Upper School Academics

The History Department focuses on the changes and continuities in human history while likewise preparing students to shape their world as active, informed global citizens.

Freshman Year

The freshman history course is designed to sharpen critical thinking skills, enabling students to interpret documents, sequence events, analyze cause and effect, and build arguments based on credible sources. These foundational skills set the stage for their future coursework in history. The course begins by exploring the Foundations of History, covering essential topics such as the Columbian Exchange, the Industrial Revolution, and the Age of Imperialism. It then transitions to 20th Century World History, examining how colonial territories in South America, Africa, and Asia navigated the shift from the Age of Empire to the modern era. This comprehensive study allows students to grasp the interconnectedness of historical events and their lasting impact on the present. The course concludes with a Model UN conference, where students represent countries in committees addressing contemporary global challenges, applying their knowledge in a real-world context.

Sophomore Year

At Austin Prep, we pride ourselves on providing students with academic experiences that mirror the offerings and structure they will encounter in college. Our sophomore history curriculum offers students choice and flexibility, allowing them to pursue courses that celebrate our American heritage. Topical semester courses provide an in-depth exploration of pivotal periods and themes in our nation's pursuit of the democratic dream. Year-long survey courses offer additional opportunities for comprehensive study. The Advanced Placement American History course enables students to experience a college-level curriculum during their sophomore year. Additionally, the American Experience course is an interdisciplinary program that offers dual credit in English and History, as students read seminal texts in American Literature within their historical context.

Junior Year

Third-year history students are encouraged to think broadly and globally about the world and how different cultures, people, and traditions have interacted with each other in the past. Such dialogue will help students envision how they’ll navigate these conversations as they take their place on the world stage in the future. Topical elective courses introduce students to the history and heritage of diverse civilizations in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, inviting them to consider the role of these regions in our world. Year-long survey offerings, including Advanced Placement courses in World and European History invite students to think more thematically about political systems and cultural movements. Additionally, our year-long Global Studies course promotes global citizenship by encouraging students to engage with global issues and understand their impact on different societies.

Senior Year

The Social Studies discipline at Austin Prep encompasses studies in economics, psychology, sociology, and government. Our year-long courses provide students with a robust foundation in these areas, equipping them with the analytical tools and critical thinking skills necessary to understand complex societal issues. Students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge to current events, fostering a deeper connection between theoretical concepts and real-world applications. This interplay between our Willow Street campus and the broader world reminds students that knowledge is not acquired in isolation but rather for the purpose of positively impacting their local, national, and global communities. By the end of their senior year, students are well-prepared to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.

Upper School Mathematics courses are tailored for student success at each level. Fluency with mathematical topics and processes informs each student’s placement in the Upper School Math sequence. Students achieving an A in the College Prep level have the opportunity to undertake extra work, potentially allowing them to progress to the Honors level. Students in all courses are required to be competent with the fundamental algebraic and geometric skills, be fluent with both Desmos and the TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculators, and be able to think critically, problem solve, and analyze data using tables and graphs at the appropriately challenging level. Coursework examines mathematical theorems and concepts through regular practice. Projects to apply processes to daily life and the real world serve to make mathematics come alive for students. For students following a curriculum and career path focused on mathematics or engineering, Advanced Placement courses and an independent study of Advanced Math Topics offer a solid foundation and the essential skills needed for success in these fields.

College Prep 

Algebra 1 : This college preparatory course stresses the development of algebra skills. Students work both individually, and collaboratively, in order to strengthen their problem-solving skills. Emphasis is placed upon the development of proficiency through drill and reinforcement. Topics included are basic logic, number properties, evaluating and simplifying algebraic expressions, linear equations and functions, systems of equations, and an introduction to exponents and exponential functions.
 

Algebra 2/Geometry: This college preparatory course is for students who have completed an Algebra I curriculum that did not include an extensive study of quadratic equations, The course is designed to continue the development of the mathematics concepts from Algebra 1 CP. Topics include the study of quadratics, equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, polynomials, radical expressions, and ratios and proportions.

