---
title: Upper School Curriculum
description: Ellis' Upper School curriculum incorporates independent research, design thinking, and discussion-based learning to prepare girls for college and beyond.
---

[The Ellis School](https://www.theellisschool.org/)

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- [Academics](https://info.theellisschool.org/academics) 
    - - [Academics](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/academics)
    - - [Lower School Curriculum Details](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/lower-school-curriculum)
    - - [Middle School Curriculum Details](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/middle-school-curriculum)
    - - [Upper School Curriculum Details](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/upper-school-curriculum)
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          - [Equity and Inclusion](https://www.theellisschool.org/life-at-ellis/equity-and-inclusion)
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          - [Theater Arts](https://www.theellisschool.org/life-at-ellis/theater-arts)
    - - [After-school Programs](https://www.theellisschool.org/life-at-ellis/after-school-programs)
          - [Summer Camp](https://www.theellisschool.org/life-at-ellis/summer-camp)

- [Why All-Girls](https://www.theellisschool.org/why-all-girls/all-girls-education) 
    - [Meet Our Changemakers](https://www.theellisschool.org/why-all-girls/meet-our-changemakers)
    - [All-girls Education](https://www.theellisschool.org/why-all-girls/all-girls-education)
    - [Our Graduates](https://www.theellisschool.org/why-all-girls/our-graduates)
- [About](https://www.theellisschool.org/about/about) 
    - [About](https://www.theellisschool.org/about/about)
    - [Campus](https://www.theellisschool.org/about/campus)
    - [GreenSheet Blog](https://www.theellisschool.org/about/greensheet-blog)
    - [Our People](https://www.theellisschool.org/about/our-people)
    - [News](https://www.theellisschool.org/about/news)
    - [Strategic Plan](https://www.theellisschool.org/about/strategic-plan)
- [Admission](https://www.theellisschool.org/admission/admission) 
    - [Admission](https://www.theellisschool.org/admission/admission)
    - [Inquire](https://www.theellisschool.org/admission/inquire)
    - [Visit](https://www.theellisschool.org/admission/visit)
    - [Tailored Tuition](https://www.theellisschool.org/admission/tailored-tuition)
    - [Apply](https://www.theellisschool.org/admission/apply)
- [Schools](https://www.theellisschool.org/schools) 
    - [Schools](https://www.theellisschool.org/schools)
    - [Lower School](https://www.theellisschool.org/schools/lower-school)
    - [Middle School](https://www.theellisschool.org/schools/middle-school)
    - [Upper School](https://www.theellisschool.org/schools/upper-school)
- [Academics](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/academics) 
    - [Academics](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/academics)
    - [Lower School Curriculum](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/lower-school-curriculum)
    - [Middle School Curriculum](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/middle-school-curriculum)
    - [Upper School Curriculum](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/upper-school-curriculum)
    - [Technology](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/technology)
    - [College Counseling](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/college-counseling)
- [Life at Ellis](https://www.theellisschool.org/life-at-ellis) 
    - [Life at Ellis](https://www.theellisschool.org/life-at-ellis)
    - [Student Life](https://www.theellisschool.org/life-at-ellis/student-life)
    - [Parent Life](https://www.theellisschool.org/life-at-ellis/parent-life)
    - [Equity and Inclusion](https://www.theellisschool.org/life-at-ellis/equity-and-inclusion)
    - [Athletics](https://www.theellisschool.org/life-at-ellis/athletics)
    - [Theater Arts](https://www.theellisschool.org/life-at-ellis/theater-arts)
    - [After-school Programs](https://www.theellisschool.org/life-at-ellis/after-school-programs)
    - [Summer Camp](https://www.theellisschool.org/life-at-ellis/summer-camp)
- [News](https://www.theellisschool.org/about/news)
- [For Alumnae](https://www.theellisschool.org/for-alumnae)
- [Make a Gift](https://www.theellisschool.org/make-a-gift)
- [Contact Us](https://www.theellisschool.org/contact-us)
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[MyEllis](https://ellis.myschoolapp.com/app)

[The Ellis School](https://www.theellisschool.org)

