Below is a list of 2008-09 forms and information for all Upper School students (Grades 9-12). All forms are due in the office by August 1, 2008. Students may not start School without a completed General Information Form on file.

>> Read the Honor Code

Highland's Upper School provides a rigorous and balanced program to develop the skills and character necessary for its students to meet the challenges of college. In an atmosphere where support is as important as challenge, a low student-teacher ratio ensures that individual needs are met. By taking full advantage of the latest technology, students enjoy an excellent and varied academic program, exposure to the fine and performing arts and the opportunity for full participation athletics.

All facets of School life embrace high moral and ethical standards and responsibility for self and the community is espoused and in evidence.

The Upper School was built adjacent to the existing building in 1995, with 35,000 square feet of spacious, up-to-date classrooms. The school started with Grades 9 and 10 in 1996 and added Grades 11 and 12 the following year. Phase II of the building program began in the Spring of 2000. A million dollar library/media center, six new classrooms, and new administrative offices were completed in February 2001. Laboratories are well equipped and well designed. The athletic facilities are large and well maintained. Phase III construction for the Center for the Arts began in September 2002 and was completed in November 2003.

In 1998, the computer science laboratory was completely renovated. The Upper School now enjoys Internet access in all classrooms.

The Upper School strives for an environment that nurtures students while developing the individual's self-confidence. Opportunities for leadership are provided for students in the classroom, in extracurricular activities and in athletics. A strong Honor Code and the Prefect Board provide vehicles for the development of high ethical standards.

The Upper School curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all students. Recognizing that students learn at different rates, Highland provides an Honors level, as well as a standard college preparatory level of study. Students are not "tracked" into one level or the other but are encouraged to proceed in areas of strength. Thus, a student may be in the standard college preparatory level of English but in the Honors level of mathematics.

Laboratory sciences emphasize a hands-on approach, with laboratory exercises as an integral part of learning. Social sciences reinforce reading and writing skills developed in the English curriculum, and four foreign languages are offered. Advanced Placement courses are offered in English Literature and Composition, English Language and Composition, calculus, U.S. History, European history, biology, chemistry, physics, Spanish, Latin, French and computer science. Additional AP courses will be offered as increasing numbers of students reach the appropriate level. Students must also complete a music course and an art course to receive a Highland diploma.

While students at Highland learn traditional academic skills, they also discover what it means to be part of a larger community. There is a strong commitment at Highland School to community involvement and interaction, and students are expected to perform community service. In the Upper School , students are required to volunteer for at least 20 hours of community service each year. As a result, students, faculty and parents engage in a multitude of activities that take them beyond the campus and that bring the community to the School.

Highland will continue to offer the most effective and up-to-date curriculum that will strike a balance between emerging technologies and those disciplines that are the traditional strengths of an independent education.

The student body is one of the greatest assets of the School. The population is diverse, and each student respects the property and rights of others. Another strength of the Upper School is its faculty, which balances youth and experience among its members. The teachers are interested in the students and go out of their way to provide additional opportunities for students to learn. Each teacher also serves as an advisor to eight to ten students. The advisor follows up on students and keeps parents informed of each student's development and progress.

Highland offers its Upper School students a comprehensive college guidance program. Each year, graduating students are accepted by an array of prestigious colleges and universities. Among them are the University of Virginia, Princeton University , William and Mary , Virginia Tech, The University of the South, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , James Madison University , University of Richmond , Clemson, Southern Methodist University, Vanderbilt, Duke, and Georgetown.

The ongoing development of the athletic program in Highland 's Upper School has met with marked success, and student involvement increases from season to season. A very active parent Boosters Club helps provide funding for the athletic program.

Social opportunities continue to increase as the Upper School grows. Homecoming week culminates on the last Saturday of September with an exciting varsity game and dance. Various other dances and class-sponsored activities take place throughout the year, and the social scene reaches its climax in May with the Prom and After-Prom party.

Please click here for the 2008-09 tentative course listing for the Upper School.

Upper School Honor Code

During the 1998-99 school year, a council of Upper School students was elected by the student body to rewrite the School's Honor Code. The new Code was implemented in the 1999-2000 school year, at which time the Honor Council developed the School's first Handbook regarding Honor Council rules and procedures.

At the beginning of each school year, every student is asked to sign the Honor Code, pledging to uphold its dictates and its spirit. The Honor Code follows:

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