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The Upper School years are filled with challenge, opportunity, and tremendous growth. Through a rich academic experience and meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom, students discover their passions, strengthen their character, and develop the confidence and purpose that will shape their lives beyond graduation."

JULIE LEMLEY, Head of Middle School

The cornerstone of our Upper School experience is balance, and we strongly encourage students to find interests beyond the classroom to augment their academic experience. The typical Country Day upper school student is not only engaged in the classroom, but is also eager to make an impact on the playing fields, on the stage, in the art studio, or in the larger community.

While we are preparing students to be successful in college and in life, we are also preparing them to be the sorts of citizens who will carry our region and nation forward.  Country Day students will be the leaders of the next generation, and by encouraging critical thinking, creative problem solving, and independence of thought, the Upper School helps to form these leaders. 

Curriculum, Advanced Classes, and Electives

The Upper School offers its students a wide array of co-curricular activities.  Virtually every teacher sponsors some club, activity, or sport. 

College Counseling

Working with students for all four years of Upper School, our College Counseling Office helps find the best fit for every student. 

Advisory & Class Deans

All Upper School students have faculty advisors assigned in the ninth grade. The groups stay together for four years, which allows students and faculty to create the kinds of bonds that can only be forged over time. 

Leadership, Clubs & Organizations

Students are encouraged to explore their talents and interests beyond their classroom experiences. 

Institute for Atlantic Studies

The Institute for Atlantic Studies seeks to empower students to take ownership of their learning, focusing on a sense of place and collaborative community & civic engagement.

Social & Emotional Wellness

The Upper School Counseling program is tailored to address the unique needs of the Upper School student as he or she develops independence, a stronger sense of self and identity, and personal values and goals in preparation for life both in Upper School and after graduation

Service Learning

At SCDS, students live by the motto "Service through Knowledge and Character," and that’s why community service is an essential component in the education of each Savannah Country Day student. Service learning helps students see the larger world of which they are a part and reinforces what is learned in the classroom.

Global Online Academy

GOA offers SCDS students the opportunity to learn alongside peers from around the world. GOA courses further enrich the Country Day experience by allowing students explore their passions with classes that are outside of the traditional course catalogue.

The 2026 Amanuensis
The 2026 Amanuensis

For generations, Upper School students have published Amanuensis, an annual literary magazine that offers creative writing and art students a printed outlet for their works. This magazine gives the students an opportunity to participate in every step of the journalistic process, as it's designed, juried, and edited by Upper School students—coming together as a stunning showcase of their imagination and craft. Explore this year’s edition online HERE.

Exam Stressbusters
Exam Stressbusters

Exam Stressbusters

To support student wellness and success during exam week, there are a series of stress-buster activities during break throughout the week. Students kicked things off with a visit from puppies through Renegade Paws Rescue, with more activities ahead including dodgeball, and other opportunities to recharge between exams. Good luck this week, Hornets!
Upper School Textbook Donations
Upper School Textbook Donations

There will be an book collection bin located in the Upper School office for any 9th-12th grade students who would like to donate their textbooks at the end of the school year. 

Fashion and Film Showcase
Fashion and Film Showcase

Upper school students took the spotlight at our very first Fashion & Film Showcase, a red carpet event celebrating original student films and student-designed fashion. As part of our new film and fashion electives, students spent weeks developing, designing, filming, and refining their work before presenting it to the community.

Guest Speaker Mary Beth Tinker
Guest Speaker Mary Beth Tinker

AP Government students welcomed Mary Beth Tinker, whose involvement in the landmark case Tinker v. Des Moines helped establish students’ First Amendment rights during the Vietnam War. She shared insights from her experience and answered student questions to bring the lasting impact of the case into present-day perspective.

Country Day students are prepared for whatever their path leads, learn more about our College Counseling program. 

COLLEGE COUNSELING