Algebra 3/Trigonometry:This course is the logical extension of the Algebra II/ Geometry course. This course reviews and extends the basic topics of algebra, including a review of Algebra II. It includes the algebra of systems of equations, matrices, quadratic equations, an in-depth review of functions, and exponential and logarithmic equations. This course also includes a basic introduction of trigonometry including, right triangle trigonometry, the law of sines, and the law of cosines. The course concludes with a study of the fundamentals of probability and statistics.

Trigonometry and Geometry: This course is for students who have previously studied mathematics at the honors level (Algebra 2 Honors) and are interested in a slower-paced course that does not include proofs.  The course will include topics such as perimeter, circumference, area, congruency, parallel and perpendicular lines, triangles, right triangle trigonometry, and the law of sines and cosines. 

Precalculus: This course in precalculus mathematics is designed for those who have completed the algebra, geometry, and right triangle trigonometry curriculum. It is designed to move at a slower pace, and emphasis is based on building and refining important algebraic skills along with exploration of trigonometry, including the Unit Circle, trigonometric functions, their graphs, and identities. Additional topics include polar coordinates, vectors, conic sections, and sequences and series.

Statistics: This course offers a unique and powerful way to introduce the principles of Statistical Reasoning in Sports, which makes statistics exciting with high-interest sports (and life) examples. Students will learn how statistics is relevant to their everyday life by utilizing project-based learning with topics of their choice. Students will examine statistical questions by performing simulations, analyzing data, and using simple randomization processes. 

Honors 

Algebra 1:Honors Algebra I is designed for hardworking mature students who excel at and enjoy mathematics. Honors Algebra I is an intensive study of algebra; the course covers more challenging material, has more homework, and moves at a more rigorous pace than Algebra I CP.  Emphasis is placed on theory as well as on practical application and an introduction to more advanced topics in algebra. Topics included are solving multistep equations and inequalities, linear equations, exponential functions, polynomials, and quadratic functions. 

Algebra 2: This advanced course is for students who have completed a challenging Algebra I Honors curriculum that included quadratic equations. The course is designed to be rigorous and moves at a fast pace. Students should be able to solve multistep linear and quadratic equations quickly and correctly. Additionally, students are expected to be able to "think outside the box" and solve problems that have not been explicitly taught. The course of study includes systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, sequences and series, as well as an in-depth study of linear, quadratic, polynomial, radical, exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions. 

Trigonometry and Geometry:This course is for students who enjoy studying mathematics at a fast pace. The course will include topics such as perimeter, circumference, area, congruency, parallel and perpendicular lines, triangles, right triangle trigonometry, and the law of sines and cosines. Topics include using proofs for justification. The second half of the year will be dedicated to precalculus trigonometry topics. 

Advanced Trigonometry: This challenging course is for students who have a love of mathematics and are interested in the continued study of advanced mathematics.  Students must have completed a rigorous Algebra 2 Honors curriculum that included extensive study in quadratics, exponentials, logarithms, and radical and rational functions. Students will be expected to justify their mathematical solutions by writing proofs and showing detailed problem-solving work.  This course will have extensive homework and classwork requirements, and students will be expected to complete work on their own.  The expectation is for the student to move on to the Calculus level upon completion of this course.  The course of study includes geometry topics and trigonometry topics with additional pre-calculus topics. 

Precalculus: This course is an in-depth exploration of the theory of functions. Students will continue to work on their writing in mathematics with justifications and extensive problem-solving work.  Emphasis is placed on students being able to work individually and collaboratively in solving detailed word problems. Exponential and logarithmic functions are dealt with in detail, along with the continued study of advanced trigonometry, polar coordinates and complex numbers, polynomials, inequalities, conic sections, and sequences and series. 

