Upper School
Gill St. Bernard’s Upper School fosters intellectual curiosity and genuine academic engagement through a rigorous and varied college-preparatory curriculum, abundant opportunities for research across the curriculum, and a wealth of specialized elective courses for students to explore and further their unique interests. Honors courses, advanced placement (AP) courses, and electives such as Advanced Math Seminar, Computer-Aided Design (Cad), Creative Writing, Animal Science, Portfolio Development, Robotics and Engineering, Spanish Culture and Conversation, Stagecraft, and Comparative World Cultures speak to the depth and breadth of the course offerings. At GSB, teachers and students see learning as a shared enterprise in which everyone is engaged. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves and to strive for excellence while maintaining balance in their lives and discovering their own unique passions. As a result, our students are known for their enthusiastic approach to academic exploration and their pursuit of authentic understanding. They are students who love learning and who aspire to make meaningful contributions to the larger world. Our graduates are confident, independent, and thoughtful individuals, well prepared for the challenges of college and beyond.
Program Highlights Ninth-Grade Seminar - This is one of six required courses for freshmen. This yearlong transitional course teaches students the academic learning and personal learning skills necessary for success in Upper School and college. These include specific skills, such as note-taking, test preparation, test-taking strategies, and collaborative learning, as well as broader skills, including time management, public speaking, media literacy, cultural competence, and financial literacy. Students are introduced to formal research methodology and complete a comprehensive seminar project. The course also includes both character education and health and wellness topics. Spring Unit - For over 50 years, the Spring Unit has been the inspiration for the school’s motto, Schola Mundus Est: “The World is Our Classroom.” Spring Unit courses are held for two weeks each May and allow students to explore an area of particular interest to them, typically outside the range of traditional academic coursework. Whether on campus or through travel abroad, the Spring Unit offers students the chance to work collaboratively, to explore the larger world, and to serve others. Recent Spring Units have included a study of historical connections with the Holocaust in Poland, environmental awareness focusing on recycling, hiking in the Adirondacks, and learning the art of glassmaking. GSB’s beautiful 208-acre campus offers unique opportunities to complement the Spring Unit and the academic curriculum. GSB Student Internship Program - This program provides select eleventh- and twelfth-grade students an enhanced educational experience by exploring career opportunities. It exposes students to careers in educational and medical institutions, veterinary and legal professions, broadcasting/communications, entrepreneurship, cultural programs, and community service organizations. Eligible students must submit an application and an advisor recommendation to be considered for the program. Character Education - The school’s commitment to its core values is integrated into daily life at Gill, as is a focus on character awareness and development. The school fosters respect for all individuals and differing opinions and encourages students to consider and analyze controversial or unfamiliar ideas thoughtfully. Class discussions, personal conversations, assembly programs, guest speakers, and a wide variety of clubs and activities help our students work toward an understanding and exploration of their own values, both as individuals and as members of a community. Throughout their time at GSB, Upper School students are immersed in experiences that help them grow as students and as individuals. Research Across the Curriculum - All GSB graduates are skilled in research methods across disciplines and utilize a variety of information resources. The ninth-grade research project is based on A Guided Inquiry Approach to High School Research, setting the foundation for comprehensive work throughout high school. By the time they are seniors, students will have presented an 45
