Upper School | Gr. 6-8
Our students find their voice, join the conversation, lead, and make change.
With the confidence and skills instilled in our Middle School, Derby students approach their Upper School years with a sense of strength and independence, ready to enjoy learning at the next level.
Students grow as critical thinkers and collaborators who learn the value of strong self-advocacy and organizational skills.
Upper School HighlightS
- Advisory Program
- Secondary School Counseling
- Student Ambassadors
- Pals
- AISNE Diversity Workshop
- Applied Learning Electives -Model UN, Speech and Debate, Journalism, Math Club, Student Council
- Student Affinity Groups
- Winter Term
- GOALS
- Various theater opportunities
- Interscholastic athletics program
Upper School students develop an appreciation of different cultures and a confidence in collaborative problem solving; all essential skills needed to succeed in secondary school and beyond. Extracurricular and co-curricular programs such as public speaking, Model UN, publications, student council, and community service offer students opportunities to build self awareness and pride in their individual potential as learners and citizens.
Our social-emotional curriculum consists of weekly advisory sessions and grade-level class meetings, community morning meetings, outdoor education activities, and mindfulness sessions with the Wellness Collaborative. The variety of activities offers exposure to important themes that help our students develop a strong sense of social responsibility as they learn to negotiate relationships and manage social pressure. With consistent support from team of advisors, teachers, and coaches, Upper School students work to find and use their voice as they're encouraged to discover innovative ways to problem solve and lead with confidence.
Students sharpen their written communication skills through extensive writing challenges in a variety of genres, both in small-group and one-on-one collaborative settings. Enrichment opportunities such as the MathCounts National Math Club, Math Problems of the Week, and the international AMC 8 Mathematics Examination push students intellectually to stretch their thinking and exposes them to higher level applications.
Learn More at the Grade Level
