Head of School Welcome
A Letter from
Dr. Dan Hickey
Anyone who is paying close attention to today’s educational landscape knows that the game is changing. No longer does conventional wisdom (or modern research) advise that the teacher perch at the front of the class to impart knowledge onto students...
The “sage on the stage” model has given way to methods that promote curiosity, collaboration, engagement, and advanced communication skills, all to craft and hone critical thinking and problem-solving. Upland Country Day School has been ahead of this curve since its founding in 1948. An intimate and personalized classroom environment in a bucolic campus setting, along with a longstanding philosophy of full participation, has fostered the development of these vital skills. Increased emphasis on learning to learn and reaching beyond one’s comfort zone, far more so than memorizing content, will prepare students for an ever-changing world as well as jobs that do not even exist yet.
These are all fine notions that you’ll find on many school websites, but what does this actually look like at Upland? In part, it looks like Bookworms and Junior Great Books, Lower School reading programs that incorporate real books, collaboration, and highly interactive lessons, which lead to engaging and insightful conversations about the text to enhance reading comprehension. Students look to the teacher for questions rather than answers. These programs lay the groundwork for the Harkness Method of Teaching in Upper School, a cornerstone of our highly specialized academic approach.
It also looks like the Kleberg IDEA Center, which exposes all of our students to STEAM and design thinking methodologies, further driving them to become innovative thinkers and creative problem-solvers, all while encouraging experimentation and inspiring a passion for learning.
At Upland, you will find equal parts purpose and joy. You will find a rigorous academic program supported and bolstered by a caring faculty and a culture of collaboration and collegiality among students. You will find an emphasis on character development cultivated in the classroom, on the playing fields, and through service. You will find rich exposure to the arts and creative life. Come see it live by scheduling a visit to our campus. I look forward to welcoming you to Upland!
Warm regards,
Daniel E. Hickey, Ed.D
Head of School
We Don't Do This Alone
Comprised of esteemed alumni, current and past parents as well as community visionaries, Upland Country Day School's Board of Trustees offer a diverse range of perspectives in order to strategically execute the mission and principles of The Upland Way.
William "Bill" W. Wylie, Jr.
President
Ambrose Carr
Board Member
Anthony J. Drexel Cadwalader, '79
Board Member
Pattie Morgan Miller
Board Member
David Harrington
Treasurer
E. Bradford "Brad" DuPont, Jr.
Board Member
Julie Gardner
Board Member
J. Charles Gerbron, Jr., '95
Board Member
Steven Friedemann
Board Member
Mary Pat Fralick
Board Member
Elizabeth Vannote
Board Member
Luke Bowen
Board Member
Phoebe Driscoll Fisher, M.D.
Board Member
Michael C. Goeller
Board Member
David Hoffman, M.D.
Board Member
Rodman Moorhead
Board Member
Mary Jean "MJ" Stenz
Board Member
Peter C. Thayer
Board Member
Nancy Wood
Board Member
What School Should Be
At Upland Country Day School, we believe each student should feel known, loved, and valued. We believe children rise to high expectations and thrive on meaningful challenges. We believe that a quality, private school education should be accessible to all learners. We believe that a great education is the adventure of a lifetime. Learn more:
"From the moment you drive down the tree lined drive, it's like entering a fairy tale. The students are happy to be there. The faculty works together like a family. The school produces well rounded, prepared, and confident young adults. It's amazing."
Explore Our Academic Programming
We believe children rise to our highest expectations, thrive on meaningful challenges, and never deserve anything less. Explore the multidimensional growth experience specifically designed to prepare each student for the future in each of our core schools:
Y9 Experience
(9th Grade)
Developing as role models and leaders for an entire student body.
