Upper School

The Upper School at Savannah Country Day school endeavors to create an environment in which 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.

Click HERE to review the 2023-24 Upper School Course Catalog.

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

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

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

Generative AI Faculty Workshop
Generative AI Faculty Workshop

On September 13, Drs. Beth Howells and Annie Mendenhall from Georgia Southern University's English Department presented a workshop to Upper School faculty entitled Responding to AI in our Classrooms. During the workshop, our guest presenters shared information about AI chatbots and writing services, explored a framework for AI in higher education, and encouraged faculty to consider their own thoughts, feelings, and concerns around the impact of AI on teaching, learning, and academic honesty. Faculty gathered by department to consider how they might adapt their teaching and assignments given the capabilities of AI, and how teachers might encourage students to use these tools ethically to support their learning. 

Water Balloon Target Practice
Water Balloon Target Practice

How often does one have to dodge flying water balloons on campus? At least once a year in our advanced calculus-based physics class! Water balloon target practice has become one of the highlights of the year and a great way to emphasize studies on projectile motion. Students spend time analyzing factors and calculating the velocity needed to project a water balloon as far as possible. Heads up, Hornets!

AP Lit Butterfly Release
AP Lit Butterfly Release

After reading Franz Kafka's novella Metamorphosis, the AP Literature class tracked the transformation of caterpillars and butterflies and released their class "pets" into the campus butterfly garden.

College Counselors Visit Athens
College Counselors Visit Athens

On Monday, August 29, our college counselors Chris Beckmann and Dawn Berger met with UGA Interim Director of Admissions David Graves and Associate Director of Admissions Cindy Boyles (not pictured) to discuss the current admissions landscape at the University. Mr. Beckmann and Ms. Berger routinely travel to meet with admissions directors and representatives throughout the country.