The diploma is awarded to seniors with four years of high school attendance who have met the school’s academic standards and fulfilled the course requirements listed below. To remain eligible for a Spence diploma, a student may choose to attend no more than one foreign or domestic study program during her Upper School years at Spence. In most cases, Spence does not grant diplomas to students who leave the school after junior year.
In order to receive a diploma from The Spence School, Upper School students must successfully complete:
English and World Literature:
Through Grade 12
One term of a World Study elective required in Grades 11-12
History:
History 9
History 10 (U.S. History)
Modern European History 11 (two terms)
One term of global history 11-12
Mathematics:
Through Grade 11
All students must complete Geometry, Algebra II and Advanced Math
Science:
Physics 9
Chemistry 10
Biology 11
Computer Science and Technology:
Technology 10
Modern and Classical Languages:
Four credits of one language or three of one language and two of a second language. Grades 7 and 8 together count as one credit if the same language is continued in Grade 9. Credit for students new to Spence is assessed on the results of their placement tests.
Visual Arts:
Three terms
Performing Arts:
Speech 9
One term of an elective in Grades 9-12 (usually Grade 10)
Physical Education:
Physical Education 9-12
Twelve terms of physical education courses
Health Education:
Health 9
Health 9
Junior College Seminar and Transition to College Seminar include health components
In Grades 9–11:
Students take five or six full-credit, homework-bearing courses per term plus Physical Education. In addition, students take required and elective courses in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Health and Technology.
In Grade 12:
The normal course load for seniors is five full-credit, homework-bearing courses, plus Physical Education, as necessary. In special circumstances, a senior may be granted permission to take a sixth homework-bearing course.