UPPER DIVISION
The Upper Division at Garden School encompasses grades 7 to 12.
Upper Division classes are small, averaging 15 students, yet it is not only our small class size that defines Garden, but also the atmosphere within those classes. Middle and high school classes provide students the opportunity for interpersonal relationships with their teachers, as well as individual attention and mentoring. These things lead to meaningful educational experiences.
Our academic plan for students includes study of the five major academic disciplines—English, social studies/history, mathematics, science, and world language. Starting in grade 9, students are part of our detailed and targeted college planning program. Through the years, students follow a Upper Division Curriculum that prepares them for the college application process.
Having said this, there is more to life than academics at Garden School. Periods are set aside each afternoon for supplementary help in every subject. Clubs tap into our students’ desire for socialization opportunities over shared interests. Our athletic program is exciting, vibrant, and important to many of our students, with three seasons of varsity and junior varsity sports and participation in the Girls’ and the Boys’ Independent School Athletic League.
Upon graduation, Garden School students are ready to move out into the world as caring, knowledgeable people.
If you want to learn more, take a look at the complete Griffin Experience below.
Upper Division Highlights
- Accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)
- Small class sizes of 12 or fewer
- Vertical curriculum design for academic continuity through Grade 12
- College counseling with 99%+ acceptance
- 6 Advanced Placement courses
- Choice of 2 world languages, French or Spanish
- Choice of high school elective courses
- International and domestic travel program, with past destinations including England, France, Ireland, Italy, Peru, Senegal, Cuba, and more…
- Robotics & 3-D printing
- Model U.N. & debate teams
- 7 interscholastic varsity sports for boys & girls
- Student Council, Yearbook, Key Club, and more
- Leadership and community service opportunities
- Full-time Registered Nurse
- Hot lunch available daily along with vegetarian options and a soup + salad bar
- Garden School buses offering door-to-door transportation
Grades 7 and 8
- Preparation for the transition to Garden School’s high school program
- Daily contact with Middle School Dean
- Departmentalized classes with specialists in core subjects
- Daily academic classes-English, history/social studies, mathematics, science and language
- Extensive Writing Program
- Science laboratory for Life Science and Physical Science
- Physical education twice per week in gymnasium with specialized teachers
- Music and Movement semester with classes twice per week
- Full studio art curriculum with classes taught twice per week in brand new art spaces
- ISAL competition in soccer, volleyball, basketball, and more
- Full club program
- International + Nantucket trip offerings each year
Grades 9–12
- Rigorous curriculum, clubs and activities
- Departmentalized classes with specialists in all core subjects
- Extensive Electives for grades 7 –12
- Writing + Math labs offered to HS students
- Spanish, Mandarin or French taught daily
- Physical education + fitness courses taught by specialized teachers
- New fitness center used by teams and fitness students daily
- Brand new art spaces with courses in Renaissance, Impressionism and Portfolio Art
- Classroom computers, laptops and computer center
- ISAL competition in soccer, volleyball, basketball, and more
- Full club program
- Three seasons of varsity sports
- International + Nantucket trip offerings each year
Garden School’s educational philosophy stresses learning for learning’s sake. Our students are taught that no one can know everything but that they have the ability and teacher support to learn anything, be it on their own, as part of a team project, or as a contributor to their class, grade, or the school as a whole.