A Deep Dive into Academics

The aim of the University Scholars Program English scope and sequence is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to critically interpret, analyze, and respond to literary works, identify literary elements, and create fiction and non-fiction that applies these elements. Students also receive instruction and practice in all forms of oral and written exposition.

USP’s Middle School English program aims for students to achieve a 12th-grade reading level by the end of 8th grade and college-level writing proficiency by the end of 9th grade.  

USP High School students can choose from Advanced Placement courses as well as other rigorous, accelerated classes that allow them to delve deeper into literature, poetry, film, and creative writing. These courses provide opportunities for exploration, experimentation, and mastery of various genres.

The University Scholars math curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in computational skills, and also to promote creative problem solving and a curiosity about why basic algorithms work. Extensive research and experience have demonstrated that no one math curriculum meets the needs of every learner. Therefore, the courses include a variety of different approaches to learning. An appreciation for the mathematical connections to all branches of knowledge is developed through project-based learning. Discovery and inquiry activities are also incorporated to enhance self-confidence in the ability to learn and improve at mathematical problem solving.

The courses differ from traditional mathematics courses in that they go beyond the memorization of algorithms to explore the underlying concepts and connections between branches of mathematics. The collection of all of these different aspects of the curriculum mold the students into confident, independent mathematical scholars.

USP Math students are placed into courses based on their readiness and ability rather than strictly by grade level, allowing middle school students to take high school classes for credit. Advanced students can accelerate through the curriculum by enrolling in courses at younger ages, testing out of classes, taking summer classes, participating in dual enrollment, or pairing two complementary classes when appropriate.  Advanced Placement courses are offered from AP Pre-Calculus through AP Calculus AB & BC.  Beyond AP courses, students can access rigorous college-level classes, including Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra.

The science courses emphasize scientific inquiry and utilize a discovery learning approach. Students step into the shoes of scientists to face their challenges and problem-solve the real-life scientific questions of history and today. Project-based, problem-based, and inquiry-based learning is used for the delivery of a curriculum which stimulates questioning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Using an inquiry-based approach to science, students assume the role of scientists by observing the environment around them, establishing the issues present, asking questions, and conducting experiments to test ideas and verify results.

The social studies courses at USP blend historical content with an in-depth exploration of the fundamental concepts of the human experience. Expert teachers guide students beyond rote memorization, helping them understand the cause and effect of pivotal decisions and how ideas both reflect and challenge the changes that define their historical contexts. Students engage with a diverse array of books, articles, and research to deepen their understanding of intellectual history. Historical content is further explored through simulations and discovery-learning projects.