<https://mainsite2018-ellis.onmessagestaging.com/page/search-results?q=>

- [Academics](https://info.theellisschool.org/academics) 
    - [Academics Program Details](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/academics/academics-program-details)
- [Lower School Curriculum](https://info.theellisschool.org/lower-school-curriculum) 
    - [Lower School Curriculum Details](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/lower-school-curriculum/lower-school-curriculum-details)
- [Middle School Curriculum](https://info.theellisschool.org/middle-school-curriculum) 
    - [Middle School Curriculum Details](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/middle-school-curriculum/middle-school-curriculum-details)
- [Upper School Curriculum](https://info.theellisschool.org/upper-school-curriculum) 
    - [Upper School Curriculum Details](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/upper-school-curriculum/upper-school-curriculum-details)
- [Technology](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/technology)
- [College Counseling](https://www.theellisschool.org/academics/college-counseling)
- [Remote Learning Plan](https://www.theellisschool.org/about/remote-learning/remote-learning-plan)

## Focus

### Growing well-rounded, independent scholars.

![Big Ideas](https://info.theellisschool.org/hubfs/Academics/Ellis_Big%20Ideas_Final-01.png "Big Ideas")

Ellis girls are known for an intellectual sparkle that stems from knowing many different things. It’s cool here to think about big ideas.

![Finding Her Voice](https://info.theellisschool.org/hubfs/Academics/Ellis_Thoughts_Final-01.png "Finding Her Voice")

Ellis’ demanding writing program is central to every student finding her voice. Instead of focusing on grammar and mechanics, Ellis concentrates on organizing thoughts into coherent and persuasive arguments. Our high school papers incorporate college-level thinking.

![Passion Projects](https://info.theellisschool.org/hubfs/Academics/Ellis_Girl%20with%20Heart_Final-01.png "Passion Projects")

Integrated Studies builds with a new focus each year (self, community, outside world, capstone) and culminates in a “passion project” that combines all her interests. Seniors create their own projects outside the school—settling refugees through nonprofits, painting educational murals in hospitals, and more.

## Highlights

![Lightbulb](https://info.theellisschool.org/hubfs/Academics/illo-lightbulb.png "Lightbulb")

### More than just academics

Each grade learns the life skills that research shows builds strong girls. Topics include public speaking, health and wellness, financial planning, college search and test prep, and more.

![Camera](https://info.theellisschool.org/hubfs/Academics/illo-mini-courses.png "Camera")

### Mini-courses

After final exams in mid-May, students complete individual projects, travel, and explore potential passions through mini-courses designed by teachers, students, and outside experts.

![Theater Masks](https://info.theellisschool.org/hubfs/Academics/illo-mask.png "Theater Masks")

### Breadth and Depth

Required “college prep” core curriculum—with courses ranging from engineering to art history—delivers broader exposure. Students lean heavily on electives to explore their passions and delve deeper into subjects that intrigue them most.

![Cellphone](https://info.theellisschool.org/hubfs/Academics/illo-technology.png "Cellphone")

### 1:1 Technology

Every student has her own PC laptop (or she can use her own laptop). By the time your student graduates, she’ll be skilled in using three different computer platforms to leverage her learning.

![Rocketship](https://info.theellisschool.org/hubfs/Academics/illo-stem.png "Rocketship")

### Stem

Most students take AP Calculus. All take courses in computer science, engineering, and technology tools and software.

Digital Studio is required in ninth grade. Programming electives range from intro courses to AP Computer Science.

![SKILLS LEARNED](https://info.theellisschool.org/hubfs/Academics/ELLIS_SkillsLearned_Header.png "SKILLS LEARNED")

- Confidence
- Leadership
- Collaboration with diverse teams
- Self-awareness

-  self-advocacy
- Empathy
- Resilience
- Creative problem solving

## How we teach

![Ellis Upper School: How We Teach](https://info.theellisschool.org/hubfs/Academics/Ellis_text%20bubbles_vector_upperschoo_outlines-01.png "Ellis Upper School: How We Teach")

[**6425 FIFTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206**](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/6425+FIFTH+AVENUE+PITTSBURGH+PA+15206)  
[412.661.5992](tel:4126615992)  |  [admissions@theellisschool.org](mailto:admissions@theellisschool.org)

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[**6425 FIFTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206**](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/6425+FIFTH+AVENUE+PITTSBURGH+PA+15206)  
[412.661.5992](tel:4126615992)  
[admissions@theellisschool.org](mailto:admissions@theellisschool.org)

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