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Equity American School

Upper School

Grades 7 through 12

The Upper School follows a standard U.S. course sequence, with coursework designed to be demanding and to prepare students for admission to university — in the United States, Latin America or Europe.

Upper School students together on a school trip

The curriculum

A U.S. sequence, taught at honors level.

Instruction is in English except for foreign-language courses and orchestra. Coursework emphasizes reading, writing, mathematics and critical thinking.

  1. Core sequence

    A standard United States course progression through Grade 12, corresponding to U.S. middle and high school. Seven credits are required each year in Grades 9–12.

  2. Honors level

    Equity does not offer AP courses; its classes are pitched at the level most systems call honors, with three formally designated Honors courses in the upper grades.

  3. Languages

    Spanish and French through the Language Department, plus English as a Foreign Language and TOEFL preparation for students who need them.

  4. Mathematics support

    Auxiliary Math — a very small specialized section offering one-on-one help for students who struggle.

  5. Critical thinking

    Debate, authentic real-world discussion and creative projects are integrated across subject areas from seventh grade on.

  6. Physical education

    Grades 7–10 attend physical education on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

Standards

What is expected, and what is measured.

Continuance
Students keep an 85% composite average with no failing course. A quarter below that standard means academic probation for the following quarter, with teachers working closely to bring the student back on track.
Testing
Juniors and seniors sit both the SAT and the ACT; TOEFL preparation is available for students applying to English-language universities.
Graduation
Every senior applies to at least three universities and is accepted to at least one before graduating.
Destinations
Graduates have gone on to universities in the United States, Latin America and Europe.

Beyond the classroom

A student body small enough to run things.

Upper School students take part in an active, empowered student government, produce a literary magazine and a student-run newspaper, and lead service projects through the year. In a school this size, leadership is not a club — it is expected.

The orchestra continues through Grade 12, and the December and spring concerts are among the year's central events.

The school orchestra seated on stage before a performance

Student leadership

Upper School Student Council (STUCO)

  • How the Student Council is formed

    At the end of each school year, Upper School students interested in serving on the Student Council (STUCO) for the following year sign up and indicate the position they would like to hold. The General Director and the Upper School Principal then review the applicants and select the executive members based on proactiveness, responsibility, seriousness, and initiative.

    This approach is chosen over campaigns and elections so that leadership roles go to students who are ready to commit to the work. Our goal is a council that is active all year and truly serves the student body.

    Structure and meetings
    • President and Vice President: 11th or 12th Graders
    • Secretary and Treasurer: may be held by 10th Graders
    • Advisors: the Social Studies teacher, who connects the council to the study of government, and the Upper School Principal

    The STUCO meets every Monday during lunch. Meetings are open, and every Upper School student is welcome to attend.

Athletics

The EAS Hoosiers.

Upper School students represent Equity on the basketball court, with a girls' team and a boys' team.

  • The Equity girls' basketball team in their EAS Hoosiers uniforms

    Girls' basketball

  • The Equity boys' basketball team in their EAS Hoosiers uniforms

    Boys' basketball

Big possibilities

Universities and colleges that have accepted Equity students.

120+ universities and colleges in 13 countries — and 100% of Equity graduates are accepted to university. On average, each graduate is offered more than $250,000 in scholarships.

North America103

United States102

Central America6

Honduras1

Europe11

Asia3

Oceania3

Acceptances earned by Equity graduates over the years, as displayed at the school. The list is not exhaustive.

Come experience Equity.

The best way to understand a small school is to walk through it. We would be glad to show you around — before or after you apply.

Schedule a VisitApply Online