Upper School

We know that the middle school years are transformative. Research shows that students in K–8 schools experience greater confidence, better attendance, and stronger academic and social outcomes. At St. Anne’s School, our Upper School students are the leaders of the School—the “big kids,” role models for younger peers, and emerging changemakers in their communities.

Teachers—experts in adolescent development—create an environment where students feel safe to take risks, explore new passions, and stretch academically.

Our program is intentionally designed for ages 10–14: rigorous, yet developmentally appropriate. Through Developmental Designs, our social-emotional framework for Upper School, students learn how to navigate relationships, practice accountability, and develop resilience.

Exploratory learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving are at the core of our curriculum. Students engage in dynamic studies across Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, World Languages and Cultures, Art, Music, Design, and Physical and Health Education. Learning is hands-on, inquiry-driven, and designed to connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications.

Academic excellence and social-emotional growth are inseparable at St. Anne’s School. Through daily advisory, life and leadership skills courses, and an emphasis on reflective practice, students develop not only as learners but also as human beings.

Social Contract Convention

Each fall, Upper School students come together to deliberate and vote on the Ways We Want to Be, a community-wide agreement grounded in the School’s core values. Once finalized, all students sign the Social Contract, committing to uphold these shared expectations throughout the year.

Advisory

Daily small-group meetings provide students with time to set goals, build meaningful connections, and reflect on their growth, all with the guidance of a trusted advisor. Advisors lead age-appropriate discussions on topics such as how to engage in civil discourse, time management, digital citizenship, healthy decision-making, and preparation for high school.

Service Learning

Both school-wide and grade-level initiatives, as well as community partnerships, invite students to engage in meaningful acts of service, fostering empathy, responsibility, and a sense of connection to the world beyond the classroom.

Chapel & Values

Grounded in our Episcopal tradition, Lower and Upper School students gather for monthly chapels that nurture reflection, inclusivity, and student voice.

Our Values of the Heart—Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Kindness—and our Values of the Mind—Critical Thinking, Self-Awareness, Principled Action, and Effective Communicators—guide every aspect of the program.

Upper School is a time when students begin to lead not only themselves but also their community. They serve as Buddies to younger students, lead service initiatives, and represent St. Anne’s School in local and global forums. Leadership is not reserved for a few—it is expected of all.

Whether enacting change through Student Government, holding civil discourse on current events, designing the School’s yearbook, or mentoring peers, students learn that their voice has impact and their choices carry meaning.

Authentic experiences extend learning well past the classroom walls. From outdoor education trips and service-learning excursions to historical site visits and international travel, students connect academic study with lived experience. Upper School students also attend fine arts performances and cultural events, broadening their perspectives through music, theater, and visual arts that spark creativity and inspiration.These opportunities build confidence, broaden perspectives, and prepare students to thrive in diverse settings.