Upper School (9-12)

Confident. Cultured. College Ready.

The Burlington School aims to produce graduates who are confident, cultured and college-ready. Upper School students are held to high expectations and, as a result, demonstrate the qualities necessary for future success. Through a combination of innovative instructional methods, progressive learning and traditional pedagogy, our faculty prepares students for college by utilizing multiple teaching styles across all disciplines. Our Upper School students value freedom, safety, student leadership and the positive atmosphere they say is pervasive in their school atmosphere. They describe their teachers as flexible, understanding and encouraging. 

AP Capstone

Starting with the 2023-24 school year, TBS adopted the academically rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone program. This academic program requires our students to take a minimum of six (6) AP classes during their high school career. The program starts with AP Seminar, a cross-curricular course that is heavily based around foundational writing, and culminates with a digital portfolio that is submitted to the College Board. In addition to a minimum of four (4) AP classes of their choosing that supports their graduation requirements, students also have to take AP Research. The AP Research Course culminates with our students writing a 4,000-5,000 word essay that is turned in and graded by the College Board. The final step in the AP Research Course will be to present and verbally defend the essay to the course instructor as well as a small committee.

Students who complete the AP Capstone Program will receive:

  • An AP Capstone Diploma - will be be awarded to those who complete the AP Seminar, AP Research + 4 additional AP Classes, AND the student MUST score a 3 or more on each AP test to be eligible.

  • An AP Capstone Certificate - will be awarded to those who complete the AP Seminar, AP Research + 4 additional AP Classes, AND the student MUST score a 3 or more on AP Seminar, AP Research, but not the additional 4 tests to be eligible.

Program Highlights

  • Rigorous Coursework: Every Upper School course is designed to prepare students for the rigors of college. With small classes, teachers work with students to set and reach their individual goals. AP courses are offered in many subjects, including Spanish, calculus, literature, environmental science, biology, physics, U.S. history and European history (see 2024-25 course list below).

  • Experiential Learning: The May Term is a signature component of our Upper School. This program presents classes from beyond the school’s usual curriculum, allowing students to travel, complete exciting projects and participate in hands-on activities. Offerings range from hiking in the American Southwest to STEM and from seeing the sites in Seattle to baking. During May Term, students frequently venture to destinations like Costa Rica, or U.S. cities including New Orleans, Boston and New York.

  • Student-Led Clubs: Student-led club periods allow Upper School students the opportunity to pursue their interests with like-minded peers. Designated club time also allows students to meet with their teachers to have questions answered, or to receive tutoring as needed. Some of our current clubs include: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Student Government Association, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Science, American Sign Language, Girl Talk and Meditation.

  • College Prep: Our comprehensive and individualized college counseling program assists Upper School students as they set college goals and ultimately apply for scholarships. Our alumni have been offered admission at some of the nation’s top colleges and universities. 

2024-25 Course Offerings

  • English: English 9, English 10, English 11, English 12, AP Literature, AP Seminar, AP Research

  • Mathematics: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Algebra 3, Precalculus, STEM, AP Precalculus, AP Calculus

  • Science: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Forensics, AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Environmental Science, *AP Chemistry

  • History: Medieval World, Ancient World, World History, U.S. History, Post World War II America, Psychology, AP European History, AP U.S. History, AP Psychology, AP Human Geography

  • World Language: Spanish 2, Spanish 3, Spanish 4, AP Spanish

  • Arts: Chorus, Digital Design, Drama, Pottery, Rock Ensemble, Studio Art, Yearbook 

Learn More Today

Interested in learning more about The Burlington School? We invite you to contact us and schedule a campus tour today. Getting on campus is the best way to experience all we have to offer your family. We look forward to seeing you!