ASA’s Upper School curriculum builds on prior studies and skills developed during Lower School. Teachers instill a love of learning and prepare students for lifelong success. A deeper understanding is achieved when the subject matter moves from text to productive classroom conversations. Our teachers often take on the role of facilitator. They guide discussion forums that encourage students to collaborate, debate complex concepts, and analyze topics from multiple perspectives, allowing students to better absorb the material and reach more fruitful conclusions.
During the Upper School years, students apply their increasingly impressive research and performance skills during the annual Third Quarter Presentation (3QP) that, depending on grade level, integrates content from areas such as science and social science, delves into applied science, and contemporary world issues.
Seniors prepare a formal presentation as well as a creative component that focuses on sustainability for their 3QP- referred to as Capstone. Presentations such as these, like musical or artistic study, involve extensive preparation, critique, practice, and performance. The ability to speak publicly and present information in a compelling and organized manner prepares our students for college, conservatory, and beyond.
Upon graduation, ASA students are well-rounded and articulate individuals, incredible thinkers, and outstanding writers. They possess the discipline, study habits, content knowledge, and leadership qualities that enable them to pursue any course of academic study at the university level.
Upper School students may also pursue opportunities to distinguish themselves by earning diploma seals in arts, civics, and biliteracy.
COURSE Catalog – COMING IN AUGUST!
The transition to Upper School life is an exciting and exhilarating time. While we welcome new faces to the Freshman class each year, we also retain a large percentage of ASA veteran students, which only helps to support the strong sense of community within our upper school cohorts. Upper School students pursue a rigorous academic schedule, taking five classes each day. ASA students graduate with a total of 28 credits in both academic and arts studies, which is one of the many factors that distinguish our students during the college search process. Students attend their academic classes in the morning and have arts classes in the afternoon. The lunch period is dedicated to student socialization, academic tutoring, and extracurricular club meetings.
NOTE: FOR YOUR STUDENT’S SPECIFIC SCHEDULE, PLEASE ACCESS BY LOGGING INTO PARENTVUE
