The Upper School
(6th - 9th Grade)
Unlock Your Child's Full Potential
At Upland Country Day School's Upper School, we believe in empowering our students to become global citizens who make a positive impact. With highly credentialed teachers and mentors, personalized support, and opportunities for service and partnerships, we provide an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Join us on this transformative journey and unlock your child's full potential to create a better world, together.
Empower your child with supportive community
At UCDS Upper School, we believe that education is not just about academics—it’s about fostering a tightly-knit community where students can thrive. Our passionate and involved school body is dedicated to empowering students through service and partnerships, both locally and globally.
Reach full potential with personalized support
Highly credentialed teachers and individual advisors are always available for extra help sessions, and to work with students to set goals, recommend growth strategies and help them take ownership of learning. Whether you need assistance with a challenging subject or just want some guidance, our dedicated faculty is here to support every step of the way.
Prepare for success in the digital age
In today’s digital world, information literacy and digital citizenship are essential skills for success. Our technology-infused curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and effectively.
Curriculum Enrichment:
Through a diverse range of experiences outside of the traditional classroom, our students have the opportunity to explore their passions and interests. These activities not only foster personal growth and leadership skills but also create a sense of community and belonging, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable educational journey for our students.
Global Citizenship
Global learning through curricular design, travel opportunities and our annual exchange students from Finland.
Advisor Program
Each student is matched with a faculty advisor who works with them to set goals, recommend growth strategies and take ownership of learning.
Arts Program
A comprehensive Arts Program including 2D & 3D visual arts, drama and music.
Experiential Learning
Enriched learning through regular field trips.
Discover a transformational education, where students thrive, at the Upland Country Day School Upper School. Schedule your tour today, and ignite your child’s passion for learning and building a better world.
Our Upper School Curriculum
Our Upper School curriculum takes a multidisciplinary approach including high-quality reading instruction, Singapore math, social learning, community outreach, theatre performances, visual arts, and athletics.
Academics
- English
- Grade 6: Literary Myths & Adventures
- Grade 7: Refugees, Rebels, & Rappers
- Grade 8: Coming of Age, Around the World
- Grade 9: Classics & Conquests
- History
- Grade 6: U.S. History I
- Grade 7: U.S. History II
- Grade 8: World History
- Grade 9: European Studies
- Math
On Grade –
- Grade 6: Math Foundations 1
- Grade 7: Pre-Algebra
- Grade 8: Algebra 1A
- Grade 9: Algebra 1B
Advanced –
- Grade 6: Pre-Algebra
- Grade 7: Algebra 1A
- Grade 8: Algebra 1B
- Grade 9: Geometry
- Science
- Grade 6: U.S. History I
- Grade 7: U.S. History II
- Grade 8: World History
- Grade 9: European Studies
- Foreign Language
Latin –
- Grade 6: Latin 1A
- Grade 7: Latin 1B
- Grade 8: Latin IIA
- Grade 9: Latin IIB
Spanish –
- Grade 6: Upper School Spanish begins in Grade 7
- Grade 7: Spanish 1A
- Grade 8: Spanish 1B
- Grade 9: Spanish 2
- Academic Support
- Available, as designated class, for students who qualify
Arts
- Music
- Grade 6: Early American Music
- Grade 7: 20th Century Music
- Grade 8: World Music
- Grade 9: Music and Social Change
- Visual Arts
- Grade 6: Art Foundations I
- Grade 7: Art Foundations II
- Grade 8: Studio Art I
- Grade 9: Studio Art II
- Theatre
- Grade 6 & 7: One-Act Plays
- Grade 8 & 9: Music Theater
Athletics
- Fall
- Soccer (V/JV)
- Field Hockey (V/JV)
- Boys Varsity Prep and Girls Varsity Prep
- Winter
- Ice Hockey (Coed JV)
- Boys Varsity Prep Ice Hockey
- Girls Varsity Prep Ice Hockey
- Spring
- Boys Lacrosse (V/JV)
- Girls Lacrosse (V/JV)
Attitude
- Advisory Program
- 1-on-1 student to faculty mentor
- Communication Emphasis
- Public speaking & writing
- Collaboration & Leadership Opportunities
- Technology-Infused Curriculum
- 1-on-1 Laptop Program
- Global Citizenship
- Exchange Students & Foreign Travel
my daughter has BLOSSOMED ...
"What a difference a year makes. My daughter started here last year in 8th grade. She has blossomed. Her self-confidence and poise have increased exponentially. The small classrooms and the caring environment was just what she needed to realize she had the abilities to excel in her already. Thank you."
- Dana | Upper School Student Parent
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.
Our Academic Philosophy
We hold the firm belief that children can exceed our highest expectations, flourish when faced with meaningful challenges, and should never settle for anything less. We understand the immense power of fostering a sense of belonging in children. Our academic philosophy permeates the way in which we educate all students at the Upland Country Day School, as well as the environment in which they learn.
The Harkness Method
Discover how Upland Country Day School is turning the traditional teaching model on its head, engaging students in a unique way that develops creative, confident, and articulate learners
The Upland Way
Learn how Upland Country Day School prepares kids for future academic success and life by living by the core values of our school motto – understanding, trust, responsibility.
