The Upper School at Savannah Country Day School endeavors to create an environment where each student can find an area to shine. While all students will benefit from our rigorous college preparatory curriculum, we don’t limit our pursuit of excellence to the classroom.
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.
Because of our size, which is small by design, students have lots of opportunities to participate and engage in all different aspects of school life. The size also allows our students and teachers to form close relationships with each other, fostering a sense of trust and encouragement in the different things they try."jonathan day, head of upper school
A Day in the Life: Upper School
Upper School At a Glance
359 students in the Upper School
Average class size of 15, student/teacher ratio 8:1
Of the 45 Upper School faculty members, 33 hold advanced degrees. The average teaching experience is 16 years
80% of Upper School students participate in athletics
A robust curriculum including Honors, Advanced Placement, and Advanced classes
Over 70% of students taking AP tests achieve 3+ scores
Seniors participate in off-campus research or career education project during the month of May
Upper School News
Today was a special moment, as the Country Day community came together to honor senior Allyson McCray in the final athletic signing ceremony of the school year. After cheerleading at Country Day since 2019, Allyson committed to cheer collegiately at Savannah State University. She is a talented and passionate student-athlete and we look forward to seeing her continue to shine at SSU.
Students explored the intersection of design, engineering, and innovation during a visit from SCAD’s Aether electric vehicle—a concept sports car designed and built by students in SCAD’s Industrial Design program. Aether was constructed using UV-cured 3D-printed acrylic gel, making it the first of its kind. Students from all divisions visited and learned about the advanced manufacturing, sustainable materials, and human-machine interface technologies involved in the project. The visit was led by SCAD Industrial Design professor Rafael Corazza, who guided students through the design process and shared insights into the cross-disciplinary approach to Aether’s creation.
As our seniors celebrated their final week of classes, they filled each day with friendship, traditions, and memories that will last a lifetime. One of the most memorable moments was their cherished tradition of biking to school on the last day. The seniors took one final lap around Saunders Stadium, surrounded by family, friends, and teachers, marking the end of their journey on campus, but they will forever be a part of the Country Day community.
Congratulations to the Upper School cast and crew of Much Ado About Nothing on a fantastic final performance! Their inventive production brought Shakespeare's wit and warmth to life is an unforgettable way. This was a perfect closing note, capturing the creativity and dedication of the Upper School Theatre Department all year long.
Congratulations to Harlan Lerch ’26, whose impressive chalk drawing earned second place in the high school division of the SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival! The entries were judged by SCAD faculty, and Harlan's work was selected from a competitive field of entries from across the region.
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.
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.
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