Where Inspiration Meets Dedication.

Upper School

Springdale Preparatory School prepares Upper School students for an array of outcomes academically and beyond, providing students with the platform and resources to align desired outcomes within a student-centered approach to learning.

Springdale is dedicated to fostering global-minded critical thinkers and life-long learners in combination with a rigorous and encouraging educational environment, allowing students to take ownership of their learning experience.

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Recommended Course Of Study

The minimum requirements for receiving a Springdale Preparatory School diploma are:

  • 4 years of English

  • 4 years of mathematics

  • 3 years of a world language

  • 3 years of natural and physical sciences

  • 3 years of history

  • 1.5 years of fine arts

  • 1 year of a physical education

  • .5 year of health

  • 1 year of life planning

  • 1 year of technology

  • 3 years of a academic electives

At least 75 hours of community service are also required for graduation. Most courses, except where specified, are yearlong courses based on our two-semester system.

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The Upper School Program

A required course for all seniors, except those who are participating in the IB DP program, to polish their applicable research skills in preparation for college level writing and publishing.

Many students choose to take additional academic, fine arts, or elective courses. Springdale encourages all students to pursue individual passions while exploring our diverse curriculum. Because highly selective colleges expect students to explore beyond the minimum requirements for a diploma, we offer a range of elective and additional courses.

If a student in their junior and senior years has a particular interest in a subject that is not covered in our curriculum, they may apply to complete an independent study. An independent study course is the equivalent of a regular academic course with the same level of rigor expected. Independent Study courses are limited to a maximum of three students. For these courses to appear on a Springdale transcript, the independent study course must be supervised by a member of the SPS faculty and approved in advance by the Director of Curriculum and the Head of School.

This option allows SPS Upper School students to enroll in college-level courses during their senior year with administrative approval. To be eligible for dual enrollment opportunities, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 and be on track to meet the minimum requirements for graduation. Students may enroll in college-level courses at community college or online and may select introductory college coursework in Humanities, English, Math, Social Studies, and Science subject areas. Students are responsible for acceptance into a post-secondary academic institution to be eligible for this program. Students seeking to participate in a dual enrollment program should contact the Director of Student Services for more information regarding eligibility and the enrollment process.

Students must complete 75 hours of approved community service. At least 20 hours must be completed by the beginning of the junior year. The 75-hour community-service requirement must be completed by and submitted to the Director of Student Services no later than May 10 of their senior year.

Honors (HON) Level courses express the most challenging level of coursework offered at SPS aside from IB and AP courses. Honors Level courses examine material at the highest levels with sustained intellectual independence. These classes often involve increased expectations for time spent out of class.

Advance Placement courses are designed to give students the experience of an introductory level college course while in Upper School. AP courses are academically challenging, requiring students to demonstrate excellent study habits, work ethic, time management, and self-sufficiency. Enrollment in AP courses requires the approval of the department and the designated grade in the prerequisite course. Students entering grades 10, 11, and 12 may be considered for enrollment in AP level courses; the student’s family pays any fee associated with the AP examination.

The Springdale Media Center program supports the school’s curricular mission by providing print and online collections, managing welcoming media spaces, encouraging exploration of identity via interactions with media, supporting independent reading and individualized learning, and teaching information skills. Our SPS librarian teaches Upper School students effective research skills and information-finding strategies as well as ethical and responsible use of intellectual property. The library is available for reference, research, and readers’ advisory for our entire school community, encouraging lifelong habits of library use to prepare students for lifelong learning, studying, and reading.

This full-year leadership course is designed to create a dialogic space where seniors can take active roles in learning. Together students reflect critically on the cultural forces in their lives and explore their roles in shaping that culture, and hone critical thinking through discussion, reading, writing, and working individually and in groups. This class is required for seniors unless they are participating in the IB DP program.

Springdale Prep is an authorized school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and an IB World School.

IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision.

An IB Education is world-renowned for its academic and personal rigor. The IB curriculum focuses on learners, develops effective approaches to teaching and learning, works with global contexts by increasing understanding of language and cultures, and explores globally significant ideas and issues.

Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate can offer the Diploma Programme. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.

I want to become a Global Citizen at Springdale Prep.

Springdale Preparatory School is a Maryland State Department of Education approved boarding and day academic community.

Non-Discrimination Policy: Springdale Preparatory School will not discriminate against students or employees on the basis of race; national or ethnic origin; religion; gender; sexual orientation; age; or disability in the administration of its educational policies, admissions decisions, employment practices, financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs and activities.