Transition to Upper School Please click on topics below to see related
information Upper School Administrative Structure
US Goals
Academic Program Overview
The daily schedule for the US?
In the US, courses typically meet on a 3-1 modified block schedule. Most full credit courses meet 3 days per week for 45 minutes and an additional day for an hour and thirty-five minutes.
In addition, the US utilizes a 5-day rotating schedule, such that classes occur at different times during the week. For a more detailed view of the daily schedule,
click here.
The typical Freshman schedule?
There are five required courses for Freshman: World Literature I, World History I, World Arts I, Biology, Physical Education/Health.
In addition students are required to take a Mathematics course and a World Languages course. For both of these disciplines, students will be placed in their appropriate course.
Beyond these courses, students have the opportunity to enroll in elective courses in the Arts and Computer Science programs. For a more detailed view of a typical schedule,
click here.
Academic Policies and Procedures
A minimum of 21 credits
is required for graduation; however, most students will complete 25 or more
credits during their four years in the Upper School. Students must also
fulfill departmental requirements. Students are required to take a minimum of 5 credits each trimester, unless
they qualify for one of the exceptions listed below. Required Physical
Education and Wellness courses do not count towards this total.
Exceptions:
For a more detailed information, click here to see the 2006-2007 Upper School Course Catalog. The Course Catalog for next year will be posted by early March. Homework Policy
A “normal homework
assignment” should be thought of as an assignment that takes a “B+” student
in a regular section approximately: 9th and 10th Graders: 20 - 30 minutes in a Regular course. 9th and 10th Graders: 30 - 40 minutes in an Honors course. 11th and 12th Graders: 30 minutes in a Regular course. 11th and 12th Graders: 30 - 40 minutes in an Honors course. 11th and 12th Graders: 45 minutes in an Advanced course For a more detailed information, click here. Academic support from teachers
As in the Middle School,
teachers prepare lessons that challenge and guide students. Homework is
aimed to be a learning experience that enhances the student’s understanding.
If a student has a course related question that was not answered in class,
the students can, and should, see the teacher for extra help. Working in
extra help enables the student to develop a better understanding of the
material and helps the teacher to better understand how the student learns.
How will students be supported in selecting courses for Grade 9?
The Course Registration Process
A course registration
process is in place that should help to answer questions and guide students
and parents in requesting courses that support the interests and learning
style of each student. For more information see: - Course Registration Process Timeline (Updated for Spring of 2007) - Course Registration Checklist (Updated for Spring of 2007) - 0607 Course Bulletin for Rising 9's (This link will be updated once the Course Catalog is completed in March.) How will students be supported in selecting courses for Grades 10-12?
A process is in place
where students are directly supported by advisors and teachers in making
good choices in requesting courses for the subsequent year. The goal is for
the student to have a challenging, yet manageable year considering their
academic, extracurricular, and personal goals. The Assistant Head of Upper
School and College Counselors also support students and parents through this
process.
When do we get guidance about college?
This process starts in
Grade 9 with students doing well academically, developing interests in a few
extracurricular activities, and participating in service opportunities.
Students should also reflect on how to best use the summer holiday. More
formally, there are programs which begin in the sophomore year and continue
through graduation. For more information,
click here.
Counseling & Advisory Program
US Counseling
The goal of Counseling Services at Cary Academy is to support the school’s
mission to educate the whole child by focusing on the social and emotional
development of students. In particular, School Counselors are available to
assist students for whom social and emotional issues are affecting the learning
process or general development. Counseling is provided individually or in
groups. School Counselors are also available as a resource for parents,
providing guidance on issues related to adolescent development, parenting, and
the student’s school experience. When students or families require support that
extends beyond the means of Cary Academy staff, or when parents request it, the
School Counselors provide parents with referral information regarding
professional services in the community. For more information,
click here.
What happens in advisory?
Advisory is
a time for one teacher and a small group of students to get to know each other
with the goal of mutual support and friendship. They may do structured
activities which help students develop social skills, communication skills, etc.
They might also talk about topics of current interest or related to lectures or
readings. It is also a time during which the advisor may work one on one with
students to plan their courses, discuss grades or work to develop strategies for
improving grades. How do advisors support a student’s academic and social development?
By being
available to their advisees and knowing all aspects of those individuals and by
participating in the activities above. What is the Big Brother/Big Sister program?
The Big Brother/ Big Sister Program
is aimed to assist Middle School students in the transition to Upper School.
Similarly, to build school
spirit and develop supportive relationships between rising 9th
grade students and current Upper School students. The
The Big Brother/ Big Sister Program started
last winter.
When are the class trips?
Trips take place in early September. More information will be shared during
Freshman Orientation in August.
School Life
What sports are there?
There are twenty Varsity sports and nine Junior Varsity sports in the Upper
School. For more information, click here.
How do students sign up for sports?
Sign up sheets will be available for Rising 9’s at end of year. For more information, click here.
What sort of club options are there?
There are approximately forty clubs in the Upper School. For more
information, click here.
How do students sign up for clubs?
There is a club fair at the start of the school year for club signup. For more information, click here.
What other social activities are there?
To support the interests of the current students the wide range of activities in
the Upper School changes each year. Some of the fun and exciting events have
been class trips, the fall tailgate night, homecoming, X-factor, service
learning, dances, ski trips, a trip to Italy, Science Olympiad, Quiz Bowl,
debate trips, and prom. How
do I learn more about the Upper School?
Please explore the
US website to learn about the wide range of academic opportunities,
activities, and events in the Upper School. You will also find important
information regarding policies and procedures that will be a great resource for
you. Further, more information about the Upper School will follow at Freshman
Orientation in August for both parents and students. At that time, a Freshman
Orientation Guide will be given to grade 9 students. |