Upper School

CA’s program for Grades 9 through 12 features an innovative and dynamic liberal arts and sciences curriculum full of stimulating electives, special programs, independent studies, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses to prepare students for lifelong intellectual engagement and success as global citizens.

Small classes and an exceptional Upper School faculty—80 percent of whom hold master's and/or doctoral degrees—produce a learning environment that values and rewards intellectual curiosity, originality and authenticity, critical thinking, problem solving, self-advocacy, and collaboration. We place a premium on the development of resilience and resourcefulness—21st century skills that help prepare our students for an ever-changing world—and we are intentional about those practices that encourage integrity and responsibility in students.

The breadth and depth of Upper School course offerings are enriched by an innovative, real-world Academic Intensive for Freshmen, and the REDI Lab program for Juniors and Seniors. CA also has a dedicated Computer Science/Engineering & Design department with an array of courses that engage students in hands-on problem solving and design thinking projects. Raether Library is a a hub for reading, research, and curiosity.

Exceptional opportunities in arts, athletics, and experiential education enhance the rigorous academic curriculum. Theater and dance productions, art shows, and music recitals all provide creative outlets that encourage our students to cultivate their own sense of artistic expression. A wide range of athletic options helps students build stamina, skill, and confidence while learning teamwork and sportsmanship. Experiential education offers students greater insight into themselves and others, as they venture into the outdoors, engage in service projects, and travel and connect with others around the country and the world.