Upper School Curriculum

who we are

A Letter from Upper School Director Scott Parsons

A Letter from Upper School Director Scott Parsons

I am thrilled you are interested in Columbus School for Girls and the transformative power of an education centered entirely around girls. It may seem obvious, but at CSG girls are always put first. With a foundation of academic excellence and programming explicitly designed to meet the needs of girls, each CSG student in the course of her years in the upper school will learn her full potential as a student and leader. Ours is a school environment that helps each student to achieve at the outer edge of her abilities, and you can see this daily in the classroom or on the stage, in the art studio or on the fields and courts, in the science lab or at student club meetings. Opportunities are boundless, and there are no limits to what each student can achieve.

Our school motto of “strength and grace” emphasizes that strength of character is central to the academic experience. Guided by our motto, we will reconnect with core school values, discover new ways forward, and find ways each day to bring real joy to our work. I have long found that a school for girls is an ideal place to find the joy because our mission is so important and so clear. Each day we are surrounded by curiosity and connection as each student strives for her personal best and personal growth. In doing so, CSG students are prepared to thrive in college and in life. A CSG student is a compelling young adult in large part because she truly does learn to know her power.

This year will be a special one as we rebuild a sense of normalcy and connect more deeply with the vibrant and welcoming CSG community.

Scott Parsons

Director of Upper School

In Upper School, we are...

Leading by example
Staying curious
Empowering each other
Expanding our talents
Preparing for college

Our community is enriched by the uniqueness of every student.

Relationships are at the heart of Upper School. Students learn best when they are known and respected by their teachers and classmates. We help students build healthy, lasting relationships.

Our students cultivate their unique voices without fear or other constraints.

Course Offerings

Columbus School for Girls offers a varied selection of required and elective courses with increasing flexibility and options as students progress through the four years of Upper School.

Some courses may vary from year to year as the curriculum changes in response to student interest and/or world events. Courses are offered based upon projected enrollment. In the event that actual enrollment for a specific course is insufficient to support it, CSG reserves the right to cancel the course for the academic year. Any student affected by this may select another course to complete her schedule. All classes and seminars are designed around highly challenging academic standards.

Each Upper School student collaborates with her college counselor, academic advisor, and faculty members to customize her course schedule based on her college and career interests.

View the full 2026-2027 Upper School Curriculum Guide.

100% of the Class of 2026 was accepted to four-year colleges and universities.

81% of the Class of 2026 will attend a college or university outside of the state of Ohio.

On average, more than $7.5 million in scholarships is awarded to each graduating class at CSG.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 24 credits in four years and meet the following department requirements.

College Counseling

College Preparation is a non-credit, non-graded semester course required of all students in Form XI (spring) and Form XII (fall). The Form XI course focuses on self-discovery, college search tools, and the basics of college admission. Students finish the course with a balanced college list, a draft of their Common Application activity list, as well as a body of writing that will become the foundation of college essays. In Form XII, students learn about the ethical and practical components of the admission process, develop their application strategy and timeline, and actively work on their applications with the support of the College Counselors. As the cycle progresses, the course provides guidance on the financial aid process, interview skill-building, and continued writing support.

Learn more about College Counseling.

Computer Science (0.5 Credit)

The primary goal of CSG's computer science department is to introduce students to current and emerging technologies and to help them develop the fluency necessary to be users of an ever-changing list of devices, programs, and literacies. Courses are project-based and focus on problem solving and understanding hardware, software, and major topics in computer science. Students are required to pass Introduction to Computer Science or an equivalent course.

Courses:

Introduction to Computer Science
Intermediate Computer Science
AP Computer Science A

English (4 credits)

The English department's goals are to foster students' love of language and literature and to develop their ability to think and communicate effectively. The program emphasizes critical communications skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Upper School students take courses that follow a preset trajectory: English IX, Form X Survey of American Literature, and Form XI Survey of British Literature (or, if they meet the stated requirements, Form XI AP Literature and Composition, which features many of the same readings as the British Literature course, but also prepares students for the AP examination). Form XII students choose two semester-long elective courses or take a full year of AP Language and Composition, should they meet the stated prerequisites. Students must earn at least one credit per year.

