Upper School

The Upper School curriculum is focused on active learning in an atmosphere of respect for knowledge and emphasis on guided inquiry. In all disciplines, students are encouraged to learn content in the context of big picture trends, theories and criticisms. Students and teachers work as partners in the educational process. There is considerable flexibility in the schedules of most juniors and seniors who have been at St. Andrew's-Sewanee School since their ninth grade year. Elective options encourage students to begin to take classes reflecting their individual interests rather than requirements. Distinctive programs include:

Concurrent Enrollment at the University of the South

Each semester, a number of qualified Upper School students choose to enroll in coursework for credit at the University of the South. In recent semesters, SAS students were enrolled in introductory and advanced calculus courses, physics, geology, sculpture, economics, poetry, and upper-division Spanish literature courses. These courses are provided at no additional cost to the student.

Advanced Placement and Honors

By design, we do not offer specially designated AP courses as we feel that these courses put an emphasis on memorization of a broad range of material not in keeping with the SAS educational philosophy of interactive learning and thoughtful in-depth study. Nor does the school offer honors courses, reflecting our belief that students learn best in a heterogeneous environment and through cooperative work. However, the level of challenge in our standard curriculum is such that a number of students choose to take AP exams each spring, most commonly in calculus, English literature, and French language, and students routinely receive scores high enough to provide college credit or advanced placement.

Junior Essay

In the spring all juniors participate in this exercise in which they are required to write a short essay demonstrating sound logic and a clear understanding of the mechanics of writing. The entire faculty participates in reading and evaluating the essays. Students whose work does not demonstrate a satisfactory level of mastery receive remedial help.

Senior Lecture Series

A Sense of Place —Several times during the school year, seniors participate in experiences designed to help them analyze their attachment to this locale and to learn to value a commitment to a place. An evening lecture followed by a day-long small group activity gives the students the opportunity to explore aspects of this region, including its geology, history, and arts as well as literary and religious traditions. The oral presentations of group findings and individual journal entries provide students with occasions to reflect upon and reinforce what they have learned together. Ultimately, it is our hope that students will learn how to appreciate what is special about different places and about the greater world around them. The program culminates with a retreat in May to the Great Smoky Mountains where our seniors reflect on the past year and prepare to take leave of each other and this part of their lives.