NOW ENROLLING 9TH GRADE
Upper School students are ready for the next level of independence, responsibility and decision making. When students are given the opportunity to take action on issues affecting them, they develop self confidence and become more proactive in their learning.
Empowered students are motivated. The students who are motivated to learn have higher achievement, show better understanding of concepts they are taught, and are more satisfied with school. The focus of the Upper School will continue the tradition of teamwork among the school, faculty, staff, and community to build a supportive network.
Upper School will be a personalized experience as students navigate their lives as young adults. It will provide opportunities for growth and increased responsibility. Students will have a balanced approach to academics, enrichments, and connections to the community. They will discover their strengths as they grow and learn and will have a caring school community to support them on their journey.
Upper School classes will maintain the small class sizes Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School currently provides. Opportunities for independent study, online classes, and dual enrollment will be available.
Click Here to see our South Campus Video
Student-Centered Schedule
Our South Campus will be using a modified block schedule. As educators, we are driven by the question of how we can best serve our students. After careful research, consultation and evaluation it was determined that a modified block schedule would best meet the needs of our students.
A block schedule with longer class periods has been proven to lower student stress levels and increase student engagement in classes. A block schedule format also prepares students for their transition to college coursework and schedules.
Educational research and best-practices from top independent school consultants are clear that block schedules improve a student’s learning experience by:
1. Reducing the stressful, frenetic pace of preparing for and transitioning between several classes a day, and
2. Increasing student engagement with more time for project orientation and teacher interaction in all courses.
Reduced stress – A block schedule allows students to prepare for 3 – 4 classes each evening (instead of all 6 or 7 in the current schedule). During the day student stress levels are lowered by fewer interruptions in their learning. Increased engagement – A student attending 3 – 4 academic classes a day (instead of 6 or 7) will benefit from this type of schedule. Projects and labs can be completed in one period instead of several and deeper relationships can be formed in classes with groups spending more concentrated class time together. Students will only be preparing for 3-4 classes each evening, which will lead to greater depth of learning and more opportunities to seek help from teachers before their class meets next.
Additionally, students will have a 50 minute lunch period to allow for time for clubs and collaborative meetings. This reduces the number of after school commitments a student has to juggle during the week. Our Middle and Upper School students’ class day begins at 8:30 am and end at 3:30 pm.
Ninth Grade Class Offerings
- English I: My Perspectives 9
- English I: My Perspectives 9 Advanced
- Biology I: Science and Global Challenges
- Biology I: Science and Global Challenges Advanced
- World History: Enduring Understandings and Modern Applications
- World History: Enduring Understandings and Modern Applications Advanced
- Algebra I: Understanding the World through Math
- Algebra I: Understanding the World through Math Advanced
- Geometry: Geometry in the World
- Geometry: Geometry in the World Advanced
- Spanish I: Spanish Conversation and Culture Level 1
- Spanish II: Spanish Conversation and Culture Level 2
- PE: Individual Sport Development
- (PE: Design Fitness into Your Life) Year Two
- Vocal Ensemble: Being a Soloist Among Soloists
- Advanced Band: Electronic Music Workshop
- Art I: Explorations in Individual Studio Art
Online Computer Classes:
Intro To Computer Science in Javascript