Courses:

English IX - Honors Designation Available
Survey of American Literature - Honors Designation Available
Survey of British Literature
AP English Literature and Composition
AP Language and Composition
English Electives - Shakespeare and Contemporary Interpretation (first semester) and Contemporary Fiction (second semester)

Rising Form XI students may also sign up for the English electives.

Fine Arts (1.5 credits)

Studies in the fine arts have been developed to instill a knowledge and appreciation of the creative process through both the performance and academic lens. Students should emerge from these studies with the first-hand experience in self-expression and communication through artistic disciplines and with an aesthetic appreciation for the similar expressions of others. Performing arts courses enable students to explore dramatic and musical literature in situations that encourage collaborative work. Visual arts courses have a multifaceted goal of building confidence in artistic competence through practical experience and academic critique, nurturing individual expression through multi-cultural and interdisciplinary studies, and encouraging aesthetic literacy through the study of historic and modern modes.

Students must earn a total of 1.5 credits in any combination of classes within the Fine Arts Department. Scheduling priority in the Fine Arts is given to students in Form XII. All other forms have equal priority after seniors.

Performing Arts Courses:

Music Theory (Concurrent with Performance Ensemble)
AP Music Theory (Concurrent with Performance Ensemble; Offered only in even-numbered graduation years)
Concert Band
Concert Choir
String Ensemble
Select Wind Ensemble
Voice Ensemble: The Grace Notes
Select String Ensemble

Theater Courses:

Acting I
Acting II
Musical Theater

Visual Arts Courses:

Drawing
Advanced Drawing
Painting
Advanced Painting
Advanced Portfolio Art (prerequisite: two visual arts courses)
Photography
Advanced Photography
Sculpture (not offered in 2026-27)
Advanced Sculpture (not offered in 2026-27)
Ceramics (not offered in 2026-27)
Advanced Ceramics (not offered in 2026-27)
AP Art & Design (prerequisite: three visual arts courses)

Health (0.5 Credit) and Physical Education (0.5 Credit)

The Health curriculum provides each student with the skills and knowledge to make informed, healthy choices about personal wellness and lifestyle. Requirements vary by track. All students must complete Health & Wellness 9, 11, and 12.

Interscholastic Athlete Track:

One CSG sport and Health & Wellness 9
One CSG sport
One CSG sport and Health & Wellness 11
One CSG sport and Health & Wellness 12

Academic Course Track:

P.E. Course and Health & Wellness 9
P.E. Course
Health & Wellness 11
Health & Wellness 12

P.E. Courses:

Cardio, Strength, Flexibility (first semester)
Strength & Conditioning (second semester)

History (3 credits)

Our History curriculum introduces students to the breadth and depth of the human experience by a comparative study of past and contemporary societies and cultures and provides the foundation for them, as historians, to offer complex, causal explanations of human events and processes and to challenge simplistic assumptions. Secondly, we develop students' ability to conduct research, analyze, and assess conflicting information and evidence, and articulate sound conclusions both orally and in writing. Particular attention is given to the skills necessary to develop a critical understanding of the diversity of global cultures and contemporary global issues. Students are required to pass World History, US History, and US Government (or equivalent AP classes).

Form IX Courses:

World History: World Religions (first semester) - Honors Designation Available
World History: 20th & 21st Centuries (second semester) - Honors Designation Available

Form X Courses:

US Government and Politics
AP US Government and Politics

Form XI Courses:

US History
AP US History

Form XII Courses:

AP European History

Elective Courses for Forms X-XII:

Economics
Human Geography
AP Comparative Government

Institute for Innovation and Leadership (credits vary)

From foundational curricula to cutting-edge technology to global experiences, this premier program will not only offer students the chance to develop talents in a variety of disciplines, but it will also prepare them for life after they graduate from CSG. Each Center is designed to empower our students in each of the respective fields of study.

