Upper School (Gr. 9-12)
The Upper School Experience
Roycemore's college-preparatory program balances the dichotomy of providing a structured, cohesive, and safe learning environment for students, while also preparing Griffins for the independence that comes after graduation. The Upper School is the final step students take towards meeting the Portrait of a Griffin, enabling them to embody the scholarship, citizenship, and emotional intelligence skills to thrive.
In Roycemore’s Upper School, students are held to high expectations, and faculty utilize small class sizes and research-based strategies to help students achieve success. Although Roycemore is an intentionally small community, it offers a robust range of classes. For example, offerings range from AP Calculus to Society and Jazz, Robotics, Environmental Science, Pottery, and more.
Through the daily Homeroom/Advisory period, students are given access to trusted adults who know them well. This helps in educational spaces where the team knows students well, which can push them to reach high expectations. This also serves students well in the college application process, where the relationship-driven community allows for recommendations that go above and beyond to help students reach their chosen school(s).
College Counseling
Individual College Counseling for Every Student Grades 7-12
From the moment they enter the Upper School, future Roycemore graduates and their families begin the very personal process of planning for college with our College Counselor, who builds a rapport with each student. In consultation with advisors and teachers, our College Counselor offers counseling on the best college choices based on each student’s personality, desires, and academic record.
January Short Term
January Short Term (JST), a long-standing Roycemore tradition, gives Upper School students an opportunity for independent, exploratory study. With guidance from staff and project directors, students spend three weeks researching a topic that is meaningful to them. JST helps students learn to build and apply the knowledge that they find personally enriching.
Schedule
The Upper School follows a unique hybrid schedule allowing several benefits for students. Students learn time management skills through a rotating hybrid schedule as classes do not always meet at the same time. Students at Roycemore are highly involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, and athletics. There is an activities period built into the schedule to allow students to pursue activities that they are interested in with minimal conflict. Students are encouraged to advocate for themselves during office hours which faculty provide before and after school for students to take advantage of for questions or additional support. As an intentionally small school, Roycemore prioritizes flexibility for students based on their interests, needs, and commitments.