Academic Requirements
Academic Expectations that Set the Standard
Manlius Pebble Hill School sets the academic pace for high school education in Central New York. Our Upper School program is intentionally rigorous, thoughtfully designed, and highly personalized—ensuring that students are both challenged and supported as they prepare for selective colleges and meaningful futures. MPH students are expected to pursue depth, breadth, and excellence in their coursework, developing the habits of mind and intellectual confidence that distinguish top scholars.
Students enroll in a minimum of six academic courses each semester, creating a full, demanding schedule that emphasizes critical thinking, writing, quantitative reasoning, and interdisciplinary learning. With a wide range of advanced courses and distinctive electives, students design programs that stretch their abilities, ignite curiosity, and prepare them to compete—and succeed—at the highest academic levels. The result is a culture where academic ambition is not the exception, but the norm.
Our curriculum moves beyond traditional checklists. MPH’s Advanced Studies courses and seminar-style classes demand analysis, discussion, and original work, positioning students to stand out in the college admission process and to thrive once they arrive. Faculty know each student well and help them build schedules that reflect both challenge and balance, ensuring that rigor is matched with purpose.
Graduation Requirements
Academic credit toward graduation begins in 9th grade—even for students who enter Upper School already advanced in mathematics or world languages. To earn an MPH diploma, students complete a minimum of 28 credits, reflecting a comprehensive and college-preparatory course of study across the liberal arts and sciences.
These expectations are not simply requirements—they are a framework for excellence. MPH graduates leave with strong transcripts, exceptional preparation, and the confidence that comes from having met one of the most rigorous and respected academic programs in the region.
This is why our students stand out!
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To earn an MPH diploma, students complete a minimum of 28 credits
