City Semester is a selective, unique, and interdisciplinary program that immerses 11th Grade students in New York City — with a focus on the Bronx — as both text and classroom. Integrating all disciplines, the program connects academic study with real-world engagement. Students spend at least two days each week in the field, conducting research, interviewing residents, partnering with community organizations, and speaking with policymakers. Rigorous coursework and close collaboration among teachers ensure that learning remains both challenging and relevant. Inspired by founder Felix Adler’s call to “develop individuals who will be competent to change their environment to greater conformity with moral ideals,” City Semester empowers students to think critically, act ethically, and address urban challenges.

English at Fieldston Upper fosters independent readers, writers, and thinkers who approach literature with curiosity and purpose. Grounded in a progressive, student-centered ethos, the curriculum emphasizes close reading, analytical writing, and the continual refinement of ideas. In their English 3 course, 9th Grade students explore universal themes such as family, fate, and heroism through classic and contemporary texts, while in English 4, 10th Graders examine the texts that shape classic American literature. Once students reach 11th Grade, they choose from a wide range of electives — from Poetry and African American Literature to Comedy and Satire, Shakespeare, and the Advanced Senior Seminar — that invite engagement with language, culture, and craft. Across all courses, students read widely, write thoughtfully, and develop the critical and creative tools to understand themselves and the world through literature.

Ethics remains a core discipline at Fieldston Upper, grounded in the School’s Humanist tradition and commitment to moral education. The curriculum weaves together critical inquiry, self reflection, and service learning, encouraging students to connect ideas with experience. Foundational courses such as The Big Questions and Introduction to Community Service strengthen skills in ethical reasoning and as students advance, they select from electives in philosophy, social justice, psychology, comparative religion, civic engagement, and more. A central element of the program, the Community Service Learning Initiative, enables students to apply ethical principles through partnerships with organizations across New York City. Through dialogue, reflection, and giving back, students learn to examine moral issues from multiple perspectives, clarify their value systems, and develop as compassionate global citizens.

History at Fieldston Upper engages students in understanding how people, ideas, and systems across time shape the world. In 9th Grade, Modern World History explores global developments from the 15th to 20th centuries, including empire, colonization, revolution, and decolonization, emphasizing cross-cultural encounters and historical consequences. In 10th Grade, students study American history through themes of freedom, democracy, and civic identity. Upper-level electives for 11th and 12th Graders allow deeper exploration of regions, movements, and social issues, including environmental history, the Middle East, and the intersections of race, gender, and class. Across all grades, students develop research, writing, and analytical skills, engaging with diverse sources, debate, and experiential learning. The program cultivates critical thinking, historical perspective, and civic awareness, preparing students to understand the past and act thoughtfully in the present and future.

Interdisciplinary work is a hallmark of the Fieldston Upper experience, allowing students to explore connections across disciplines. Classes often integrate multiple fields, such as a Spanish course analyzing “Don Quixote,” a math class examining the ethics of gerrymandering, or an Ethics class engaging with historical research. Many electives are co-taught by instructors from different departments, including courses like LP: 12 Albums That Changed the World (history/music), Ethical Issues in Science (science/ethics), and The New Yorker: An Examination of Media and Culture (English/history), with students choosing which department receives credit. These opportunities provide students with a cohesive, connected approach to learning, encouraging intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and the ability to apply knowledge across contexts.

Students at Fieldston Upper have the opportunity to study Spanish, French, Chinese, or Latin, developing the oral, aural, and written proficiency needed to communicate effectively while engaging with the music, literature, and culture of each language. Courses are offered at standard and intensive levels, allowing students to work at a pace suited to their skills, and new students are placed in courses that best match their background. Spanish for Heritage Speakers, for example, supports students with home exposure to the language in attaining and sustaining proficiency. Modern language instruction emphasizes a communicative approach, reinforcing speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while exploring universal themes such as human rights, technology, inclusion, and interpersonal relationships. Opportunities to engage with New York City’s cultural landscape and participate in foreign-language trips abroad further enrich the program, helping students become confident global citizens.

