Upper School
Think again. And again.
Behind everything we do is a purpose: the fulfillment of potential. The classroom is a culture of thinking. Our inclusion of the 9th grade is with intention.
We look at things differently. We explore the "what ifs." We ask why. Often.
Because knowing why something doesn't work can be just as important as knowing why it does.
Satisfying a thirst for deeper understanding helps our students grow into lifelong learners, doers and achievers.
Upper School Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Summit 8th and 9th graders have the opportunity to take I&E studio where they learn about creating and building their own businesses.
Read the most recent edition of our student produced Eagles' Nest News. Learn more about Summit from current 8th graders.
Environment
Summit's Upper School program is designed to continue the development of well-rounded students. In addition to challenging academic courses in English, world languages, math, science, and social studies, students also participate in a broad range of experiences in athletics and interscholastic sports, the visual and performing arts, technology, and service learning.
Our advisory program guides students' social and emotional development. Students work closely with one staff member who knows them well and serves as their advocate in the larger community.
Culture
Portrait of a Teacher
The faculty of Summit School commit to these characteristics as defining features of our work in serving the needs of our students, their families, our colleagues and the school.
- As an educator striving to develop the full potential of each child, I
- As a lifelong learner committed to professional growth, I
- As a fully engaged member of the Summit community, I
As an educator striving to develop the full potential of each child, I
- Respect, affirm and protect the dignity and worth of all children
- Understand the important stages in child/adolescent development
- Observe children, giving particular attention to the unique qualities of each child and their life experiences, recognizing their backgrounds and identities
- Facilitate and guide, fostering discovery, thinking, creativity and the construction of knowledge
- Teach for deep understanding by designing diverse and culturally responsive curricula organized around meaningful problems, projects, and questions
- Encourage students to form habits of mind as mathematician, scientist, historian, reader, writer, and artist
- Cultivate Summit’s core competencies in all students
- Gauge students’ understanding through multiple forms of progress-oriented and authentic assessment
- Honor children as citizens, encouraging them to participate in a democratic society
As a lifelong learner committed to professional growth, I
- Reflect on the art of teaching and study the science of learning, always seeking to apply what I learn
- Engage in ongoing personal and professional growth, embracing its inherent change
- Study the Progressive Education tradition and apply its evolving principles in my practice: both pedagogical & curricular
- Strive for excellence in my planning and preparation, classroom environment, instruction and professional responsibilities
As a fully engaged member of the Summit community, I
- Embrace inclusivity, diversity and equity as essential facets of the Summit Community
- Demonstrate an attitude of service and flexibility, and use strengths and talents in a variety of ways to benefit the entire school community
- Actively engage parents in partnerships for the good of the child
- Model and uphold Summit’s Code of Conduct
- Participate positively and with joy in the community life of the school
Curriculum
Grades 6-8
Literacy
Students continue to develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. They study mythology, the short story, and classic and contemporary literature. Research projects are often integrated with social studies topics and help students develop their ability to analyze and synthesize information effectively. The process of brainstorming, organizing, drafting, revising, and editing with emphasis on vocabulary from 6+1 Traits of Writing continues across grade levels. Grammar and vocabulary study are included in reading and writing activities.
Mathematics
Mathematics courses in grades 6 and 7 are designed to strengthen fundamental skills needed for Pre-algebra and to develop the ability to think and write algebraically. Pre-algebra experiences in 7th grade lead to either Algebra I in 8th grade or to Algebra IA, the first part of the algebra course that will be completed in 9th grade.
Social Studies
Sixth graders study the Western Hemisphere, with a focus on Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America. In 7th grade, the focus turns to the cultures of the Eastern Hemisphere, highlighted by Ancient Greece, Egypt, and the Middle East, Medieval Europe, and the religions of India and other countries of Asia. In 8th grade, a survey course of U.S. History completes the middle school curriculum.
Science
Science courses are taught in a lab setting and explore scientific principles, use the scientific method, and are based on inquiry models. In 6th grade, the curriculum surveys physical science, earth science, life science, and the systems of the human body. The Earth Science course in 7th grade and Introductory Physical Science in 8th grade build breadth and depth to the foundations laid in 6th grade.
World Languages
Grade 9
Summit 9th graders combine the confidence and independence they have gained in lower grades with an ever-increasing maturity to become the true leaders of our school community. The ninth grade year at Summit introduces students to their first year of high school within an academically challenging, supportive, caring, and encouraging environment that capitalizes on the 9th graders position as the oldest students on our campus.
The Summit 9th grade experience offers honors courses in English, Geometry, Biology, and World History and a variety of course options.
Students may continue French, Spanish, Latin, or Mandarin Chinese, and may opt to take an independent online Earth Science course and/or Art I.
Life/SCALE, a half-credit, required course, includes life skills, leadership opportunities, and a career internship. Life/SCALE also emphasizes new ways of thinking, time management, positive relationships, and increased responsibility for leadership.
Ninth grade experiences develop greater confidence in students, and by year's end produce young adults who are ready to continue developing their talents and academic potential while contributing to their next school environment-wherever that may be. The Summit 9th grade experience builds a foundation for leadership and academic success through:
- Service project leadership
- Honors level classes
- Older student to younger student mentoring
- Executive Council leadership
- Sports Team and Arts Activities leadership roles
- Camp High Rocks community building with classmates
- Small classes with talented teachers and caring mentors
- Student-led conferences
- Daily advisory sessions
- College preparation program including tour of a local college campus and participation in a workshop on the college application process
- High School Portfolio design including suggested goals for 10th, 11th, and 12th grades
- Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory
- Career Internship experience
- Leadership Luncheons with area business and academic leaders.
