Upper School Program
St. Andrew’s teachers work in partnership with Upper School students, Grades 9-12, in a college preparatory program to develop well-rounded individuals.
Students, advisors, teachers, parents, and administrators collaborate throughout the high school years not only on the choice of courses to maximize learning but in order to foster students’ self-awareness, self-confidence, and pursuit of excellence. Communication is an essential component of the Upper School program.
The normal Upper School course load at St. Andrew’s is five year-long academic courses* – English, History, Language, Mathematics, and Science. All students must fulfill the art, religion, physical education, and health requirements.
Students’ work balances academic requirements, including religion, with requirements in the arts, and physical education. Service learning is integrated throughout the curriculum. This approach brings academics to life through experiential learning, and students learn how to apply their academic skills to solving real world problems.
The St. Andrew's program promotes educational excellence in a rigorous and supportive atmosphere that challenges and nurtures students. The courses and activities in the program encourage a work ethic, personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and contributions to the school and the larger community. The Upper School program prepares students for college and for lifelong learning.
* A recommendation will be made to parents for students whose educational background and ability will best be served by a four-course major academic load. The final decision on a four-course load will be made by the Academic Dean after discussions with the student, the student’s parents, and the student’s advisor and teachers. Some ninth graders take a four-course academic load to ease the adjustment to the Upper School curriculum.