Grades 9-12

Holistic challenge in the Upper School yields the resilience, independence, and character that help boys become good men.

Welcoming challenge as an opportunity to grow is the first step in each boy achieving his vast potential.

Our Teacher-Coach-Mentors guide students through a rigorous curriculum in Forms III–VI (Grades 9–12) that prepares them for success in college and in their lives after college graduation. Boys learn to think, solve, and innovate so they gain confidence in their strengths and clarity in the paths their future could hold.

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Curriculum

English

English courses at Landon emphasize creative and critical thinking and encourage students to practice articulating their ideas with passion and clarity.

Courses are crafted to challenge each boy to find his voice and to expand his understanding of the worlds within and beyond him. Students develop analytical skills by reading stories, novels, drama, and poetry, as well as essays and other works of nonfiction. Students write often and practice their craft, approaching it from various perspectives and developing confidence with different modes of expression.

Students take English courses all four years, including a required World Humanities: English Component course that invites critical inquiry into the origins of contemporary intellectual traditions. In Form VI, students take either three senior electives or the yearlong Honors Senior English Seminar.

History

At Landon, we believe firmly in the relevance and importance of Landon’s mission statement and Character Pledge, and that the study of history is enriched by applying the principles of these statements.

Our core program includes a year of U.S. history from the 20th century to the present followed by current global issues, as well as a required World Humanities: History Component course that promotes critical inquiry into the foundations of Western intellectual and artistic culture.

Electives allow students to investigate a range of advanced topics in government, art and architectural history, law, economics, politics, and history. To ensure students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to participate actively in civic life, we require all Upper School boys to complete a civics elective.

Mathematics

Mathematics has the unique privilege to introduce students to a complete and coherent system of deductive reasoning.

This exposure to the precepts of formal logic and valid argument not only benefits students’ development as mathematicians but is part of their more general liberal arts education.

We prepare our students to be successful in their college mathematics courses, but our ultimate goal is to make sure boys graduating from Landon have the wherewithal to effectively use mathematical ideas and methods in the many life endeavors that require them.

All students take at least three years of mathematics through Precalculus, with Honors and Advanced options offered up through multivariate calculus.

Science

Science courses at Landon are designed to foster each boy's inquisitiveness and enthusiasm by building a base of scientific knowledge and skills.

We accomplish this through lectures, discussions, and hands-on learning in both laboratory and field settings.

Landon offers a wide variety of courses so that each student is exposed to the fundamental branches of science at various levels. It is the responsibility of our department to prepare students to be informed global citizens, stewards of the environment, and competent users of technology.

All students take at least three years of science, including two lab science courses. Honors and Advanced options are offered in all core disciplines, along with electives in engineering, forensic science, sports medicine, and more.

World Languages

At Landon, students study Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish, with Honors options beyond level V in all languages.

All students must take at least three years of study in the same language. The goals are to help boys thoroughly understand the structure of the language studied, broaden and enrich their ability to communicate effectively, and become more aware of the world in which they live.

Applied Technology and Innovation

From robotics to computer science, Landon boys practice the skills necessary to solve complex problems using the developing tools of the modern world.

Students are challenged through a series of course offerings on tools such as Python, applied artificial intelligence, and robotics. All courses are centered around creative thinking, active hands-on learning, and advanced exploration.

In addition to direct course offerings, digital citizenship, technology ethics, and educational technology are integrated into the full curriculum at every grade level.

Ethics, Service, and Leadership Program

The goal of Landon’s Ethics, Service, and Leadership Program is to help boys become ethical servant leaders who exemplify our core values.

In Form III, all boys take Foundations, a discussion-based course in which students review and analyze case studies on core values such as kindness, respect, and inclusivity. Form IV includes a mandatory leadership class in which students reflect on and identify their individual strengths and areas for growth as a leader.

The Form VI Ethics, Service, and Leadership Senior Capstone Program takes place in May and provides students opportunities to focus on service projects and/or develop solutions to societal problems in an area of interest to them.

Ethics, Service, and Leadership at Landon

Honors, Advanced, and Independent Study

Honors courses are significantly more rigorous than regular courses, and are offered in all core subjects at all grade levels.

Advanced courses are college-level courses offered primarily in Forms V and VI. All require a teacher recommendation to enroll.

Form VI students can also work with a faculty mentor to undertake one or more trimester-long independent study projects in lieu of a trimester academic course during their senior year. To apply, students submit a detailed description of the intended inquiry and culminating work product, which may be research, project, or performance based.

Arts

In the Upper School, boys pursue excellence in the arts disciplines of their choice.

Students are required to complete two years of arts classes before graduation, but many choose to take more. With 22 courses available in music, theater, and studio art, boys find plenty of opportunity to push their talents to the next level.

Explore the Arts at Landon

Athletics

Every Upper School boy participates in athletics during every season.

We know students benefit greatly from the guidance of our Teacher-Coach-Mentors and from the experience of working with their peers toward a shared goal.

Our program is designed to help boys appreciate the value of a healthy, active lifestyle: whether it’s scoring a goal for our varsity lacrosse team, participating in strength and conditioning workouts, or playing for fun in one of our club sports. In this spirit, Upper School students are required to participate in athletics every season and play two rostered sports each year.

Explore Landon Athletics

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Landon graduates head to college with an invaluable body of knowledge and experiences.

Student-athletes pose for a photo on our second signing day of the school year.

24 student-athletes commit to play college athletics

Twenty-four members of the Class of 2026 committed to play college athletics across our three signing days

athletics

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Landon and Holy Child students connect during a Spanish collaboration

Joint Spanish class sparks interschool connection

Spanish IV Honors students from Landon and Holy Child stepped beyond the classroom walls to connect, collaborate, and create. Their skills were tested as they tackled complex texts and saw their words come to life through AI.

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Peer tutoring builds community through learning

A growing peer tutoring program in the Upper School empowers students to support each other when preparing for tests and understanding challenging material. More than just academic help, it’s building confidence and connection.

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