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.

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. 

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:

1. Students may reduce their course load to four (4) credits of major academic courses each trimester if at least two of the four courses are Advanced (ADV) courses.
2. Students who qualify for the Competitive Performance Program (described in CA Student Handbook) may be allowed to reduce their course load to four (4) credits.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

By being available to their advisees and knowing all aspects of those individuals and by participating in the activities above.

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 9^th grade students and current Upper School students.  The The Big Brother/ Big Sister Program started last winter.  

Trips take place in early September. More information will be shared during Freshman Orientation in August.

There are twenty Varsity sports and nine Junior Varsity sports in the Upper School. For more information, click here.

Sign up sheets will be available for Rising 9’s at end of year. For more information, click here.

There are approximately forty clubs in the Upper School.  For more information, click here.

There is a club fair at the start of the school year for club signup. For more information, click here.

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.

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.