Upper School

At Making Waves Academy, Upper School is where students deepen their academic skills, explore their interested, and prepare for college, career and life

Academics

Our academic program is designed to ensure all students meet, and exceed, college readiness standards. 

Key Highlights

  • A-G aligned curriculum (UC/CSU eligibility)
  • College-preparatory courses in all core subjects
  • Opportunities for advanced coursework
  • Dedicated academic support and intervention

Academic Subjects

English

Focus on critical reading, analytical writing, and effective communication through four years of English instruction

Courses designed to build strong problem-solving and quantitative reasoning skills through three years of math instruction.

Hands-on, inquiry-based learning across core scientific disciplines through at least two years of laboratory science instruction.

Developing historical thinking, civic awareness, and global perspective through three years of instruction

Courses that allow students to explore interests, including arts, technology, and other enrichment areas

Graduation Requirements

Making Waves Academy (MWA) Upper School offers a comprehensive academic program aligned with California’s Public University Admission Requirements. Below, MWA Graduation Requirements are displayed in comparison to the required and recommended courses for University of California and California State Universities. In order to graduate, students must successfully complete each of the required courses with a grade of “C” or better.

Student Life

Upper School is not just about academics—it’s about finding your place, your voice, and your community.

Club & Activities

Athletics

Team sports that promote teamwork, discipline, and school spirit.

Student Leadership

Opportunities to lead, represent peers, and shape school culture.

Events + Tradition

Dances, spirit weeks, rallies and community events that create lasting memories.

Club + Activities

Students can explore interests, build friendships, and take on leadership roles through a range of student-led clubs.

Building Toward Graduation and Beyond

Everything students experience in Upper School—from academics to extracurriculars—is designed to build the skills and mindset outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate.

Our graduates are: