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Upper School

GRADES 9–12

The pinnacle of the Rowland Hall experience, the Upper School combines academic distinction with a deep commitment to personal growth.

Here, students in grades 9–12 engage in a student-centered experience that supports every learner, challenging them to think critically, explore boldly, and pursue excellence in every discipline.

With more than 100 engaging and rigorous classes, including opportunities for original, college-level research, debate, and real-world learning, students gain the intellectual foundation and confidence necessary to succeed at top colleges and wherever their ambitions lead. Supported by a close-knit community and world-class faculty who know them well, your student will discover who they are and how they intend to impact the world.

View the upper school Course Catalog

Take an interactive virtual tour of our Upper School

Stacia McFadden

Stacia McFadden

Head of Upper School
School: 801-355-7494

Upper School at a Glance

Rowland Hall’s Upper School offers a dynamic learning environment where students pursue ambitious goals with meaningful support. Through challenging academics and opportunities that deepen inquiry and independence, they develop the skills and confidence to thrive.

Two Upper School students stand outside with skis and a ski boot, smiling at the camera.
An Upper School student smiles at her desk with a binder open in a classroom.
An Upper School student listens and smiles during class discussion while seated at his desk.
A college counselor meets with a student in her office to discuss college planning and next steps.
Three Upper School students stand together in front of their research presentation board.

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advanced classes

A broad selection of advanced courses, including Advanced Research and Advanced Placement, prepares students for college-level expectations and independent scholarship.

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average class size

Intentionally small classes support meaningful dialogue and active participation.

24:1

student-to-college counselor ratio

With the lowest student-to-counselor ratio in Utah, students receive highly personalized guidance throughout every step of the college application process.

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students have presented original research since 2021

Our investment in research opportunities gives students the unique chance to share their classroom findings at professional conferences and in academic journals.

Members of the graduating class pose together in green caps and gowns for a group portrait.

The Rowland Hall Difference

 

A teacher works one-on-one with a student in a classroom, reviewing notes together.
Two Upper School students smile while working together on laptops in class.

Top High School Academics

Rowland Hall sets the bar for academic excellence in Utah, with an intentional program that equips students to thrive in college and beyond. What sets our program apart is how courses of study adapt to each student's strengths, curiosity, and aspirations, ensuring every learner is both supported and stretched. Rigor is purposeful and personalized: for some, it means discovering new passions while building intellectual and creative confidence; for others, it’s engaging in Advanced Research or college-level studies typically reserved for undergraduates. Whatever their path, students become curious problem solvers who engage the world with purpose.

LEARN. THINK. DO.
OUR ACADEMICS IN ACTION

Exceptional Faculty

The Upper School experience is made possible by talented, dedicated teachers who know their students well and guide them with care and insight. Drawn to Rowland Hall’s approach to education and independent school model, our Upper School faculty are leaders in their fields—87% hold advanced degrees, including doctorates in medicine, history, biology, and psychology, and are sought for their subject-matter expertise. Our teachers’ impressive knowledge is matched only by their genuine commitment to students: faculty mentor and champion every learner, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and continually challenged to reach their full potential.

Learn more about the upper school faculty

A language teacher leads a class discussion as students listen attentively.
A teacher and student collaborate on a hands-on engineering project.

An Advanced Research Chemistry student harvests algae for her research project.
An Upper School student presents her research findings to classmates.

An Investment in Advanced Research

Upper School students don’t just study advanced topics; they contribute to them. Through our signature Advanced Research program, young scholars design and carry out original projects in chemistry, biology, physics, computer science, and the humanities. Designed and taught by Rowland Hall teachers, AR courses challenge students to ask big questions, develop theses, and share their discoveries with real audiences on campus, at conferences, or through publication. These unique opportunities ensure graduates arrive at college skilled in inquiry, analysis, and application, and are prepared to both absorb information and generate new understanding.

See our advanced research program in action

STEM and Innovation

Rowland Hall is investing in future-defining fields to ensure graduates have the skills, mindsets, and learning dispositions they need to navigate and shape a rapidly changing world. In the Upper School, students engage in hands-on, inquiry-driven classes and clubs spanning engineering, environmental and research science, computer science, robotics, aviation, and more. Guided by teachers who spark curiosity and creativity, they learn to think critically, solve complex problems, and apply knowledge with purpose. By graduation, they’re ready to lead in research, technology, entrepreneurship, or wherever their curiosity takes them.

An Upper School student conducts a chemistry experiment in the lab.
A teacher guides a student while setting up video production equipment.

Upper School students celebrate together on the lawn, jumping with their hands raised.

Best College Counseling in the State

Rowland Hall’s college counseling program is grounded in trusted relationships and a deep understanding of each student. Nationally recognized counselors guide students and their families through a thoughtful, individualized process. This work is supported by a 24:1 student-to-counselor ratio, the lowest in Utah, and the state’s only dedicated College Planning Class. Our approach is further strengthened by more than 150 years of academic excellence and long-standing relationships with college admission teams nationwide. As a result, every senior is accepted to a four-year institution—nearly all to their first- or second-choice school—and our graduates enroll at a wide range of colleges and universities.

