequisites: Algebra II.
This course examines individual markets, supply and demand, and economic decision-making, preparing for the AP exam.
Prerequisites: Algebra II.
Students explore economic principles, including markets, trade, and personal finance, with real-world applications.
Prerequisites: None, recommended for grades 11-12.
This course covers the U.S. government, civic responsibilities, and political systems, fostering informed citizenship.
Prerequisites: None, recommended for grades 11-12.
A college-level course explores how government and politics work outside of the US, preparing students for the AP exam through rigorous analysis.
Prerequisites: AP US History or teacher recommendation.
A college-level course examines early African kingdoms to contemporary challenges and achievements, preparing students for the AP exam through rigorous analysis.
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation.
World Languages
Our language courses promote cultural understanding and communication skills through immersive learning experiences. Two years of a world language is required; however, Concord Preparatory School recommends that students take three or four years consecutively of the same language to remain competitive for college applications.
Students learn finger spelling, basic vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills, exploring Deaf culture.
Prerequisites: None.
Building on ASL 1, this course enhances fluency, grammar, and cultural understanding through advanced topics.
Prerequisites: American Sign Language 1.
Students strengthen expressive and receptive fluency, advanced grammar, storytelling, and cultural understanding through sustained communication in American Sign Language.
Prerequisites: American Sign Language 2.
Students learn basic Spanish vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills, exploring Hispanic cultures.
Prerequisites: None.
Building on Spanish 1, this course enhances fluency, grammar, and cultural understanding through advanced topics.
Prerequisites: Spanish 1.
Students refine Spanish language skills, focusing on complex grammar, literature, and cultural studies.
Prerequisites: Spanish 2.
This college-level course emphasizes advanced Spanish language skills, literature, and culture, preparing for the AP exam.
Prerequisites: Spanish 3 and teacher recommendation.
This college-level course emphasizes advanced Spanish literature and culture through novels, poetry, dramas, and essays, preparing for the AP exam.
Prerequisites: Spanish 3 and teacher recommendation.
Students learn foundational French vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills, exploring French-speaking cultures.
Prerequisites: None.
This course builds on French 1, deepening language proficiency and cultural understanding through advanced topics.
Prerequisites: French 1.
Students refine French communication through advanced grammar, authentic texts, sustained conversation, and deeper study of French-speaking cultures.
Prerequisites: French 2.
This college-level course develops interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication through authentic French-language sources and cultural study.
Prerequisites: French 3 and teacher recommendation.
Students develop advanced German communication skills and cultural understanding through authentic texts, audio, conversation, and presentation.
Prerequisites: Advanced German proficiency by placement and teacher recommendation.
Students build advanced Italian proficiency while examining contemporary and historical perspectives across Italian-speaking communities.
Prerequisites: Advanced Italian proficiency by placement and teacher recommendation.
Students strengthen advanced Japanese reading, writing, listening, and speaking while exploring cultural practices and perspectives.
Prerequisites: Advanced Japanese proficiency by placement and teacher recommendation.
Students translate and analyze Latin literature, develop close-reading skills, and examine the historical and cultural contexts of classical texts.
Prerequisites: Advanced Latin proficiency by placement and teacher recommendation.
Students develop advanced Chinese communication across interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes while studying Chinese-speaking cultures.
Prerequisites: Advanced Chinese proficiency by placement and teacher recommendation.
Visual Arts
Our visual arts offer opportunities to explore a student's creativity through imagination and technique.
Students learn basic vocabulary, techniques, and history of art. Students will explore two- and three-dimensional projects by engaging in different art mediums.
Prerequisites: None.
Students will build on Art 1 to dive into more advanced vocabulary, techniques, and history of art. Students will develop technical skills, personal artistic voice, and critical analysis of artistic elements through projects by engaging in different art mediums.
Prerequisites: Art 1.
Students will learn fundamental concepts of photography, history, photographic equipment, materials, and methods of photography.
Prerequisites: None.
Students apply typography, color, composition, image-making, and digital design tools to create visual identities, publications, and communication projects.
Prerequisites: None; Art 1 recommended.
This course emphasizes the process of producing creative work, in addition to highlighting finished works, preparing students for next level AP Art courses.
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation.
Students will develop skills to create unique works of art through graphic design, sequential art, photography, collage, printmaking, illustration, industrial design, animation, game design, painting, fibers, and others, culminating in a portfolio.
Prerequisites: B+ in Pre-AP Visual Arts, or A- in Art 2, with teacher recommendation.
