Upper School
What we do here is real.
You’ll never hear these words uttered here on the Hilltop: “I’ll never use this in the real world.” Why? Because at Worcester Academy, you’re already connecting what you learn to real-world applications. We’re hands-on, we’re substantive, and we place the following concepts at the core of our learning model:
Innovative Spirit
We never just study for a test. We are busy applying formulas and techniques to real world applications. We’re producing wind turbines to test our equations. We’re workshopping our essays in AP Literature. We’re applying what we’ve learned, again and again, and again.
Strong Work Ethic
Our faculty model what they teach. They continuously reflect, collaborate, and test ideas with their peers to hone and refine their lessons. They ask their students to stretch further and then show them how it’s done with their own efforts. Hilltoppers are inspired and supported every day in pursuing big ideas and answering tough questions.
Sense of Purpose
Whether you’re writing and illustrating a picture book to explain the human circulatory system to local 3rd graders (Honors Anatomy) or applying what you learned in Intro to Engineering to the school’s Habitat for Humanity home, you’re part of something larger than yourself at Worcester Academy.
Innovative Spirit
We never just study for a test. We are busy applying formulas and techniques to real world applications. We’re producing wind turbines to test our equations. We’re workshopping our essays in AP Literature. We’re applying what we’ve learned, again and again, and again.
Strong Work Ethic
Our faculty model what they teach. They continuously reflect, collaborate, and test ideas with their peers to hone and refine their lessons. They ask their students to stretch further and then show them how it’s done with their own efforts. Hilltoppers are inspired and supported every day in pursuing big ideas and answering tough questions.
Sense of Purpose
Whether you’re writing and illustrating a picture book to explain the human circulatory system to local 3rd graders (Honors Anatomy) or applying what you learned in Intro to Engineering to the school’s Habitat for Humanity home, you’re part of something larger than yourself at Worcester Academy.
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Upper School Curriculum
It’s a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum, but we support you every step of the way.- 19 Honors Courses
- 21 Advanced Placement Courses
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Beyond the Classroom
We field 37 Upper School athletic teams in more than 17 different sports. We offer over 58 co-curricular clubs ranging from our championship Math Team to Model UN to Eco-Design.
As an anchor institution in our Worcester neighborhood, our students live up to our motto, “Achieve the Honorable,” by logging tens of thousands of community service hours each year (23,179 last year alone!).
Over the past 5 years our students have traveled to Denmark, Italy, China, (not to mention North Carolina and New York City), gaining knowledge and expanding their horizons.
Our Graduation Projects cap every Hilltopper’s years-of-study with one culminating achievement. Every senior plans and executes a project and then delivers a public presentation. Can’t find something to do? Create a Club! -
Student Support
Our Faculty and Administrators are committed to your support. Here’s how we do it:
ADVISORS
Every student is part of a close-knit advisory group that meets weekly. Each advisor works to understand the needs and aspirations of each of his or her advisees, becoming a trusted ally who helps with everything from course selection to goal setting to (perhaps most importantly) learning how to advocate for oneself. Each student gains a group of lifelong friends.
STUDY HALL
Worried about your studies slipping through the cracks? No problem. Because of our tight-knit advisory groups, a little “slippage” gets noticed fast. Advisors can help you get back on track by assigning Study Hall as necessary. Study Hall is monitored by our Center for Learning staff, giving you a little more structure to your studies.
HEALTH TEAM
There is nothing more important to us than the overall wellbeing of our students. Our Health Team, comprised of key faculty members and administrators, meets regularly to discuss the welfare of the entire community, and students of concern who might need some assistance. The team also develops programming and initiatives to enhance the wellbeing of our community.
Search our Curriculum
Contact Us
81 Providence Street
Worcester, MA 01604
Phone: 508-754-5302 x183
mary.fenner@danaerem.com
Worcester, MA 01604
Phone: 508-754-5302 x183
mary.fenner@danaerem.com
