Upper School Program Overview

A diploma from Rowland Hall indicates successful completion of four years of a planned high school experience. This includes completion of the minimum core requirements established by the individual departments. Students round out their coursework by choosing elective courses across departments.

Additionally, Project Action requires upper schoolers to embrace their role as community builders. Student projects can occur at Rowland Hall, in the greater community, or beyond. See the curriculum page for details.

*The average four-year high school student takes courses beyond the requirements. Exceeding the minimum credit total is strongly encouraged.

Rowmark Ski Academy

Rowmarkers in grades nine through twelve earn a full-year physical education credit for their participation on the ski team. During the winter season (Thanksgiving break to April break), students take four academic core classes each morning, which enables them to train on the slopes in the afternoons. During the fall trimester Rowmark students participate in afternoon dry-land training, and during the spring trimester they may carry a heavier academic load.

The Upper School runs on a seven-day rotating block schedule. Each day consists of five blocks.

Homework is an extension of the learning process and experiences that take place in the classroom. Homework should establish independent work habits, provide practice in skills already learned, promote intellectual curiosity, and prepare the student for full classroom participation. Upper schoolers will average two to two and a half hours of homework per week, per class. Students in advanced classes average four to five hours of homework per week for those classes. No homework will be given over Fall Break, Thanksgiving weekend, Winter Break, April Break, or Interim.

Grade point averages are calculated according to the following scale:

Academic Support Counselor Karen Howell assists students with learning differences, working closely with parents, teachers, and academic advisors to make the Rowland Hall curriculum accessible. The counselor will recommend outside tutors whenever necessary. Additionally, teachers are available for consultation with their students during the school day.

The Upper School also has a writing center led by student volunteers and faculty sponsor Dr. Laura Johnson. The center provides free help at any stage of the writing process, on any assignment, for any class.

Social-Emotional Support Counselor Mindy Vanderloo assists students with social and/or emotional needs. Support may include brief one-on-one counseling, parent education, crisis management, and/or referrals for outside services. When extra support is indicated for a student, we develop and implement a support plan with the student, family, and the support team. The family may be asked to provide additional support services as needed to help the student achieve academic and social success at school.

Read More: Social-Emotional Learning

Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled twice during the academic year. Additionally, parents are invited to reach out to teachers at any time during the school year to discuss questions or concerns. 

Rowland Hall offers a full range of Advanced Placement (AP), Advanced Topics (AT), and honors courses. Admission to these courses is made on the basis of departmental recommendations and on what your teachers and parents believe is the appropriate course load for you. A grade threshold and/or a placement test may also apply depending on the discipline. Every student completes a course-load planning form that is reviewed by the academic support counselor, the principals, and your current teachers.

Students enrolled in AP courses must take the corresponding AP exams in May. They may also opt to take AP tests in a subject even when the corresponding course is not offered.

Rowland Hall's AP and AT courses are detailed under their respective subject areas on the curriculum page, and listed in an overview at the very bottom of that page.