Upper School

Students in Canterbury's Upper School (grades 9-12) receive an academically rich college preparatory education. They take an active role in their course of study and are involved in the life of the school.

Juniors and seniors may pursue advanced work in areas of significant interest or expertise. The school offers honors-level classes and 21 Advanced Placement courses that many colleges accept as credit earned for the first year.

The school's motto, Education, Character, Leadership and Service is woven into the daily events of school life. Faculty, in addition to providing classroom instruction, coach or moderate clubs in various disciples.

Each instructor acts as a student advisor to the same group of students while they advance from freshman to senior year. This advisory program provides a forum to discuss age-appropriate topics, individual advocacy, school spirit, and community service.

Students know instructors are in a partnership with them in this community of learners. Study strategies, self-discipline, academic responsibility and fluency in technology are underscored in each content area. Students learn academic honesty, competitive fair play and good citizenship through a respected honor code.

Canterbury School is an active learning environment. Simply walking through our corridors, one senses the purposeful activities in a collegial atmosphere. The Commons is our gathering place for study and camaraderie and is the central point of the Upper School building.

Athletics, student clubs and organizations, and a range of extracurricular activities play key roles in student life. Among the many options are: Community Service Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Society, Knowledge Master Open, Model United Nations, yearbook, newspaper, literary magazine, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Peer Mentoring, and  more. Students can also make suggestions and begin new clubs.

Canterbury School values student leadership in all aspects of student life. Canterbury's Upper School is a safe and nurturing setting in which students can test their leadership skills. By students trying and sometimes failing, they learn to become resilient. In an ever-changing world, Canterbury prepares young adults to reach their potential in learning and living.

Jo Marie De Angelo
Upper School Director