Christ Episcopal School Upper School Program Inquiry, Faith, and Relationships

Vision /Scenario What will the CES Upper School Program look like in (Year 5)?

Mission Upper School program extends original mission and operating principles of CES to grades 9 through 12. This means that each student is valued as a unique creation of God, intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic are fostered and we have a genuine, immediate response to each student. Underlying everything is the goal of always trying to live our lives worthy of our faith …to try to imitate Jesus Christ.

CES Upper School Graduates … Are life-long learners with a strong Christian ethic and morality. Are intelligent, articulate, independent, critical thinkers who are prepared to succeed in their post-secondary studies and in their future lives. Have a true sense of gratitude and have a desire to and understanding of their responsibility to give back and make the world a better place.

The Upper School will be small (about 200 students) by the end of year 5. It will provide a unique atmosphere that will give students and faculty the chance to create a vibrant close-knit learning community where inquiry-based, project-oriented real life learning takes place.

The students are willing to work hard, devote the appropriate time to their studies and be self-motivated learners; The students have a deep curiosity and desire to learn; The students contribute to academic discussions and dialogues; and The students are willing to abide by the Honor Code in all their actions. The student body will be academically diverse and….

Excellent, Caring Faculty Rigorous, College- Preparatory Curriculum Individualized, Interest-Focused, Authentic Learning The Unique Learning Environment is the result of...

Program: Rigorous, College-Prep Curriculum Strong Writing Component Across Curriculum Combined Language Arts/ Social Studies Block Variety of Assessments, including peer and self Authentic Real-World Project Focused, Experiential Learning State & University Success Standards Form Framework Technology Strengthens and Expands Curriculum

Faculty: Excellent, Caring Faculty Christian Character and Role Model for Students Collaborative, Creative, Experiential Instruction Faculty Planning Time Centered on Student Work Instill Love of Learning and Nurture and Encourage Students Cutting Edge Use of Technology to Enhance Instruction School Support of Individual and School-wide Professional Development Plans

Curriculum Design Based on… “Big Ideas” or Essential Questions That Form Curricular Framework “Understanding by Design” Backward Design Template Three Stage Approach: – Identify Desired Results: What should students know understand and be able to do? – Determine Acceptable Evidence: What assessment evidence is needed to document and validate desired learning? – Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction

Student Learning: Vibrant Learning Community Personalized Learning Plan addresses learning styles, interests, strengths and weaknesses Strong Core Curriculum with Student Input on Extra- curriculars Honor Code and Student-Led Student Government College Counseling and Individual Mentoring for Students Electronic Portfolio Documents Student Learning College Prep Senior Seminar with Final Research Paper Develop “Habits of the Mind” and Skills for future success Authentic, Effective Community Service

Think Critically Collaborate Productively Express Creatively Communicate Effectively and Persuasively Solve Problems Resourcefully Manage Projects Effectively Upper School Students Will be Prepared for 21st Century Careers. They can…

Eighth Grade is our pilot…Ninth Grade begins Are there changes/clarifications to the Vision? Are there additional issues that should be addressed? What are the top 3 things you are most excited about? What resources will we need to accomplish this? What are the implications for the current program? What adjustments do we need to make to incorporate the goals for the Upper School into the Eighth Grade program? What are the top 3 things that we can incorporate next year to make the biggest difference to the students?