Upper School

In the lower school years, students explore the fundamentals of social responsibility as they develop empathy and an understanding of identity, diversity, community, justice, and service. These fundamentals are applied on a broader scale in middle school as students extend previous learning to communities beyond their own. At the upper school, students are ready to bring their voice and passion to learn, through action and experiences, how they can be advocates for change as they move into post-secondary citizenship.

Take a peak at our Upper School's Mission in Action!

Social Justice Education in the Upper School

HCS upper school coursework provides the knowledge to support a deep understanding of social justice themes. Teachers work to drive their curriculum through social justice-based essential questions, using social justice-based materials and practices to identify injustice and learn course-aligned content to understand that injustice. All students engage in electives that explore specific areas of social justice as well as a series of mission electives designed to aid students as they bring personal interests and passions to their learning in a way that allows them to engage in social justice work on a personal and global level.

Learner-Centered Education in the Upper School

Active, authentic, and personalized experiences make learning real, engaging students as they develop a sense of identity as learners, people, and citizens. Each student’s experience here is different. Students take an active role in planning their coursework; College and Career focused electives, independent studies, dual enrollment courses, and choice within the core curriculum provide opportunities for individualized learning. Classrooms are responsive to student strengths, interests and needs.

Service-Learning in the Upper School

Through service experiences, students develop activist tools to be effective as socially responsible citizens of the world. Our courses incorporate collaboration, hands-on learning and real-world connections, making education authentic and engaging. These principles form the foundation for using service-learning as an instructional tool to reinforce academic content and skills through action.

Interage Experiences in the Upper School

Through mentorship and leadership experiences, upper school students develop valuable skills and deepen their understanding of subjects. Most Upper School courses are designed for interage work. Students also feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as they guide younger peers and build community within the K-12 school.

College and Career Department

Upper School students can explore their interests through dual-enrollment courses and independent studies. Through our partnerships with local universities, they can earn college credit while still in Upper School.

HCS School Profile 24-25

College Acceptances