Cursive writing is taught beginning in kindergarten,increasing writing fluency and quality right from the start.

Program Overview

True to its mission, Carolina Day's Upper School embodies all of the best qualities of a college preparatory environment.  Its broad-based curriculum, which includes many advanced placement courses, has been designed to meet the most rigorous college requirements.  A 9-to-1 student/teacher ratio, enhanced by a highly qualified and experienced faculty, intensifies the learning experience while facilitating ongoing, open communication.  

 

Our facility offers spacious classrooms along with a host of state-of-the-art features.  But most important is the Upper School's philosophy of trust, mutual respect, self-discipline, and community service.  By instilling these values in our students, we hope to give their higher education a higher purpose, ensuring their success throughout college and the rest of their lives.


Upper school students enjoy viewing hundreds of student art pieces during an in-school art show.

The upper school program consists of required courses in the major academic areas: English, math, science, foreign language, and history. In addition, all students complete courses in computer, fine arts, physical education, health, and public speaking.


Upper school students perform for a lunch crowd during one of the School's Courtyard Concert events.

 

All students take five academic courses per semester and highly motivated students can choose to take six academic courses. Carolina Day currently offers 18 Advanced Placement courses through which students may earn college credit or advanced standing in college courses. AP courses include U.S. History, European History, Government, Art History, Language & Composition, Literature & Composition, Calculus AB & BC, Physics B & C, French, Spanish, Statistics, Studio Art, Biology, Computer Science, Environmental Science, and Music Theory. We offer 13 science courses, as well as independent study opportunities in both science and the humanities. Advanced courses are also offered in computing and studio art.


Many students give back to the community through service projects, both as part of school clubs or classes as well as independently. Students who accumulate 100 or more hours of service are inducted into the Highlander Society.

 

Carolina Day cultivates active, independent thinkers through a program which enables students to learn to manage their own time and to undertake a wide range of responsible activities on and off campus. By their senior year, most students have off-campus privileges and control the use of their free time. Carolina Day alumni report that this experience helps to give them the self-discipline needed to succeed in college and beyond.

The Faculty

Click here to learn more about the Upper School faculty.

The strength of our Upper School lies in a highly motivated, caring, and qualified teaching staff. Twenty-five faculty members, with an average of 19 years' experience, teach in the Upper School.


Eighteen have master's degrees and all are committed to developing students who will be lifelong learners. Small classes foster individual participation, and our advisor/advisee system enables the school to monitor each student's academic, extracurricular, and social progress.

The Honor System

Carolina Day School seeks to reinforce the values of honesty, integrity, and self-reliance in every student. Our Honor Code serves to remind students of the importance of trust. The system is administered by the Community Honor Council, with representatives from each class, and the Director of Student Life. This group is responsible for dealing with violations and recommending action to the administration. In this and every area of school life, Carolina Day seeks to develop young men and women who will succeed both in school and the community.