Look at the Upper School students and you will have a quick measure of its program. The students' eagerness, interests, curiosity, smiles and relationships fill the hallways and classrooms with energy. Look at our graduates on Commencement Day; you will see confident, enthusiastic students that make us very proud.
A rich intellectual life is the priority at Peck. Each student takes a wide range of courses that are often integrated across the curriculum. Teachers encourage and champion each child's development. The curriculum develops a strong academic foundation and recognizes individual learning styles and interests. Real issues and real questions hook students so that skills strengthen and understanding widens. A 6-day rotating schedule frames the program to allow large teaching blocks and a pace that leaves room for advisory, clubs, assemblies and community service. This balance supports the energy needed and resilience required for growth and learning.
English, history, and science classes are presented in homeroom sections. The Upper School utilizes grouping in math and in world languages in 7th and 8th grade. Grouping recognizes the uneven pace of all students' development and is based on the student's experience and performance in the classroom, and on the results of testing that shed light on a student's learning profile. It is important to note that math classes are structured so that students may shift between math groups both between and during school years.
Active defines Peck's Upper School - active learning in the classroom and active participation on the field, court or rink. The active, resilient student on the field is the active, resilient student in the classroom. The athletic program offers skill-based instruction and also is opportunity for students to encourage and support teammates in interscholastic games. Sportsmanship is valued at Peck.
Relationships are important at Peck. Teachers have friendly conversations with students in the hallways and at lunch, and they reach out to involve them in class discussions. In the classroom and on the field, faculty coach and cheer so that each student gains the confidence to thrive and to attain all the intangible skills that contribute to success.
Learning to ask questions, learning to budget time, learning to understand one's learning style and what works and what doesn't are key steps. Close faculty relationships make these steps possible and fun for each student and ready students for the independence required at the secondary school level.
Students also belong to an advisory group of 8-9 students that meets twice a week. The advisor serves as mentor/support/ advocate for each student in this small group, and yet the student is not limited to this advisor for support. Faculty may provide extra help during study hall, in the early morning, and at recess. Parents are encouraged to contact subject teachers if they have questions about their child's program or experience.
Students in the Upper School regularly attend All School Assemblies and Upper School Assemblies. Upper School Assemblies may include guidance topics, announcements, skits or songs. During the year, each Eighth Grader makes a presentation to the Upper School students. All School Assemblies, led by the Headmaster; provide energy, news and spirit. Following a special message or values theme, the assembly concludes with the flag salute, a song, and a prayer or reflection.
InDeCoRe themes are also recognized and illustrated through classroom teachings, books, writings, role plays and other academic activities.
The four years in the Upper School are a journey - a journey of challenge and reward. Freshman year in secondary school lies around the corner for our graduates. We want their transition to be seamless and strong so that they may take advantage of all the possible opportunities in the next 'chapter' of their education.
