University School of Jackson

USJ's Upper School prepares students for success in their post-USJ careers by helping them develop strong and consistent study habits and a solid core of fundamental academic skills, including analytical and critical thinking, time management and organization, creativity, and engagement with different forms of assessment. USJ offers standard, honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses in a challenging and supportive educational environment, with all courses helping our students work towards the entrance requirements of the college of their choice.

Curriculum

USJ's Upper School prepares students for success in their post-USJ careers by helping them develop strong and consistent study habits and a solid core of fundamental academic skills, including analytical and critical thinking, time management and organization, creativity, and engagement with different forms of assessment. USJ offers standard, honors, and Advanced Placement courses in a challenging and supportive educational environment, with all courses helping our students work towards the entrance requirements of the college of their choice.

Upper School Curriculum

Click the link below to view our current course of studies. Each course description includes the academic year(s) students may take the course, course length, prerequisites, and an overview of the course content.

Upper School Course of Study (Download)

There are many paths to a USJ diploma, and the charts below help highlight possible academic paths for students.

The school will make every attempt to honor student course requests; however, it may not be possible to fulfill all scheduling requests due to staffing, enrollment, course sizes, and other considerations that may impact the number of courses and sections offered each year.

To be complete, student registration forms must be signed by the student and parents/guardians and then returned to the college advising office.

AP/Honors Courses

Placement in all Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors courses is determined by grades, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations. AP and Honors courses are weighted for class ranking. All students who take an Advanced Placement course are expected to take the AP examination in the spring.

Learn more about Advanced Placement (AP) Courses.

Typical Course of Study

Freshmen Courses

Sophomore Courses

Junior Courses

Senior Courses

English
Modern Languages
Mathematics
English IV Modern Literature
AP English Literature
AP French Language
Spanish IV (H)
AP Spanish Language
Algebra III
Pre-Calculus (H)
AP Calculus
Science
History
Electives
Physics
Physics (H)
AP Physics
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Environmental Science
Anatomy & Physiology
Forensic Science
U.S. History
AP U.S. History

*Consult individual course descriptions for eligibility

Electives

Accounting
Anatomy & Physiology
Art I, II, III
Art History I, II
Band or Honors
Book Study Seminar
Choir/Chorus
Communications
Creative Writing
Criminal Justice
Digital Tools for Arts
AP European History
Forensic Science
Guitar
Health & Wellness
History in Film
Intro to Theater/Advanced Theater
AP Human Geography
Journalism
AP Music Theory
Personal Finance
Psychology
AP Psychology
Sculpture I, II
Speech
Strength and Conditioning
Theory of Knowledge
Yoga
20 Century Studies
Studio Art AP: 2-Dimensional Design, 3-Dimensional Design, and Drawing
Study Abroad*
U.S. & World Issues
World Religions

* STUDY ABROAD (1/2 CREDIT ELECTIVE)
Costa Rica Study Abroad Program: Students are immersed in Spanish for three weeks, earning more than 40 contact hours of instruction at the Intensa Language Institute. Trip is offered during summer of even years.

France Study Abroad Program: Students are immersed in French for three weeks, earning more than 40 contact hours of instruction. Trip is usually offered during the summer of odd years.

Graduation Requirements

4 units of English
4 units of Math (Algebra I, II, III and Geometry)
3 units of Social Science (U.S. & World History)
3 units of Science (Biology, Physics & Chemistry)
3 units of the same Foreign Language
1 unit of Creative/Performing Arts
4.5 units of electives
0.5 units of Computer Science or designated courses with extensive technology integration
23.0 Total Units + Community Service (minimum of 50 hours)
Graduation Honors: Seniors are honored for their academic excellence by graduating with Honors requiring a 94.5, High Honors requiring a 96.5, and Highest Honors requiring a 98.5, weighted averages.

Upper School Course of Study (Download)

College Profile

USJ's College Profile is sent to colleges with a student's application. It explains the coursework, grading scale, and graduation requirements and provides a snapshot of the class scores, including SAT, ACT, and quintile averages. It also contains information on colleges of acceptance for USJ graduates.

Download College Profile

USJ is self described as a college prep school, but beyond academics they provide outlets such as athletics, performing arts, clubs, etc. for our children. This allows students the ability to develop their skills and personalities, which they will use in the real world to be successful.

Will O'Neal, parent

Upper School

Top College Choices of USJ graduates