Calculus: This course will address the development of the limit, derivative, and integral theory of Calculus. The pace of the course is slower than the Advanced Placement courses. Students will spend more time on each topic, and the emphasis will be on applications that are drawn from the social, managerial, life, and physical sciences. Students will be given the opportunity to work on projects each quarter with connections to the real world, as well as other disciplines. 

Statistics: This is a project-based introductory course in descriptive and inferential statistics.  Students interested in social sciences are encouraged to take this course. Methods of descriptive statistics include frequency distribution and common measures of central tendency.  Students take part in real-world statistics gathering projects throughout the year and may present their findings to a wide audience. 

Advanced Placement 

Precalculus: This course is designed for students who will be pursuing a degree in a mathematical or scientific field. This rigorous course covers an in-depth study of functions such as polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and polar. Additional topics include functions with parameters, vectors, and matrices.  It is equivalent to a first-semester college Precalculus course.  Students will develop a deep theoretical understanding of functions through graphical, numerical, analytical, and verbal analysis. The student is required to take the C.E.E.B. Advanced Placement © National Examination in May to obtain credit for the course.

Calculus AB :This course will focus on the development of the limit, derivative, and integral theories of Calculus. Students enrolling in the course must be proficient in all Algebra 2 and Trigonometry skills.  This course requires the student to work at a fast and accurate pace.  The course of study is theoretical and cumulative.  The student must be able to learn all the Calculus skills and apply their knowledge with written justification. The student is required to take the C.E.E.B. Advanced Placement© National Examination in May to obtain credit for the course. 

Calculus BC :This course is for the exceptional mathematics student who is interested in the theoretical study of advanced mathematics.  The student is expected to be proficient in all Algebra 2 and Trigonometry skills.  This course is designed to cover the second half of a first-year college student’s Calculus course.  The course covers all the material in Calculus AB and additional topics such as series and sequences, polar coordinates and parametric equations, and an introduction to vector calculus. The student is required to take the C.E.E.B. Advanced Placement© National Examination in May to obtain credit for the course. 

Statistics: The topics for AP Statistics will follow the guidelines established by the College Board. The students will explore data, and that data will be collected according to a well-developed plan. Probability will be used for anticipating what the distribution of data should look like under a given model, and statistical inference will guide the selection of appropriate models. Completion of the Advanced Placement© National Examination in May is a requirement to obtain credit for the course.

Computer Science A:This course emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem-solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester college-level course in computer science.  It includes the study of data structures, design, and abstraction.  In addition to regular programming, the students will have the opportunity to program robots.  No prior programming experience is necessary.  There is a significant amount of work outside the classroom for this course.  The student must be prepared to have the time to complete the assignment programming activities.  Completion of the Advanced Placement© National Examination in May is a requirement to obtain credit for the course. 

 Independent Study 

Advanced Mathematics Topics: Students who have completed all AP-level math courses at Austin Preparatory School can take this advanced-level mathematics course. Students currently enrolled in Advanced Placement© Statistics may be considered for an Independent Study. This course is for highly motivated students who love mathematics and intend to study mathematics beyond Calculus in college.  This course of study will include an introduction to several different topics, such as linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and multivariable calculus.  The course will culminate in a quarter-long individual project of the student’s choice. 

Extra-curricular Opportunities

Math Peer Tutors: Upper school students who are strong in mathematics and have a passion for assisting others can take the opportunity to tutor their peers in different math courses. Peer tutors enhance academic support by revisiting key concepts and class materials, helping to clarify any misunderstandings, and assisting in creating effective study strategies for upcoming exams.

Upper School Math Team: The Upper School Math Team at Austin Prep welcomes all students who have a passion for mathematics and those eager to expand their problem-solving skills. We meet weekly as a team to practice and explore advanced mathematical concepts beyond the standard curriculum. The coach and students share new strategies and techniques to help students prepare for monthly competitions in the Massachusetts Mathematics League (MML). Our dedication and teamwork led to a historic achievement in 2024 when we won the state final and advanced to the New England regional competition for the first time in school history. In addition to MML, we also compete in prestigious contests such as the AMC, WPI Invitational, and HMMT. Whether students are looking to challenge themselves or enjoy solving math problems in a collaborative environment, the Math Team provides a supportive and competitive space to grow and excel.

