Upper School

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome!  Our Upper School thrives on the energy and enthusiasm of our students and faculty, engaged together in the joyful pursuit of learning. Education is largely a social and interactive experience as well as an intellectual one, and through our strong student/teacher relationships we provide a vigorous and rigorous academic program. Preparing our students for their future requires our teachers to be actively looking ahead.

In the ninth and tenth grades, students study a core curriculum that solidifies skills through the analysis and appreciation of classic literature, the understanding of critical trends in world history, and process writing in both fields that enables students to make arguments and express them with coherence and grace.  In mathematics and science we strive to help students better understand the place of data and data analysis in the world. These courses ground students in basic concepts by looking at relevant uses of mathematics and a focus on experimentation and the methods of science. Offerings in foreign language study within the performing and visual arts further establish an appreciation for the rewards of learning.

After completing their two year core, students can choose from a wide array of elective courses. These courses reflect the diverse passions of our faculty and our commitment to relevant and deep learning. Offered in all departments, students are asked to create, with lots of advice, a series of courses that allows them to pursue their interests within the bounds of the best overall college preparation available. 

The academic experience, central to the purpose of the school, must be complemented by a lively, creative, and dynamic co-curricular program in order to provide a complete education. In fact, students can only work to their fullest capacity when they are allowed to pursue activity outside the classroom and stimulate other parts of their minds and souls. A healthy, positive and deep connection to their school is what maximizes their achievement, garnered by the support of the adults around them and the friendship and love of their peers.

Here in the Upper School students will find more than 20 athletic teams and other health/fitness programs; several major publications (including a foreign-language literary magazine); 40 clubs (some that have been in existence for 30 years, some that change with student interest); and myriad artistic, theatre and music opportunities that cater to the multiple talents of our students and teachers.

I hope that you will look for greater explanation of the courses and activities that we offer. I also hope that you will come and see for yourself the excitement that exists in the Upper School.

All the best,

Kim Lalli
Upper School Principal
Email: lallik@d-e.org