Learn More About Our Elite College Counseling Program

Upper School debate students pose with a UHSAA state championship trophy on campus steps.

A Tradition of Debate Excellence

For more than 40 years, Rowland Hall has led the debate game. Integrated throughout the curriculum, debate develops the confidence and communication skills students need to engage thoughtfully with the world, and many go on to join our nationally recognized team. A National Speech and Debate Association School of Excellence, Rowland Hall consistently ranks in the top 10% of schools nationwide for member degrees, and our team has captured four of the last five 3A state championships. Our reach also extends beyond Utah and the United States: the team expanded to international competition in 2023–2024 and has participated in the International Public Policy Forum global essay contest and World Schools Debating Championships.

Upper School students pose with medical professionals during a hospital internship.

A Standout Internship Program

For well over a decade, Rowland Hall’s summer internship program has connected upper schoolers with professionals across the Salt Lake community and beyond, offering hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between classroom learning and future career paths. Situated in the heart of one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, Rowland Hall provides unparalleled access to mentors in fields such as medicine, law, research, business, and technology, with students taking on real projects, not just observing. Year after year, Rowland Hall interns earn accolades for the curiosity, professionalism, and initiative they show while building skills that prepare them for college, career, and life.

Upper School students and faculty pose together during a city field trip.

The Interim Experience

A one-of-a-kind opportunity among Utah high schools, Interim takes learning beyond the classroom, immersing students in experiences that spark their curiosity and deepen their connection to the school community and the world around them. Held each spring, Interim lets students spend an entire week exploring new environments, locally or in cities across the country or world, and engaging in hands-on projects that bring classroom learning to life. Along the way, they challenge themselves, discover new interests, practice leadership, and build lasting friendships that strengthen our community.

Upper School students pose with the Winged Lion mascot at a basketball game.

Vibrant Student Life

Connection is at the heart of life in the Upper School, a close-knit community with a world of opportunities. Through small classes and countless ways to get involved, students form meaningful relationships and create a place where everyone belongs. On any given day, you’ll find upper schoolers cheering each other on and shaping their shared high school experience, whether that means joining a team, leading a club, performing on stage, or taking the lead on something entirely their own. Wherever they are, Rowland Hall students lift each other up with spirit, care, and Winged Lion pride in their community.

Upper School girls basketball players pose on the court in the Den.

 

Athletics Excellence

Rowland Hall athletes compete, and win, at the highest levels, all while learning lessons in leadership, resilience, and teamwork under the guidance of top-tier coaches. With 76 state championships and 149 region titles (and counting!), Winged Lions balance competitiveness with character, representing the school with pride and integrity. In addition to a range of sports, we’re home to Rowmark Ski Academy, which pairs elite alpine ski racing with exceptional academics and has produced current and former US Ski Team members and Olympians. Athletic opportunity also extends beyond our school teams: wrestlers, lacrosse players, figure skaters, freeskiers, rowers, and equestrians have long found at Rowland Hall the flexibility and support they need to pursue their passions alongside our top-tier academics.

Explore Athletics

Upper School cross country runners compete with mountain views behind them.
Upper School dancers perform a contemporary piece on stage under dramatic lighting.

 

A Robust Arts Program

Creativity thrives at Rowland Hall, where every student has the opportunity to explore and express themselves through the arts. Our comprehensive offerings span visual and performing arts, including studio art, theatre, dance, film, and an acclaimed music program encompassing choir, band, and orchestra. Led by working and award-winning creatives—including accomplished musicians, exhibiting artists, published poets, and an Emmy Award–winning filmmaker—teachers challenge students to take creative risks and refine their craft in a collaborative environment. In a world that increasingly values creativity and empathy alongside technological expertise, the arts give Rowland Hall students the confidence and perspective to innovate and shape what comes next.

Explore Arts

Upper School actors perform a scene during a theater production.
Upper School students present a research project to community members.
The image consists of the word "N.THIN" in large, bold letters. The letters are in varying shades of green, with the "N" and "THIN" in a darker green and the "." and "I" in a lighter, lime-green color.

Sustainable Business Pitches

Learn. Think. Do. is a simple way to think about the life-changing learning at Rowland Hall.

In the Upper School’s Principles of Business class, young entrepreneurs turn big ideas into practical solutions. After researching the United Nations’ Global Goals and identifying real sustainability challenges, students design innovations that address issues such as waste from cosmetics, tires, and medical plastics. They then analyze each idea’s feasibility and impact before developing detailed business plans and polished pitch decks. Each project, showcased at Rowland Hall’s Impact Summit and events like the international Genius Olympiad, highlights how students combine creativity, purpose, and real-world thinking to address global challenges.

See More Examples of Learn. Think. Do.

Upper School Stories

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