Robotics: The Robotics Club at Austin Prep is an engaging, hands-on team that participates in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), a competitive robotics program that challenges students to design, build, and program a robot to complete a series of tasks. Club members develop technical skills in engineering, coding, and problem-solving while also learning to use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to model custom parts for 3D printing and integration into their robot. The club fosters teamwork, creativity, and strategic thinking, preparing students for STEM-related careers and future challenges. Whether experienced or new to robotics, all students are welcome to join and contribute to our exciting journey!

The fourth floor of McLaughlin Hall is a hub of scientific exploration, experimentation, and collaboration at Austin Prep. Laboratory space for life and physical sciences provide the setting for students to observe processes and analyze results that reinforce material learned in the classroom setting. Classes also utilize the Anatomage Table to enhance their understanding of complex concepts. Partnerships with area research labs, biomedical programs, and conversation space bring students out into the real world to assume the role of citizen scientists, applying lessons learned at Austin Prep in contributing to ongoing scientific discovery.

Freshman Year - Biology

Students begin their Upper School program with coursework in Biology. This course introduces students to topics like biochemistry, cellular biology, genetics, evolution, and organismal biology. Students develop a strong core knowledge base and become familiar with the scientific framework for critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, collaborative learning, laboratory procedures, and effective experimental design.

Sophomore Year - Chemistry

Building on students’ work with advanced mathematical concepts and their freshman coursework on scientific inquiry, sophomore students study chemistry. Students explore the properties and interactivity of matter through demonstration and experimentation in dedicated laboratory settings promoting students’ growth as systematic thinkers.

Upperclassmen Coursework

Junior and senior students pursue an individualized program of study with a number of year-long, semester, and Advanced Placement electives in biological, physical, and integrated sciences.

Physics classes are rooted in inquiry-based lab experiments and problem-solving. Students explore the fundamental laws that determine the workings of the universe. Students will also have the opportunity to study aeronautics and the mechanics of flight. For students interested in pursuing engineering or physical sciences in college, advanced coursework covers topics like kinematics, forces, momentum, fluids, and electromagnetism with an emphasis on in-depth mathematical relationships.

Elective offerings include diverse opportunities for specialized study: Astronomy, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Forensic Science, Bioethics, Anatomy and Physiology, Biotechnology, and Medical Microbiology. These course offerings draw heavily on concepts learned in chemistry and biology and serve to cultivate and sustain a life-long interest in the sciences and their application to understanding our world and being responsible stewards of it.

Advanced Placement (AP) courses capitalize on students’ intense curiosity and well-developed independent study skills to expose students to the rigors of college-level scientific coursework. With an emphasis on learning through laboratory work, courses are predicated on a strong foundation in mathematical ability and the scientific process.
 

The Department of Art and Design offers students a unique space to discover and display their imagination and innovation. Whether through the symphonic sounds of instrumental music, the harmonious chords of the choir, the sequence of shots in film, the creative choreography in dance, or the realistic, abstract, or digital interpretation of the world through art, coursework provides the opportunity for students to showcase their artistry. These opportunities celebrate students' risk-taking while also contributing to Austin's sense of community. 

Each course equips students with key foundational knowledge and skills in the arts, as well as the tools to encourage appreciation while pursuing their talents at Austin and beyond. Semester-long offerings encourage students to sample a variety of disciplines or to follow a course of intensive study in one area. 

Selections may include:

Dance

Highlighting both performance and production, courses in genres such as jazz, tap, ballet and contemporary prepare novice and seasoned dancers alike for roles in productions like Austin’s Christmas tradition of performing The Nutcracker or dazzling the audience with a number in the Spring Dance Show. 

