Graduation Requirements

Students at City on a Hill take a full academic schedule every year.

4 years of English: All students graduate knowing how to write a well-organized and interesting essay in standard English, to read world class literature with understanding, and to speak effectively.

4-5 years of Mathematics: All students graduate being able to reason, communicate, and solve problems mathematically. All students complete at least Pre-Calculus and may also choose to take AP Calculus.

3 years of History: All students graduate knowing how to defend their views on historical and contemporary issues, and to analyze/appreciate important primary source documents. All students study Civics, World History, and U.S. history. Students may also choose to take AP U.S. Government and Politics or Constitutional Literacy their senior year.

3 years of Science: All students graduate able to understand scientific aspects of civic problems, and to design, perform and analyze scientific experiments and understand scientific data. All students study Unified Science, Biology, and Chemistry, and conduct labs in the specified subject area. Students may also take Physics or AP Environmental Science in their senior year.

3 years of Spanish: All students graduate conversant in a second language.

Literacy & Numeracy: All students, regardless of academic standing participate in 3-4 years of literacy and numeracy tutorials. As a goal and assessment driven program, students meet with tutors in individually planned sessions, integrated into the school day. These skills support classroom instruction across subject areas, as well as important tests such as CoaH proficiencies, the MCAS, and AP Exams.

City Project & Community Service: All students graduate having successfully completed this capstone course at City on a Hill. The course requires extensive research of an identified local issue, a written paper encapsulating their findings, 100-hours of service at a related site, and an oral presentation of their results. Each year, all eligible students also register to vote and complete a community service Project.

Physical Education: Students graduate with a working knowledge of First Aid and the ability to practice healthy habits and meet personal fitness goals.

Town Meeting: The entire City on a Hill community gathers every Friday to discuss and debate important issues facing our school, our city, and our world. Each year, student advisory groups design, facilitate and moderate a town meeting debate. Town meeting is a required part of school and we invite parents/guardians and members of the public to attend.