Upper School Curriculum Summaries
English
Students dive deeply into literature, with required, elective, and AP courses in American, British, European, and world literature. Courses help students hone their English and critical thinking skills and expand their horizons by reading, analyzing, and writing about the world’s great literature.
History
A combination of required, elective, and AP history courses expose students to a diverse range of history, including human geography, European history, American history, and twentieth-century history, enhanced by courses in ancient and modern philosophy, poverty, and social change.
Foreign Language
Standard, Honors, and AP courses continue in French, German, Spanish, or Japanese. Students are immersed in their second language of choice and are moved toward fluency.
Mathematics
The rigorous mathematics curriculum includes beginning and advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus, as well as AP courses in calculus and statistics. Demanding courses provide an excellent foundation in abstract math and prepare students to succeed in college.
Science
A rich science curriculum features core classes in biology, chemistry, and physics, supplemented by AP biology, chemistry, and physics courses and a wide range of elective and term courses, including marine biology, history of science, molecular biology, geoscience, and Utah natural history.
Computer Science
Students are required to take one term of computer science. Interested students can also take advantage of additional courses in programming, office applications, desktop publishing, web design, 3-D computer graphics and illustration, and AP computer science.
Visual Arts
Our impressive range of visual arts classes for emerging young artists include painting and drawing, ceramics, sculpture, color theory, digital and traditional photography, and graphic design courses. Dedicated art students can elect to take the AP track in 2-D art, 3-D art, or photography.
Music
Students hone their musical and performance skills by participating in an accomplished performance group. Depending on their musical training and aptitude, students can participate in the string orchestra, wind ensemble, Jazz ensemble, chamber orchestra, or a variety of vocal ensembles.
Physical Education
Physical education becomes a source of fun and adventure as students take courses that develop skills in individual and team sports and activities, including golf, weight training, outdoor adventure, aerobics, racquetball, lacrosse, mountain biking, skiing, sand volleyball, and trail running. Participation with any sports team also fulfills core physical education requirements.
Dance
Waterford supports dancers with impressive facilities and programs, including ballet courses, ballroom dance, and an extracurricular dance academy. All courses and programs teach self-discipline, develop mental focus, and instill a life-long passion for the art of dance.
Theater
Aspiring thespians are offered outstanding opportunities to expand and develop their talents. Students can take basic and advanced courses in acting, movement, and voice. A Shakespearian acting class teaches students to perform Shakespeare with confidence. Students present two major theater performances annually.