Courses:

Global Seminar I (0.34 credit)
Global Seminar II (0.34 credit)
Introduction to STEM Research (0.34 credit)
Leadership Seminar I (0.34 credit)
Leadership Seminar II (0.34 credit)
Peer Tutor Pedagogy (0. 17 credit)
Writing Community (0.34 credit)
Columbus School for Girls' newspaper, Silhouette (0.2-0.4 credit)
Columbus School for Girls' yearbook, Topknot (0.2-0.4 credit)
DEIB Seminar (0.34 credit)
Introduction to Design Thinking (0.5 credit)
Institute Capstone (0.34 credit)

Mathematics (4 credits)

The mathematics department is committed to a core college preparatory curriculum that reflects the mandates set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for Teaching Mathematics." The goals of the mathematics department are that all students learn to value mathematics; to apply mathematical techniques confidently, skillfully, and accurately; to reason mathematically; to become effective mathematical problem-solvers; to communicate mathematically; and to become efficient users of modern technology. Students must earn at least one credit per year. Required: Precalculus or higher

Courses:

Algebra I
Geometry - Honors Designation Available
Algebra II - Honors Designation Available
Precalculus
Honors Precalculus AB
Honors Precalculus BC
Advanced Statistics
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC

Post Algebra II Electives:

Discrete Mathematics (offered in 2027-28)
Great Theorems (offered in 2027-28)
Linear Algebra (offered in 2027-28)

Post BC Calculus Electives (weighted as Honors courses):

Differential Equations (offered first semester in 2026-27)
Abstract Algebra (offered second semester in 2026-27)
Multivariable Calculus (offered in 2027-28)

Non-Credit Courses

Science (3 credits)

We offer students the opportunity to explore a wide range of science and engineering disciplines and time to engage in the practices of scientists and engineers. Students will develop the confidence to analyze and solve real-world problems and present evidence of their thinking. Students are required to pass biology, chemistry, and physics.

Courses:

Biology - Honors Designation Available
Chemistry - Honors Designation Available
Physics - Honors Designation Available

Electives:

Zoology
AP Environmental Science
AP Biology
AP Physics C: Mechanics
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
AP Chemistry

Electives without prerequisites offered in 2027-28:

Public Policy in Science, Engineering, and Technology
Principles of Engineering and Design
Design: The Intersection of Art and Engineering
Astronomy
Cosmology

Electives with prerequisites offered in 2027-28:

Human Anatomy and Physiology

World Languages (3 credits)

The World Languages Department strives to provide every student with meaningful study of languages and cultures. Our course offerings are in Latin, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. In the Upper School, the first three levels of a language form a foundation upon which significant oral proficiency and cultural understanding can be achieved. Thus, students must pass three years in the same language, including the third level of that language.

Latin Courses:

Latin I
Latin II
Latin III
Latin IV
AP Latin
Advanced Readings in Latin Literature

Mandarin Chinese Courses:

Mandarin Chinese I
Mandarin Chinese II
Mandarin Chinese III
Mandarin Chinese IV
Mandarin Chinese V
AP Chinese Language and Culture
Post AP Elective (not offered in 2026-27) - Chinese Language and Culture

Spanish:

Spanish I
Spanish II - Honors Designation Available
Spanish III - Honors Designation Available
Spanish IV - Honors Designation Available
Spanish V
AP Spanish Language and Culture
Post AP Elective - Spanish Language and Culture

Our demanding academic and extracurricular programs teach students how to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate successfully.

We come together to form a diverse community of learners and leaders. We lift each other up, hold ourselves accountable to one another, and make CSG a joyful, purposeful place. We transform students’ lives. It is our goal that every CSG student grows intellectually, personally, and socially during their four years here.

She will compete

In Upper School, girls can choose from 11 athletic programs to test their skills in a competitive, interscholastic environment.

Learn more about athletics.

she will create

Our robust selection of arts classes, including visual arts, theater, and music gives students an opportunity to pursue a wide range of interests and make full use of our state-of-the-art facilities.

Learn more about fine arts.

She will lead

A signature CSG program, the Institute for Innovation & Leadership features six Centers of Excellence designed to empower our students through advanced courses of study, specialized projects, internships, and more.

Learn more about the Institute for Innovation & Leadership.

She will belong

From clubs to affinity and alliance groups, CSG students have safe spaces to form a sense of sisterhood and support. Students meet together based on shared interests, identities, and cultures.

Learn more about clubs and activities.