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Upper School
Portrait of an Upper School Graduate

I am an individual.
Where I come from, where I am headed, and the path I have chosen make me unique. I know things other people don’t know, and I have the courage to ask questions others haven’t asked. I am proud of the things that make me different from others. I give myself permission to chase the things that challenge my mind and move my heart.

I am part of a whole.
I am an individual, but I am not alone. I am curious about others. I acknowledge that my experience is valid but that it does not tell me everything I need to know about the world. I seek out opportunities to understand the world outside of my experience. I am careful and compassionate, empathetic and effective in my communication, in speaking and listening. I am not just tolerant of difference; I believe the diversity of human experience is its strength.

I know how to think.
I am knowledgeable, literate, and conversant in many subjects. I am proud of the things I know, but I joyfully acknowledge that there is much I don’t know. I am not ashamed of the limitations of my knowledge, because I love learning. I use what I know to learn what I don’t know. I seek to apply and practice concepts and skills in new and original ways, and I am not afraid of failure. I ask questions. I look for patterns and connections among disciplines. Having learned what I’ve learned, I know that I can learn.

I am inclined to action.
I solve problems with courage, ingenuity, resourcefulness, and dedication. I have made a difference in my community and I will continue to make a difference in the communities I join. I will use my education and my individuality to benefit someone other than myself. Because I know myself and I am curious about my world, I will identify an impact only I can make, and I will make it.

Schedule & Advisory

A student-centered approach to learning

Signature Experiences

Time-honored traditions and activities

Course Catalog

An array of engaging, challenging courses across disciplines

Curriculum

Upper School Curriculum Guide

At a Glance


300

students in Upper School

126

courses offered in 2023

15

average Upper School class size

23

independent studies in Spring 2024

 

Upper School students have the unique opportunity to dive into any topic of their choice, guided by an expert faculty mentor.

7

students in each advisory

 

Each group of 7 students is counseled by one academic advisor throughout the school year.

1

senior speech

 

Every PCDS senior works closely with a faculty advisor to develop and deliver an 8 minute speech to the Upper School community.