Students will develop skills to create unique works of art through sculpture, architecture, jewelry, fashion and apparel design, bookmaking, game design, interior design, fibers, and others, culminating in a portfolio.
Prerequisites: B+ in Pre-AP Visual Arts, or A- in Art 2, with teacher recommendation.
Students will develop skills to create unique works of art through painting, drawing, sequential art, printmaking, illustration, animation, fibers, and others, culminating in a portfolio.
Prerequisites: B+ in Pre-AP Visual Arts, or A- in Art 2, with teacher recommendation.
Students will explore art dating back to prehistoric to contemporary times and the different social and cultural beliefs, political and economic systems, and scientific and technological advancements that led to the creation of well-known pieces.
Prerequisites: None.
Students will explore art dating back to prehistoric to contemporary times and the different social and cultural beliefs, political and economic systems, and scientific and technological advancements that led to the creation of well-known pieces to prepare for the AP test.
Prerequisites: B+ in Pre-AP Visual Arts and teacher recommendation.
Students will develop skills to create unique works of art through sculpture, architecture, jewelry, fashion and apparel design, bookmaking, game design, interior design, fibers, and others, culminating in a portfolio.
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation.
Other Electives
Our electives offer opportunities to explore technology, computer science, personal development, health and wellness, and the mind to foster innovation, problem-solving, and making healthy life choices to take students into post-high school life.
This introductory course covers programming basics, computational thinking, and problem-solving using technology.
Prerequisites: None.
This course explores computing concepts, programming, and data analysis, emphasizing real-world applications.
Prerequisites: None, Algebra I recommended.
A college-level course teaching Java programming, algorithms, and data structures, preparing for the AP exam.
Prerequisites: A- or better in Algebra II and Computer Science or teacher recommendation; B+ or better in AP Computer Science Principles.
This one semester course covers learning about nutrition, reproductive health, drugs and alcohol, and relationships.
Prerequisites: None.
This introductory course explores the fundamentals of human behavior, cognition, and emotion, including topics such as brain function, development, and social psychology. Students learn to apply scientific research methods to understand why people think and act the way they do, while developing critical thinking skills, personal growth, and practical tools like stress management.
Prerequisites: None.
This course provides a college-level introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Students explore major topics including brain function, sensation and perception, development, learning, cognition, motivation, emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and social psychology, while developing skills in research methods, data analysis, and critical thinking.
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation.
This course offers a college-level introduction to the world of business and financial decision-making. Students explore key topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing, management, accounting, investing, budgeting, credit, and personal finance strategies, while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world financial literacy skills.
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation.
This college-level introduction course provides the principles and practices of protecting digital systems, networks, and data. Students explore key topics including cybersecurity fundamentals, threat detection and response, cryptography, network security, ethical hacking, risk management, and privacy, while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on technical skills essential for the digital age.
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation.
This college-level introduction course offers a college-level introduction to the design, implementation, and management of computer networks. Students explore key concepts such as network architecture, protocols, routing, switching, wireless technologies, and security, while developing practical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation.
Physical Education course promotes lifelong fitness, physical skills, and healthy habits through active participation in a variety of sports, games, and fitness activities. Students develop strength, endurance, coordination, teamwork, and personal wellness while learning the importance of regular exercise and healthy lifestyle choices.
Prerequisites: None.
Students learn to investigate complex questions, evaluate sources, organize evidence, and communicate findings through reports, proposals, instructions, and presentations.
Prerequisites: English 10 or equivalent.
Students learn the accounting cycle, financial statements, journals, ledgers, and the role of accurate financial information in business decision-making.
Prerequisites: Algebra I.
Students use the engineering design process to define problems, develop and test prototypes, analyze results, and communicate solutions through collaborative projects.
Prerequisites: Algebra I; concurrent science enrollment recommended.
Assessment & Grading
Grades at Concord reflect actual mastery of material. Assessment combines ongoing classwork, written assignments, exams, and teacher evaluation. Parents receive detailed progress reports throughout each term.
Grading Scale
Standard A–F grading with weighted GPA calculations for AP and Honors courses. Transcripts are formatted to meet U.S. university application requirements and international university equivalency standards.
Progress Reports
Families receive formal progress reports each term with subject-level grades and teacher comments. A parent portal provides access to attendance, grades, and assignments throughout the school year.
Academic Standing
The academic team monitors GPA and course performance continuously. When a student falls below expected benchmarks, intervention is triggered before the issue affects term grades or college planning.
Placement Questions
The admissions team can walk you through the placement process and explain what to expect for your student's grade and background.