After School Options
Summit Afterschool strives to engage the whole child with a carefully designed schedule that gives students plenty of time to create, play, move and learn. Experienced staff members supervise all programs and diligently oversee the safety and well being of each child. Students have the chance to experience school with a little less structure and enjoy an extra dose of hands-on indoor/outdoor activities. There is a built-in study time for older students and opportunities for each child to explore and develop his or her own interests. Parents and students can choose from a variety of program options to create the ideal schedule.
Programs
- Beforeschool, 7 to 8 am (Eaglets - 9th Grade)
- Eaglet's Bridge 12:30 to 1:30 pm (Eaglets)
- Early Childhood Afternoon, 1:30-3 pm (Eaglets, JrK and K)
- Early Childhood Full Day, 1:30 to 5:15 pm (Eaglets, JrK and K)
- Lower School Full Day, 3 to 5:15 pm (1st - 5th Grade)
- Three-Thirty Express, 3 to 3:30 pm (Eaglets - 5th Grade)
- Late Stay, 5:15-5:45 pm (Eaglets - 5th Grade)
- Extended Day Program, 3:30 to 5:45 pm (6th - 9th Grade)
Beforeschool, 7 to 8 am (Eaglets - 9th Grade)
This program is designed to give students a positive start to the school day. The instructor is sensitive to the individual needs of younger and older students as they make the morning transition from home to school. The program is a relaxing place to make new friends, catch up on homework and enjoy the quiet activities. Students are dismissed or escorted to their classrooms at 8 am. Students will be grouped according to grade for this program.
*Eaglets are students enrolled in our 3 year old program
Bathroom policy. All students enrolled in Afterschool must be potty trained. We request that children come to school in underwear – no diapers or pull-ups. If a child needs to be changed while at school, a parent or guardian may be asked to come to school to do so.
Eaglet's Bridge 12:30 to 1:30 pm (Eaglets)
This hour-long program is designed to bridge the 12:30 pm Eaglet dismissal until 1:30 pm. This allows Eaglets to be picked up with JrK and K siblings. It also connects Eaglets with the extended Afterschool day. Children are supervised by the same teacher each day.
Bathroom policy. All students enrolled in Afterschool must be potty trained. We request that children come to school in underwear – no diapers or pull-ups. If a child needs to be changed while at school, a parent or guardian may be asked to come to school to do so.
Early Childhood Afternoon, 1:30-3 pm (Eaglets, JrK and K)
Eaglets, Junior Kindergarten, and Kindergarten students will stay with their grade-level peers during this 90 minute program. Children socialize and work together as they build, create, relax, and play. This early afternoon program ends with a play period on the front playground followed by dismissal at 3 pm. All Eaglets have a rest time on mats during the second half of this program.
To enroll in this program Eaglets should also register for Eaglet’s Bridge.
Early Childhood Full Day, 1:30 to 5:15 pm (Eaglets, JrK and K)
This option includes the features of our Early Childhood Afternoon program and continues until the end of the day. Eaglets, Junior Kindergarten, and Kindergarten students will remain in their grade-level groups. Children socialize and work together as they build, create, relax, and play. They also spend time enjoying the front playground including the music station and sand boxes. All Eaglets have a rest time. At 3 pm, these children enjoy a story time before splitting up into teacher-led activity groups including art, outdoor exploration and games. The program ends with more time on the playground or in the gym.
To enroll in this program Eaglets should also register for Eaglet’s Bridge.
Lower School Full Day, 3 to 5:15 pm (1st - 5th Grade)
At the 3pm dismissal, 1st-5th Graders stay with their grade-level groups for indoor/outdoor play and snack. Our 2nd-5th graders have a 30-minute study time before splitting up into activity groups led by Afterschool teachers focusing on tinkering, outdoor exploration, and games/sports. The program ends with more time on the playground or in the gym. At the end of the week, students enjoy Fun Friday with special events and no study time.
Three-Thirty Express, 3 to 3:30 pm (Eaglets - 5th Grade)
This program is designed to supervise Lower School students until the Upper School dismissal time. The Three-Thirty Express is a helpful service to parents who prefer one pick-up time for Lower and Upper School students. At 3 pm, children gather in a designated room to relax, socialize or work on homework. At 3:30 pm, our Three-Thirty Express teacher supervises their dismissal. Eaglets, JrK and K students are eligible for this program, but rather than moving them to the Three-Thirty Express room, they remain with their Afternoon group until the 3:30 dismissal.
Late Stay, 5:15-5:45 pm (Eaglets - 5th Grade)
Extended Day Program, 3:30 to 5:45 pm (6th - 9th Grade)
This is a supervised drop-in Afterschool program for Upper School students who are not involved in athletics or other school-sponsored activities. At dismissal time, students report to the Dining Hall for check-in and snack. Students have plenty of time to study, socialize and engage in outdoor activities under the supervision of the Afterschool Extended Day teacher. This is the perfect place for athletes on seasonal break or students waiting for a late ride home. Students can join this program throughout the afternoon as clubs and sports come to an end. Parents can sign-out students by calling the main Afterschool room.