The Upper School offers a dynamic, academically rigorous experience for students in Grades 6 through 9. As a junior boarding and day school, Rumsey provides a close-knit community where students are challenged to think critically, take risks, and grow into confident, independent learners.
These middle school years are a time of meaningful growth. Small class sizes, personalized advising, and honors-level coursework build critical thinking, curiosity, and strong study habits, while leadership opportunities and a values-based approach to character shape students ready not just for top secondary schools, but for lasting success beyond.
Upper School
Overview of Our Academic Program:
The Rumsey Effort System
Effort is Valued
Learning is more than just outcomes, it’s about how students engage with the process. The Effort List and Dean’s List recognize students who demonstrate consistent focus, participation, and follow-through, helping them develop strong habits and intrinsic motivation. Effort is assessed through class engagement, extra credit projects, and submitting homework on time. Students make the Dean’s List by demonstrating superior effort in four or more classes, three of which must be the core academic classes.
Honors Courses
VIIth Form (Grade 9) students who have demonstrated academic excellence may apply for Honors-level coursework in English, mathematics (Algebra II), science (Biology), History, and World Languages (French IV, Spanish IV, and Latin IV). Admission is based on teacher recommendations, standardized test scores, and previous course grades.
Personalized Advising
At Rumsey, every student has a faculty advisor who serves as a trusted mentor, advocate, and consistent source of guidance throughout the year. With dedicated advisory time twice a week, students have regular opportunities to connect with their advisors, reflect on their progress, set goals, and navigate academic and personal challenges.
Advisors get to know students holistically, helping them build confidence, develop independence, and feel a strong sense of belonging. Advisors also serve as an important connection between school and home, partnering with families throughout the year.
Challenge Meets Individual Attention
At Rumsey, academic challenge is paired with the time, guidance, and individual attention students need to thrive. Dedicated Extra Help periods are built into the school day, giving students opportunities to work directly with teachers to reinforce concepts, tackle challenging material, or explore subjects in greater depth.
Structured Study Hall periods provide dedicated time to complete assignments, prepare for assessments, and develop the study habits, organization, and time management skills essential for future academic success.
Equally important are the relationships that extend beyond the classroom. As advisors, coaches, and dorm parents, Rumsey faculty know their students as individuals, their strengths, challenges, interests, and potential. That understanding allows teachers to recognize when to encourage, when to challenge, and when to offer additional guidance.
A Balanced and Intentional Curriculum
Upper School students engage in a well-rounded curriculum that includes Math, science, English, world languages, and history, as well as co-curriculars in the arts, technology, and character skills.
Signature Programs
VIIth Form (Grade 9) can choose from one of four Signature Programs in Makerspace Design, Civics and Current Events, Fine Arts Studies, and Social and Community Leadership.
I was nowhere near who I am today… Teachers here push you, but they’re always there for you.
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