At Fieldston Upper, the Math Department offers College Preparatory and Advanced programs, providing all students with a strong foundation in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and beyond. College Preparatory courses prepare students for senior-year calculus or statistics, while advanced courses integrate algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability, and analysis for a more unified approach. Instruction emphasizes both skill-building and creative problem-solving: in Geometry, students explore deductive proofs alongside dynamic constructions by hand or computer, and in Algebra, Precalculus, and Calculus, they model real-world situations using data, graphing calculators, and technology. Across all levels, students develop confidence, critical reasoning, and the ability to apply mathematical thinking to a wide range of challenges.

The music program offers a wide range of courses and ensembles to suit diverse interests and skill levels. Students can explore music theory, composition, electronic music, or writing music for film, while singers may join Chorus or Advanced Vocal Tech. Instrumentalists with prior experience can participate in ensembles such as High School Orchestra, Chamber Music, Large Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Improvisation, or Percussion Ensemble, performing a variety of styles including classical, jazz, and pop. Students contribute to repertoire selection and often compose or arrange for their groups. Active performer-teachers guide students through collaborative and goal-oriented work, and students showcase their talents in a range of concerts throughout the year, attend performances by guest artists, participate in jazz festivals, and engage in NYSSMA solo and ensemble events.

At Fieldston Upper, P.E. and Athletics foster personal fitness, health, and community responsibility while encouraging lifelong participation in movement and wellness. In the first year, students focus on swimming, CPR and first aid, exercise and nutrition, and health education, developing skills in water safety, strength, emergency response, mindfulness, and wellness. Activities include cooperative games, basketball, table tennis, badminton, ultimate Frisbee, and team handball, emphasizing teamwork, communication, and respect. In 10th Grade and beyond, students can fulfill P.E. requirements through electives such as intramurals, fitness workouts, yoga, tai chi, aerobics, dance, or alternative programs like Ballet Hispanico, rowing, squash, and Alvin Ailey Dance. Athletics are central to student life, with over 65% participating in at least one sport. Teams compete successfully in basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, softball, and volleyball. Facilities include a double gym, fitness center, training rooms, multi-purpose spaces, and a six-lane competition pool, supporting students in building skill, confidence, and a lifelong commitment to health and fitness.

The science program builds a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and physics while developing problem-solving, research, and lab skills. In 9th Grade, students study biology at standard or intensive levels, exploring topics such as biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, human physiology, embryology, evolution, and ecology. Courses emphasize scientific inquiry, data interpretation, collaboration, and clear communication through lab reports, presentations, and discussions. Chemistry and physics follow in subsequent years, with advanced lab courses and a range of electives in 11th and 12th Grade, including Neuroscience, Astronomy, Pharmacology, Immunology, and Ecology. Students can also pursue independent research through the Science Research Program, a two-year course with a summer laboratory component, providing hands-on experience in designing and conducting original investigations.

Theatre and Dance invites students to explore all aspects of performance, both onstage and behind the scenes, welcoming artists of all experience levels. Courses include foundation studies in dance, stagecraft, and theatre, as well as specialized offerings in ballet, hip hop, modern/contemporary dance, choreography, acting, directing, playwriting, technical theatre, and theatre design. Students may pursue a departmental major — such as Theatre, Dance, Theatre and Dance, or Interdisciplinary Arts — or participate in co-curricular opportunities, including the Fall Drama, Spring Musical, Dance Repertory Project, Spring Dance Concert, and student-led productions. Theatre students perform original works, collaborate with professional playwrights, and take leadership roles as directors, stage managers, and designers. Dance students in the Fieldston Dance Company engage with the Repertory Project, learning from and performing works by major choreographers such as Alvin Ailey, Paul Taylor, and Camille A. Brown. Students also benefit from working with visiting artists, attending live performances, and participating in the Theatre and Dance Advisory Board, fostering creativity, collaboration, and a deep engagement with the performing arts.

The visual arts program emphasizes the development of both technical skill and creative insight. In 9th Grade, students take foundation courses in painting and drawing, sculpture, architecture, photography, graphic design, printmaking, ceramics, and film production, building the skills needed to create and analyze art. From 10th Grade onward, students may pursue more intensive study through electives or departmental majors in 2D, 3D, or film production, working up to six hours per week in the studio. The program encourages experimentation, reflection, and mentorship, as older students guide younger peers and all students explore new techniques in a supportive environment. Student work is regularly showcased in the winter and spring arts exhibitions, allowing the community to engage with their creative growth.