Introduction to The Upper School

Harpeth Hall’s upper school curriculum aligns directly with our mission: we prioritize course work that is designed to help girls think critically, lead confidently, and live honorably.

The academic culture in the upper school is characterized by intellectual vitality and joy. We encourage students to take academic risks that equate with their interests and to create a balanced schedule that is tailored to their individual needs.

At the heart of each academic experience is our deep understanding of how girls learn best. Our teachers provide students with collaborative and interdisciplinary opportunities that ask girls to relate to each other and to the world around them. Our 75-minute blocks and rotating schedule allow for innovative teaching and deep exploration of subject matter. Stop by any classroom, and you will witness the strong connection between teachers and students that informs our vibrant learning community.

With programs like life balance, wellness, yoga, and strength and conditioning, we make sure our students are developing physically, emotionally, and intellectually. We support our students as they create and engage in our rich co-curricular and extra-curricular offerings. When students select their academic courses, we encourage them to consider their additional time commitments so that they design a schedule that promotes well-being. With our tailor-made “balance app,” we teach our students to lead a balanced life, taking into account how they want to spend their time. Each student meets with her advisor and is counseled by her teachers to choose the best courses for her and to develop a flexible four-year academic plan.

The core academic curriculum at Harpeth Hall is supplemented by our signature four-year Winterim program, several international exchange travel options, our Global Scholars program (for students in 10th through 12th grades), and opportunities for STEM research.

In addition, a visit to Harpeth Hall’s Bullard Bright IDEA Lab will reveal a vibrant space for learning, experimenting, and dreaming. Designed to be a creativity bridge between STEM and the humanities, in the Bullard Bright IDEA Lab, students transform ideas that incubate in the classroom into real-life innovations and designs. The space features a podcast studio, chemistry kitchen, robotics lab, and more.

No matter who a girl dreams of becoming, we help her to become more fully herself and to forge her own path to success during her four years in the upper school.

Frances Fondren-Bales Director of the Upper School