Upper School

Our curriculum is designed to meet you where you are, with scaffolding to grow into the challenges of college-level work through AP courses, engaging seminars, and independent research opportunities. In small class sizes with expert faculty, you'll develop critical thinking and writing skills that make the freshman year of college feel surprisingly manageable (you're welcome, future you).

Upper School Curriculum

We're aiming higher than just impressive high school transcripts that get kids into top colleges. We're helping you build the academic foundation, ethical compass, and genuine confidence to create a life of meaning. You'll graduate not just with knowledge, but with goodness, lifelong relationships, and the certainty that you belong to a community that believes in your potential to make our world better.

Computer Science

Expert Faculty

Our talented, dedicated, and caring faculty teach more than academic subjects. They challenge, support, and encourage students to stretch and to push themselves more than they thought possible. It is this sincere commitment to student growth, achievement, and enlightenment that is the foundation on which our outstanding Upper School program is built.

Our expert faculty members know and love each student as an individual, helping them discover and nurture the scholar, leader, artist, and athlete in each of them. They also deeply know and love their subject areas, and energize their students with their enthusiasm. Lifelong learners themselves, our teachers delve into extensive professional development opportunities to keep their teaching vital and up to date, and frequently present at local and national conferences.

Profe Gilbert with students reading comics in Spanish

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A Look Inside Upper School - A Sample 11th Grade Schedule

The daily class schedule rotates 8 class periods over even and odd days, with 4 academic periods each day. Students appreciate having only 4 classes to focus on each day, with an extra night for homework if needed, and they're not stuck with the same class after lunch.

7:45 a.m.

Arrival & Faculty Meeting Time

The energy is building. Teachers warmly greet their colleagues and students as Saints arrive at school. Student-teacher meetings, Breakfast Club workouts wrap up, and friend groups congregate.

High school student holding the door for classmates

8:20 a.m.

1st Period

AP US History on even days; AP English Language & Composition on odd days.

Saints are in their classrooms ready to learn.

high school students in an AP history class

9:40 a.m.

2nd Period

AP Chemistry on even days; Advanced 2D Art on odd days

2D art student painting in front of windows

11:00 a.m.

Community Morning Meeting

Clubs/Chapel/Advisory/Class Meeting

This is the block before lunch that provides flexible time for community building. Shown is a Morning Meeting for Upper School students and faculty led by the student body co-presidents. Everyone gathers in CPAC for announcements and amusement. It's a great way to share information and come together.

Student leaders co-presidents on stage passing on gavels

11:20 a.m.

Lunch!

Arguably the best part of the day. Lunch service is included in Upper School tuition making eating lunch together another important part of community building. Hot options, salad and sandwich fixings accommodate the tastes and nutritional needs to our student body.

12:05 p.m.

3rd Period

Advanced PreCalculus on even days; Biology Honors on odd days

Students are engaged, inquisitive, collaborative and motivated. They are creative problem solvers as they propose solutions and test hypotheses.

upper school students working on math problems with a teacher

1:25 p.m.

4th Period

Latin IV Honors even day; Free Period on odd days

Students must include an unscheduled period in their schedule and no more than two. Each ninth grade student is scheduled in a study hall.

high school girls studying together in the library during a free period

2:35 p.m.

STAT | Student Teacher Appointment Time

Students primarily use this time to meet with their teachers to get extra help, make up a test. Some clubs find this regular time useful to augment their regular club meeting times.

3:25 p.m.

Athletics & Extracurriculars

Students in grades 9-12 must complete nine seasons of P.E. and/or sports. Students taking P.E. classes earn one season of credit per quarter. Participation in a major theater production or the robotics program also earns P.E. credits.

Girls soccer team celebrating the goalie

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Featured Signature Programs

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Our Upper School Signature Programs provide students with an opportunity for deeper study and exploration in specific academic areas. Students who complete the requirements for a Certificate are recognized through notation on the final academic transcript, as well as in the program at Commencement. We currently offer Certificates in Fine Arts, STEM, and World Languages.

Ninth Grade Bridge Program

Certificate Programs

Wills Library

The library is an active and vibrant part of the Upper School, designed to foster creativity, curiosity, and competency in our students. The librarian works side by side with departments, classes, and individuals to provide instruction on effectively using and evaluating library resources and to offer current and appropriate curriculum resources. A love of reading is encouraged through student book clubs and our extensive and diverse collection of books, audiobooks and ebooks. Three collaborative study rooms provide spaces for group work, meetings, or online interviews. Students and faculty are welcome to come during their free periods, lunch, and before or after school.

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Additional Practices That Help Our Students Thrive

Advisory

Advisory is fundamental to SSSAS school culture. It's how we make sure every student has an adult who truly has their back.

Each student in the Upper School is assigned to an advisory group which is led by an Upper School faculty member who serves as the advisor. The advisor helps students navigate academic and social dynamics at school and serves as a liaison between the family and the school. The advisor takes a special interest in the lives of their advisees and helps to develop a warm, supportive, and caring advisory group dynamic. The advisor is the contact person for parents who are concerned about their child's academic standing. The advisor is also a contact and advocate for students. If parents have academic concerns, the classroom teacher is the parent's first point of contact; the advisor is second. Parents/guardians are encouraged to call the advisor for general questions and concerns.

