Every student at the Upper School participates in a carefully designed sequence of signature programs that complement, expand, and strengthen the impact of our academic curriculum. These signature programs support students' learning and assessment, promote their development of identity and community, and encourage their ambition in research and project design.
Every January; All Upper School Students
Intersession represents a 3-week "mini term" between the close of the Fall Semester in December and the start of the Spring Semester in February. Students return from Winter Break to explore topics in depth through immersive 3-week elective classes, internships, and student-designed projects.
Year Long Course; 9-12 Grades; All Upper School Students
Seminar is a required course for each grade level. It takes on a different curriculum for each successive grade level. 9th Grade Seminar focuses on design thinking and identity, and then 10th Grade Seminar explores systems thinking and non-profit organizations, as well as topics in health and wellness. 11th Grade seminar facilitates the Junior Thesis program, and 12th Grade Seminar supports the college process and Senior Internship program.
Potential Curricular Pathways 9-12; Open to all students
Our specialized diploma programs offer pathways for study in Classics, World Languages, Engineering, Visual & Performing Arts, and Sustainability. The requirements for specialized diplomas become increasingly defined in the 11th and 12th grades, guiding elective course selections, Junior Thesis work, and Senior Internship opportunities.
Required of All Students in Grade 11
Building on the foundational skill building of 9th and 10th grade, the Junior Thesis provides students with a mentored opportunity to complete original research in a field of their choice. The program is designed as an opportunity for students to explore and produce college-level work in their field of choice, preparing them for the college process. In partnership with their Thesis Advisor and Thesis Committee, students may elect to pursue an Honors Thesis.
Required of All Students in Grade 12
Following on the research process of the Junior Thesis, the Senior Internship offers students the opportunity to apply their learning within a real-world organization. This year-long program introduces students to organizational dynamics and facilitates their internship with one of our partner organizations in the field of their choice. In teams of 2-4, students work with a mentor to identify a challenge within their organization, and spend the year researching and developing a solution proposal.
Open to students in Grades 10-12
Our Global Academic Programs offer students the opportunity to continue their on-campus research in programs across the country and around the world. Through themed courses, as well as the Thesis and Internship programs, students partner with faculty to develop research opportunities and field work. Students can also propose their own individual travel projects, which the Director of Global Academic Programs will advise and support.
Every November; All students in Grades 9-12
Further advancing the Upper School's mission to facilitate students' "learning how they learn," academic conferences are designed and led by students. Mid-way through the Fall semester, the student meets with their advisor and parents/guardians to exhibit their learning, assess their growth, and set their goals for the rest of the semester and year. Each student's Seminar teacher, as well as their advisor, assist in their development of the conference plan.
The End of Each Academic Year; All Students in Grades 9-12
At the close of the academic year, each student develops a Presentation of Learning, in which they assess their growth in the core Portrait of a Learner Capacities, and exhibit evidence of this growth from all of their classes. In addition, they also work with their advisor to develop new goals going forward. A highlight of the year, students invite friends, family, and faculty members to this event.
Open to All Students, Grades 9-12; Approval Required
For students who have exhausted our curricular opportunities or wish to pursue research in a chosen field, they may propose an Independent Study with a faculty advisor. Independent Studies must match the rigor and commitment of a full, listed course, and they are subject to the approval of the Academic Dean and the Director of College Counseling.