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Upper School Philosophy
Upper School is a time of focus, self-exploration, and achievement. Our goal is to challenge students to discover who they are and who they want to be – and then to partner with them and develop a plan that enables them to get there. A rigorous curriculum of college peparatory, honors, Advanced Placement and elective courses ensures that students are well-prepared for success in college and beyond. We also offer extensive co-curricular opportunities in athletics, clubs, leadership, and the visual and performing arts to promote student growth outside of the classroom, as well. Individualized college placement counseling complements the process, helping students to select and prepare for institutions of higher learning that fit their individual interests, abilities, and goals.
Standardized Testing
Gaston Day School evaluates curriculum and grade level performance through the yearly administration of the CPT IV. Each spring, students in grades 2-9 are administered the CPT IV, a standardized, nationally-normed instrument that measures quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, math achievement, and application skills. Percentile scores are shared with parents and provide important comparative information for curriculum planning and individual academic advising. Students are prepared for the CPT IV through their normal courses of study that emphasizes higher order thinking skills. CPT IV test results have been found to be predictors of academic success and have a high correlation with SAT scores. Additionally, all sophomores and juniors are required to take the PSAT, and all juniors and seniors take the SAT.
College Placement
College Placement begins in the final year of middle school, 8th grade, when students meet individually with the college counselor to develop their preliminary four-year course plans. The 9th and 10th grade years expand on those plans to include personal development goals, the focusing of extra-curricular activities to achieve those goals, and an initial look at the college process timeline. The 11th grade year focuses on the exploring of college options and personal assessment through an off-campus overnight College Planning Retreat. College Placement services culminate in the senior year with the college application process, scholarship application process, and final selection of college or university.
Technology Resources
Computers are an integral part of daily life for students at Gaston Day School. Students regularly use word processing and presentation software for their coursework. They have access to two campus computer labs for online research and computer-based instruction, while teachers have access to the latest technology to display pertinent websites and walk students through on-line research techniques within their classrooms. Our student/family/faculty web portal, Edline.net, gives students and families online "on-demand" access to assignments, course handouts, gradebooks, and due dates.
Library Resources
The George F. Henry III Library serves the students in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. Its design offers a large story area for the Lower School classes, as well as generous accommodations of space and resources for individual and class research by Middle and Upper School students. The library's current collection contains 12,915 cataloged volumes. In addition to the many print periodicals, Gaston Day students and faculty have full access to 450 electronic magazines and journals through a Thomson-Gale academic database subscription.
Advisory Program
All Upper School students at Gaston Day School have a faculty advisor. Students in grades 9-12 select their advisor based on individual interests and needs. Advisors meet regularly with advisee groups to discuss pertinent issues and serve as a resource and support to students. Advisors also meet individually with students and parents to provide direction and monitor student progress.
Community Service
Volunteerism is an important component of the educational mission at Gaston Day School. Involvement in service activities enables students to learn about the needs of individuals and our community while instilling a sense of personal responsibility and commitment to others. Upper School students must complete a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer service each year. Many exceed this requirement through participation in the President's Service Award Program and/or the Congressional Award Program.
President's Service Award
Students at Gaston Day School are encouraged to extend themselves and actively serve as volunteers in the larger community. The President's Service Award, signed by the President of the United States, recognizes students who have served 100 or more hours in a one-year period. Awards are presented at the School's awards ceremony each spring.
The Congressional Award
Students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to challenge themselves through the Congressional Award Program. Through this program, the U.S. Congress encourages young Americans ages 14-24 to set goals, focus their efforts, and make a commitment to excellence. Achievement is recognized in four areas: volunteer public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration activities.
Graduation Requirements
The requirements for graduation from Gaston Day School are designed to prepare students for success in a competitive college environment. These requirements apply to students in grades 9-12. Students must successfully complete a minimum of 24 credits in the following subject areas:
| English | 4 years | |||
| Mathematics | 4 years (including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and one more advanced math course) | |||
| Science | 3 years of lab sciences (including Biology, Chemistry, and one more advanced science course) | |||
| Social Studies | 3 years (including World History, U.S. History, and Government/Economics) | |||
| Foreign Language | Successful completion of French III or Spanish III is required | |||
| Fine Arts | L2 years | |||
| Physical Education/Health | 1 year | |||
| Electives | 4 courses (available in all subject areas) | |||
| Senior Project | All seniors must complete a special project or internship in their senior year | |||
| Community Service | 25 hours of volunteer service required each year | |||