Upper School
Upper School (Grades 9th-12th)
Where Intellectual Curiosity Meets Real World Impact
The Upper School at Khan Lab School represents a bold reimagining of high school education, where students don't just prepare for college – they discover their passions, develop deep understanding, and learn to make meaningful impact. Through our innovative mastery-based approach, students take ownership of their learning journey while building the skills, knowledge, and character essential for success in college and beyond.
Our Approach
- Mastery-Based Learning: Rather than traditional letter grades, students progress based on demonstrated mastery of clearly defined competencies. This ensures deep understanding and allows students to move at their optimal pace.
- Student Agency: Students take an active role in designing their learning experience, with opportunities to pursue independent studies, dual enrollment courses, and specialized projects.
- Real-World Impact: Through our Applied Learning Program, students engage in meaningful projects that connect their academic work to real community challenges.
Academic Program
Our rigorous college preparatory curriculum exceeds UC/CSU requirements while offering flexibility for students to pursue their interests:
Core Academics: Comprehensive coursework in English, Mathematics, Science, History, World Languages, Art, and Computer Science
Dual Enrollment: Khan Lab School partners with Foothill College to offer several dual enrollment courses on our campus. Students also have the opportunity to take
classes on the Foothill campus when it fits their schedule. Students may also enroll in online classes through ASU.
Applied Learning Program: We believe learning does not stop at the classroom door. KLS supports student’s exploration of their passions and their ability to further
develop skills and apply learning within contexts meaningful to them. In our Applied Learning Program, students engage in structured year-long projects they design and carry out
individually or in small groups. Faculty and staff support students in learning how to manage long-term projects, collaborate effectively, and make a meaningful impact on their community.
Each level of the Applied Learning Program (Stepping Stones, Cornerstones, and Capstones) has its own exhibition, which is separate from the school-wide exhibition night.
- Stepping Stones (Grades 9): Projects focused on local and global impact
- Cornerstones (Grades 10-11): Student-designed independent projects
- Senior Capstone: Year-long individual project synthesizing students' learning and interests.
Lead a seminar. Teach your peers. Pursue your passions.
“The question of what it means to truly understand material extends beyond memorization or test performance. It involves a nuanced exploration of how knowledge is acquired, retained, and applied.”
-KLS Student
Beyond the Classroom
- Advisory Program: Each student is matched with a faculty advisor who provides academic guidance and social-emotional support
- College Counseling: Comprehensive support for college planning and applications
- Athletics and Arts: Rich opportunities for athletic competition and artistic expression
- Teaching Innovation Lab: Our Teaching Innovation Lab is a unique professional development program offered to both students and teachers. Teachers engage in this program as a part of their position at KLS, and students have the opportunity to get course credit for attending and designing an elective class of their own.
- International Travel: Each year our Upper School students have the opportunity to participate in one international trip, organized by our World Language Coordinator.
The Upper School years at Khan Lab School are a transformative time of discovery, growth, and emerging independence. Through our innovative mastery-based approach and emphasis on real-world impact, students develop both the academic foundation and essential life skills needed for future success. Our graduates leave KLS with more than just exceptional college preparation – they emerge with a clear sense of purpose, the agency to navigate their own path, the ability to collaborate effectively, and the mindset to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields.
What Else Can You Expect?
- Freedom to walk to Castro Street for lunch off campus
- The ability to participate in an internship on Friday afternoon
- The opportunity to teach a class, particularly if you have participated in our Teaching Innovation Lab
- Access to KLS extended day extracurriculars; including robotics, speech and debate, mock trial, and athletics
- Opportunities to partner with exceptional teachers who are experts in their field
- Focused and personalized college counseling support
