Upper School
The program for sixth, seventh and eighth graders is a carefully balanced blend of required studies and elective courses in a rigorous and intellectually stimulating environment. Social studies remains the core of the curriculum in the Upper School and is integrated with English in homeroom. Art, computer, English Workshop, foreign language, mathematics, and science are departmentalized and offer the students an increasingly individualized program. Each semester, Upper School students also choose a course from an array of electives such as drama, vocal ensemble, film appreciation, rock band, model-building, and community service. Students study music weekly and participate in ensembles ranging from chorus and jazz ensemble to world percussion and West African dance. Individual and small-group instrumental instruction is also offered. Students have physical activity every day and can participate on a variety of interscholastic athletic teams.
Each student's homeroom teacher communicates regularly with parents about their child’s academic and social development. Parents conference with all subject-area teachers twice each year, and progress reports are sent home in winter and spring. Sixth and seventh grade students take the Educational Records Bureau Comprehensive Testing Program Exams each spring and results are shared with parents. Eighth grade students are prepared to take the exams that are required in the high school application process. The Placement Counselor and the Upper School Director work closely with students and their families during this process.
Small classes, individual guidance and demanding instruction prepare our Upper School students to make the transition into high school with confidence.