The advisory group meets weekly at the Upper School. Advisory sessions may involve unstructured conversations and relationship-building time or can be dedicated toward more focused conversations related to school initiatives (e.g., Digital Citizenship, Study Strategies, etc.). Several times each semester,
the advisory group will engage with our dialogue advisory program in partnership with another advisory group. During the dialogue advisory session, students learn the important dialogue skills of listening, speaking, responding, and reflecting, which are essential transferable skills that will help students navigate a complex and changing world.

Academic Honors and Achievement

Academic Honors of Head's List are award to at the end of each semester, to students with an A average of 93 and above and with no course grade lower than a B+ (87). Students with a B+ average (87) and no course grade lower than a B- (80) will be placed on the Dean's List. At the end of the year, several departments award special recognition to students whose work has been particularly distinguished. The valedictorian and salutatorian honors are awarded to the highest academic ranking members of the graduating class. According to SSSAS school policy, class rank is not published or provided.

The Cum Laude Society is a national organization for recognition of high academic achievement. Selection is based
on the top 10% for juniors, and the top 20% for seniors. Students will have demonstrated good character, honor, and integrity in all aspects of their school life; honor and disciplinary violations are typically disqualifying. Students are elected to the society by the faculty members of the SSSAS Cum Laude chapter.

Additionally, each year, numerous Saints are recognized with National Merit Scholar awards.

Academic Center

The Academic Center provides support to all students, including students with mild to moderate learning needs, in order to help them become more effective learners and successful self-advocates. Students may receive support by appointment or enrolling in the Academic Center class. In the Academic Center, assistance may be provided with:

Organization, planning, and time management
Study and research skills
Implementing a strategic approach to reading comprehension and writing assignments
Assisting with setting up teacher meetings
Monitoring anxiety related to academics

In addition to supporting students, the learning specialists collaborate with teachers/advisors and partner with parents in our community.

Athletics

Grounded in traditions of growth and excellence, the St. Stephen's and St. Agnes Athletic Department seeks to provide a competitive and supportive atmosphere in which our student-athletes can thrive and flourish. With 24 sports, 74 teams, and more than 100 dedicated coaches and professionals, there is a place for everyone to find a passion and represent the Saints on a playing field, court, or track. St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School is proud to belong to two regionally competitive athletic conferences.

The boys compete in the Interstate Athletic Conference (I.A.C.) and the girls in the Independent School League (I.S.L). In addition, we are a member of the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association (VISAA).These leagues are strong and balanced, and offer the opportunity to compete against other schools that are similar in size as well as in athletic and academic philosophy. Approximately 30-35 students per class (one quarter) pursue their sport at the collegiate level.

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Chapel

CHAPEL provides weekly services for our community, fostering awareness of the role of religion and spirituality in our own lives and in the wider society, and inspiring us to reflect on our personal values. Students participate by helping plan and lead services and by sharing their musical and other talents. Chapel offers an inclusive message of God’s love for all people regardless of race or creed, and we say prayers for the world, the nation, and our local communities.

College Counseling

The mission of the College Office is to support all students and families throughout the journey of finding, applying and enrolling in college. We believe that every student, regardless of circumstance, should have the support to make informed choices about their college plans. Through individual conversations, extensive programming, and personalized connections, we listen to understand each student and their goals, and to help cultivate a list of schools where they feel they will belong. We serve as their advocates and allies during the process, and provide guidance in understanding the diversity of options available. Each year, the College Office hosts several information sessions for students and parents at
grade appropriate levels.

College Counseling programming which begins in eighth grade, one-on-one discussions, and personalized connections, the SSSAS college counseling program supports every student and their family through the journey of selecting, applying to, and enrolling in college. With more than 50 years combined experience, our expert counselors are happy to share all we know face-to-face, in monthly newsletters, and through information nights, coffees, and videos on topics from standardized testing to financial aid, athletic recruiting to ROTC. We keep abreast of the changing admissions landscape, and we have wonderful relationships with colleges and universities, who know and think highly of SSSAS graduates. Over 150 college representatives visit us in a typical year to get to know our students and our school.

Our students enroll in colleges and programs as excellent and diverse as they are—from major research universities to liberal arts colleges, service academies to art and music schools, around the country and around the world.

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Extracurricular Programs & Clubs

A variety of extracurricular activities designed to promote student leadership are made available to students each year. These include Student Council, the Honor and Disciplinary Board, Athletic Council, Arts Council, Social Entrepreneurship, The Voice (newspaper), Traditions (yearbook), and Fire & Stones (literary magazine). Representatives to the Student Council and the Honor and Disciplinary Board are elected by the student body. Editors of the publications are chosen by the faculty sponsors; all students are welcome and encouraged to contribute.