Design Innovation

Situated in the Austin Prep Maker-Space, students learn through creation. Students experience the process of designing, creating, and launching their innovative Maker projects with access to resources like a 3D printer, laser printer/engraver, and drone, among others.

Studio Art

The Murphy Art Gallery is the setting for the culmination of students’ semester-long creative process in Visual Arts. Students build skills in visualization and observation as they focus on the elements of drawing and application of medium as artists experiment with principles of design to communicate their visual ideas.

Graphic Design

Students learn how to utilize powerful digital design tools and apply principles of digital media to the creation of new content.

Film and Screenwriting

From framing and editing behind the camera or starring on screen, students learn how to communicate stories through photography and film. In cycling through each role in the storytelling process, students learn production and publishing skills and gain an appreciation for collaborating as part of a creative team.

Programming

Courses in Python, Java, and Computer Science allow students to investigate data structures, design, and application.

Band and Instrumental Music

Students perform as part of an ensemble with a repertoire that draws from various musical styles and appropriately challenges musicians of all experience levels. In addition to ensemble work, individualized instruction or coursework in Keyboarding and Guitar emphasize technique and fundamental skills.

Choir and Vocal Repertoire

The Austin Choir is an extension of the liturgical experience at Austin Prep following Saint Augustine’s remark that “one who sings prays twice.” Coursework in music theory and performance encourage a genuine love for music and appreciation for diverse traditions. In addition to Masses and assemblies on campus, the choir frequently performs off-campus and sung for His Holiness, Pope Francis, during the December 2019 Christmas season.

Performing Arts

Aspiring actors study exercises in concentration, imagination, observation, and movement as they study scenes from the classical and modern stage. Improvisational exercises and scripted monologues and scenes place students at center stage from the outset.

Technical Theater

Production assistants, lighting designers, and sound engineers are all vital roles in bringing a theatrical production to life. Students learn to read scripts and scenes with an eye towards how lighting, sound, set, and costume contribute to the story and how to execute those imaginative ideas to enhance performance.

Austin Prep’s patron Saint Augustine of Hippo is a Father of the Church and one of the most prolific writers in the Catholic tradition. Saint Augustine once likened humanity’s ability to grasp the divine as the amount of ocean water that a single seashell could hold. This analogy is illustrated in the Austin Prep crest through the two sea shells depicted on the school shield. The study of Theology invites students to think deeply about God and to explore the great questions of life in the context of faith. With an understanding that faith is not only to be believed but to be lived, experiences within and beyond the Theology coursework animate the principles learned in class and help students apply them to their own spiritual Journey.

Freshman Year

First year students immerse themselves in the Scripture of the Catholic faith through a year-long study of Sacred Scriptures. The first semester focuses on the Hebrew Scriptures of the Old Testament highlighting creation and God’s covenantal relationship with his people. Students explore the life of Christ and work of the Apostles in the second semester through an exploration of the Gospels and epistles. Throughout the course, students are invited to reflect on their own relationship with Christ and how they can share their gifts with their school and local community.

Recognizing the transition students experience as they matriculate from Middle School, all freshmen also take a half-year Journeying with St Augustine course. This course serves to unify the freshman class with a common understanding of Austin Prep’s mission and core values while also equipping them with academic, social, and emotional skills that will contribute to their success and growth in Upper School.

