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. Additionally, all students engage in 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. Students new to the Upper School take Foundations, a course that teaches the basics of social justice education and executive functioning skills for academic success. The Senior Project is then designed to be the culmination of academic experiences and is a genuine opportunity for seniors to merge their various interests, passions, and curiosities with their academic lives while demonstrating autonomy and critical analysis skills.

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. They also feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as they guide younger peers and build community within the school.

Learner-Centered Education in the Upper School

Each student’s experience here is different. Students take an active role in planning their coursework, ensuring a personalized experience in their core classes and electives. Opportunities for individualized learning engage students as they develop a sense of identity as learners, people, and citizens. The Exploration course seeks to build research and writing skills as students explore an area about which they are passionate. It also allows students to engage in a personalized experience that reaches the world outside of 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 23-24