Upper-school students at Hillsdale Academy follow a common, college preparatory course of study.  This includes four years each of Humane Letters (history and literature, including civics and economics in the senior year), Latin, laboratory science and mathematics (in addition to Algebra I which is taught in eighth grade). Students are also required to complete the following: two years of art, music and physical education.  After completing pertinent courses, students may elect to take Advanced Placement examinations in United States history, chemistry, biology, physics, calculus, English Literature, French Language, and Latin. Drama, orchestra and Chamber Choir are offered as electives all four years of high school.

To receive a diploma, a student must maintain a minimum overall grade point average of C- (1.67) as well as fulfilling a minimum attainment level of C- (1.67) in Latin 2, Algebra 2 and American civics/economics.

9th Grade

Required Courses:

• Humane Letters – The Classical and Biblical World
• Rhetoric and Composition
• Biology
• Latin 1
• Geometry (prerequisite: C- or above in Algebra 1)
• Art/Choir
• P.E.

 

10th Grade

Required Courses:

• Humane Letters – Medieval and Modern Europe (to A.D. 1900)
• Rhetoric and Composition
• Physics (prerequisite: C- or above in Biology)
• Latin 2 (prerequisite: C- or above in Latin 1)
• Algebra 2 (prerequisite: C- or above in Geometry)
• Art/Choir
• P.E.

 

11th Grade

Required Courses:

• American Studies (History and Literature – A.D. 1620 - Present)
• Rhetoric and Composition
• Chemistry (prerequisite: C- or above in Physics)
• Latin 3  (prerequisite: C- or above in Latin 2)
• Advanced Math (prerequisite: C- or above in Algebra 2)

 

12th Grade

Required Courses:

• American Civics and Economics
• British Literature
• Advanced Biology or Advanced Physics/Astronomy (prerequisite: C- or above in Chemistry)
• Latin 4 (prerequisite: C- or above in Latin 3)
• Calculus (prerequisite: C- or above in Advanced Math)