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Curriculum

A young man with a book in his hands smiles while sitting in front of bookshelves.
Two young women are engaged in a discussion in the foreground, with other blurred figures in the background of a brightly lit indoor space.

Milton Academy’s Upper School curriculum delivers a rigorous, college-preparatory academic experience for students in grades 9–12.

Blending depth across core disciplines with the flexibility to explore individual interests, the program empowers students to build critical thinking skills, pursue academic passions, and prepare with confidence for their futures. With a wide range of offerings across disciplines, students are empowered to explore subjects in depth and fulfill essential diploma requirements.

Outstanding Upper School faculty members design and teach courses—rooted in pedagogical best practices and relevant to tomorrow’s needed competencies—that challenge and inspire students. Our program allows students to shape a path that aligns with their interests and goals, while maintaining a strong foundation in core areas of study. 

 

Course Levels
and Expectations

Upper School courses typically expect 4.5 to 5.5 hours per week of total student engagement, including class time. For Class IV students, the weekly expectation is a maximum of 4.5 hours, with homework averaging 30 minutes per class. Students in Classes III-I can expect 30 to 45 minutes in preparation for each class meeting. We have several designations for accelerated work: Honors, Accelerated, and Advanced.

Departmental Diploma Requirements

While Milton students often exceed minimum requirements, the following serve as a foundation for graduation:

 

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Diploma Course Load Requirements

The minimum credit requirements for graduation include:

Entering Class Minimum Credit Requirements
Entering Class IV 18 total credits
Entering Class III 13 total credits
Entering Class II

9 total credits

To advance each year, students must earn a minimum of four credits, including one in English, and must receive grades of C– or better in at least three of those credits.

Course Types and Credits

Milton offers three course types:

Full Course: Meets all year; earns 1 credit

Half Course: Meets all year; earns 0.5 credit

Semester Course: Meets for one semester; earns 0.5 credit

Students typically carry 5 academic credits per year. All students must be enrolled in at least four credits at all times, and may not exceed five and a half credits.

Explore the Upper School Course Catalog 

Our course offers include everything from AI and Machine Learning to Shakespeare and Cinema—and plenty in between—offerings designed to engage and expand students’ passions and mastery of concepts.

Although we aim to offer all courses described in our catalog, the classes that do not directly fulfill a diploma requirement will be offered only if enrollment is sufficient.