Sophomore Year

Building upon their freshman study of God’s revelation in Sacred Scripture, students will explore how Christ’s promise to remain with us is always fulfilled by his presence in the Church he established. Through the course, students will become aware of the truth that the Church is the living Body of Christ, having both divine and human elements that the Holy Spirit guides. Key events and individuals from the Church’s rich two millennia of tradition will be examined, with special emphasis on how the many contributions of the Church have enriched not only the faith but the entire world. One main focus of the course will be to foster an appreciation of how the Church continues Christ’s saving mission today and, in particular, how, through the sacraments instituted by Christ, each of us is brought into union with him and experiences his redemption in our lives. In doing so, students will not only gain information about key events in the life of the Church but also discover their ability to live and be a part of the sacred nature of the Church

Upperclassmen Coursework

Junior and Senior students select from several advanced topics that mirror their own development as adolescents: young women and men who are prepared to exercise the gift of reason in making conscious moral choices and who are equipped with the wisdom, energy, and maturity to participate more actively as servant leaders within their faith community. The Christian Leadership and Service course empowers students in identifying a major service project and reflecting on their semester-long experience. Interdisciplinary electives such as Literature and Religion and Science and Religion consider multiple perspectives and explore the complex interplay and intrinsic harmony of other disciplines.

 

In order to engage with the world, students must be able to communicate effectively with its people. Learning another language provides students with a new appreciation of another cultural heritage. Introductory through Advanced Placement courses provide students with a sequence to grow in fluency in the core domains of linguistic studies: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Austin Prep’s menu of four different World Languages to study – French, Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish – creates a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes practicing language in context and learning about others.

At the core of a liberal arts education is the student’s ability to read and interpret information and contribute their own ideas to the scholarly dialogue. The Austin Prep English Department builds student aptitude in writing and encourages their growth through exposing students to a diversity of texts, traditions, and themes.

Freshman Year

The first-year curriculum is a full-year class focused on the essential skills of communication required for success in academia. Students learn and practice the skills of formal academic writing in addition to further developing their reading skills by practicing text annotation and participating in literature analysis activities. Literature selections are divided into the themes of Dystopian and Coming of Age stories.  

Sophomore Year

The sophomore year runs on a semester model and focuses on discussions and speeches. Student-led discussions are the core instructional method used in Discussion and Debate. Sophomore Speeches focuses on rhetorical analysis skills as students analyze pivotal speeches throughout history and current day and write speeches of their own. 

The American Experience is also offered during sophomore year. This year-long course, offered in conjunction with the history department, explores the relationship between literature and history in America. 

AP Seminar is another option for sophomores who did exceptionally well in their 9th grade English course. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations individually and as part of a team. 

Upperclassmen Coursework

Junior and senior year offerings are semester courses that teach analysis, critical theories, civic engagement, and voice. A move towards project-based learning, an increase in traditional and creative writing, and presentations to authentic audiences help students discover their creative capacity. Course topics range from Novel Writing to Monsters in British Literature, which ensures student engagement and diversity of academic experiences. 

Recognizing the importance of making connections and writing across the disciplines, the English faculty has partnered with other departments to offer dual courses, including Literature and Religion.  

The English department also offers two AP level courses to upperclassmen - English Language and Composition and English Literature and Composition. The highlight of the AP Language curriculum is the student-led passion project, in which students choose a project of their choice and produce a final product for a museum that is held for the AP community in March. 

Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings in the various academic departments contribute to the scholarly atmosphere of the academic day. Students are engaged in class with like-minded peers who are similarly curious about advanced topics in the academic disciplines and have demonstrated the requisite academic skills and dispositions to balance the coursework with the rest of their program of study.

The AP curriculum exposes students to college-level coursework in high school and provides them the opportunity to both demonstrate their aptitude and pursue topics that have piqued their curiosity. These rigorous courses are offered in accordance with the guidelines prescribed by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) of Princeton, NJ for the Advanced Placement Program.

AUSTIN PREP OFFERS 25 AP COURSES

• Biology
• Calculus AB
• Calculus BC
• Chemistry
• Chinese Language and Culture 
• Computer Science
• English Language & Composition
• English Literature & Composition
• Environmental Science
• European History
• French Language and Culture
• Latin 
• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics
• United States History
• United States Government
• World History
• Physics 1
• Physics C
• Precalculus
• Psychology
• Seminar 
• Spanish Language and Culture
• Studio Art
• Statistics