This is a culture of intellectual and creative ambition
The journey from the start of ninth grade to being ready to head out to college campuses all over the country is one of tremendous growth in intellect, self-knowledge, leadership and clear values at AFS. Ninth graders start Upper School with a sense that they are now in an expanded world of ideas, opportunities and social landscape. We take seriously the idea that younger students should be skillfully guided by adults and older classmates in their first year to find places of meaningful connection, orientation to the high expectations of an ambitious academic program and a chance to be stretched in pursuing new and deepening interests in the classroom, the arts, athletics and countless student activities.
“I could not have been better prepared in being creative, thinking outside the box and "digging deeper." I have been taught to consider myself in a constant state of learning , always open to new ideas and perspectives.”
Over the course of four years in the AFS Upper School, each student:
- Learns how to think, to frame meaningful questions, to surface and challenge assumptions, to see the world unexpectedly illuminated and made more interesting by deeply exploring the terrains of literature, history, the arts, math and sciences with teachers and classmates who really care about learning.
- Becomes a person of significance, a person who matters and who has an impact on the community around them by doing things like sharing original ideas in class, designing a literary magazine, programming for our robotics team and learning to lead challenging discussions of complex social justice issues.
- Grows into a deep sense of self and purpose before heading off to college through having myriad chances to think and reflect about life, relationships and the bigger questions that inspire a sense of what is most important and worthy of one’s hard work and commitment.
In an environment that is marked by deep relationships, honing of skills and capabilities and a focus on building powerful inner motivation, AFS students grow into a wonderful maturity of mind, heart and spirit that makes them hopeful, healthy, engaged and ready to joyfully make the most of the incredible college experiences they pursue upon graduation.
The best way to learn about our Upper School is to come for a visit and tour. We look forward to welcoming you to campus.
Sincerely,
Dominique Gerard
Upper School Director