There are more than 50 student-led clubs at our school, which demonstrate a wide range of students’ passions. The Upper School Clubs cover a wide variety of interests including Animal Wellness, Environmental Stewardship, Games, Languages, Finance, Science, Service, Sports, Social Awareness, Technology, Visual and Performing Arts, and Writing.

Events and efforts sponsored by these organizations and clubs are many and varied including: dances and pep rallies, student-faculty games, weekly discussions of multicultural issues, stream and park cleanups, after-school volunteering, tutoring, service days, Thanksgiving and Saints Mission Day, Stage One Showcase, Coffeehouses, the fall play and the winter musical, Evening of the Arts, and Celebration of Cultures Night.

Student groups and clubs also raise money for organizations that support children in Honduras, prevent and treat breast cancer, and protect the South American rainforest to name a few.

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Honor System

At St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School, emphasis is placed not only upon physical and intellectual development, but also upon the development of personal integrity, self-discipline, and dignity through the Honor System, which governs all interactions within the school community. At the heart of the Honor System is the Honor Code. This common commitment promotes an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect, which is vital to the school's pursuit of intellectual and spiritual growth. By adhering to the Code, students learn the value of honorable conduct and reap the benefits of living among honorable individuals.

THE HONOR CODE: As a member of the St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School community, I pledge that I will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do.

The Honor Code is rooted in the conviction that all students must assume responsibility for their own actions, even those beyond the stated requirements of the pledge. Therefore, it is taken for granted that a sense of personal honor will direct a student's conduct in all aspects of school life, including the appropriate, ethical use of technology. Students, faculty, and administrators are required to abide by this pledge. The Upper School Honor and Disciplinary Board is comprised of student leaders and faculty members to assist with evaluating violations and disciplinary decisions.

Upholding the Honor Code is central to our school's life. Therefore, community members should not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing. An Honor Code such as ours requires each community member, at some time, to wrestle with his or her conscience. It is in the difficult task of confronting and reporting offenses that the code will have a life.

Mental Health & Wellness

A new integrated wellness center at the Upper School provides a space for students to relax and unwind and while being supported by our mental health counselors and faculty from our health services department. Here we tend to the specific needs and well-being of high school students.

Chaplains are also available to all members of the school community who wish to talk about ethical or spiritual issues or personal relationships.

Additionally, students enjoy movement-based wellness classes such as strength and conditioning and outdoor recreation, as well as traditional classroom offerings such as the Health and Sexuality classes, which encourage the exploration of attitudes, beliefs, and values. A Living Well class reinforces the skills necessary to improve or maintain optimal health and well-being.

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Ninth Grade Bridge

Our six-week Freshmen Bridge program is designed to welcome all incoming 9th graders into the Upper School community and set them up for a confident, connected start. Through a thoughtful mix of activities led by faculty, administrators, and trained Senior Leaders, students build friendships, develop a sense of belonging, and learn what it means to be part of the US community.

Highlights of the program include:

Community Building: Freshmen share meals together daily, rotating table assignments weekly to encourage new connections. Conversation starters and structured activities help every student feel included.
Leadership & Mentorship: Senior Leaders work alongside faculty to guide 9th graders through the transition to high school, modeling the values of our community.
Bonding Opportunities: From outdoor activities during lunch to a full day of team-building at Bretton Woods, students strengthen relationships with classmates outside the classroom.

By the end of Freshmen Bridge, students have not only learned the expectations of the Upper School, but also gained a foundation of friendships, confidence, and support to carry with them throughout their high school years.

Traditions

TRADITIONS in the Saints community generally fall into 3 categories - religious, athletic and community/spirit building. Here are few favorites from our Upper School Saints: Fun Friday, Shrine Mont trip, Senior Chapel Talks, Sleepy Thompson basketball tournament, Fall play, all-school Thanksgiving service, Colloquium for the Common Good, Red & Green team competitions, student/faculty basketball game, Christmas carol serenade, homecoming football game and dance, Winter musical, Kaleidoscope Concert, WinFo dance, Seminary Hill Cup competitions, senior privileges, coffeehouse performances, Winter chorus concert, spirit weeks, morning meeting, Black History celebration, Advent chapel, Lessons & Carols chapel, and more. We like to have fun so there is room to add a new spin to our traditions.

Senior Project

THE SENIOR PROJECT, a requirement for graduation, is an individual adventure, usually pursued the week before graduation, designed to help seniors discover more about themselves and their specific interests. Each project falls under one of the following strands:

Career Exploration, in which students receive hands-on experience in a field of their choice.
Service Learning, in which students develop and implement their own service plan to address real needs in their community.
Masterworks, in which students create a project that demonstrates mastery of a specific skill or field.
Capstone, in which students pursue a specific academic interest culminating in a peer-reviewed paper.

Examples of past projects include internships with judges, ad agencies, and local companies; compositions of symphonies and novellas; environmental research in national parks and wildlife preserves; and aid and assistance at local homeless shelters. The Senior Project offers a wonderful opportunity for seniors to accomplish something independently driven, particularly personal, and, consequently, particularly meaningful.