The Upper School
The academic program is challenging, engaging, and multi-faceted. Ninth graders study chaos theory in their multi-disciplinary unit on Jurassic Park and construct bead projects in their study of DNA. During their English classes, students gather weekly in classrooms, in halls, and in corners for peer editing of their weekly papers. Discussions in class are lively and range from a feminist reading of Frankenstein to a reflection on the mother/child dynamics in Beloved. Students participate in a variety of classes including 14 AP offerings and other honors level courses.
Some classes in the Upper School are coordinated with St. Paul's School, which sits on the northern part of the campus. Girls and boys may trek up and down the hill to share conversations, rehearse a scene for a play, or plan a social activity. Girls participate in the SPSG choirs and dance ensembles. Some engage in visual arts classes and exhibit their work. Athletes may participate in 14 different sports.
Upper school students also have many opportunities to demonstrate leadership and to expand their interests. The Student Government Association is actively involved in the life of the school and coordinates dances and activities, disseminates information, and works to make changes in the school and to amend the SPSG Student Government Constitution. Students may choose to become members in 20 clubs and organizations and to write for three publications.
There are a variety of off-campus activities. In the fall, ninth graders attend Claggett, the Episcopal Diocesan Center and complete activities to encourage their cohesiveness as a class. Sophomores attend Inner Quest, an outdoor activity filled with canoeing, hiking, climbing, and camping. Juniors take part in a variety of activities that might include information on the college process, explanations of career possibilities, and continued steps toward self-discovery. Seniors complete career-oriented internships.
Each student in the Upper School is required to complete community service, and many discover the joy that is found in working with others and continue their community service activities beyond the required 60 hours. In addition, classes often engage in other outreach activities.
During these years, upper school students discover their talents and pursue their aspirations. Their days are filled with challenges and also with friendships, conversations, self-knowledge, and growth.
Sincerely,
Alice Philips
Head of the Upper School
