6Cs - Our Guiding Principles
Our Program
Each of seven departments (English, social sciences, mathematics, sciences, languages, arts, and physical education) has designed a curriculum sequence for grades five through twelve, with a goal of maximizing the potential of every student and fostering academic and personal success, both now and for the future. Toward that same end, a leadership curriculum is integrated into The Gregory School program, creating robust experiences for students in every grade.
Our faculty, coaches, counselors, and librarians incorporate the guiding principles of the 6 Cs (critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, compassion, communication, and community) throughout a student’s time here, providing an educational experience of the whole child that is both global and closely personalized.
Fifth Grade
Learning is exciting in The Gregory School fifth grade! Our two dedicated fifth-grade teachers make learning come alive and create a classroom culture that promotes a sense of community, academic risk-taking, and perseverance. Students have the opportunity to create and explore through project-based learning and a STEM-enriched environment. While our fifth grade is primarily self-contained, students are placed individually in mathematics and language classes at the appropriate level for them, and fifth grade is included as part of the Middle School for school-wide or Middle School special events.
Middle School
Middle school is one of the most important periods in a young person's life. Our Middle School consists of grades six, seven, and eight and offers a unique and exciting program that values academic achievement, cooperation, and good citizenship. Our academic program challenges students to become significantly more knowledgeable, skillful, organized, and articulate. Beginning in 6th grade, students are placed in an advisory group, which focuses on building community, further developing organizational skills, and supporting academic readiness.
Upper School
As students move into high school, they are given more flexibility to customize their own schedule to their interests and aptitudes. Upper School graduation requirements exist in each of the seven departments, and all academic classes are taught at the honors level or are Advanced Placement courses. Junior and senior English classes are taught as semester-long college-style seminars. Some courses may be available as dual enrollment for college credit. Seniors must complete a 60-hour internship in a field of their choosing.
Academic Enrichment & Teacher Availability
Scheduled at end of each Day 1 and Day 2, Academic Enrichment provides students the opportunities to meet with teachers and get additional help if needed, speak with their advisor, attend grade-level meetings, work on individual and group assignments, and participate in special programming such as guest speakers and wellness activities. In addition, teachers make themselves available to help students before and after school, during free blocks, and during lunch periods. Teachers know every student and every student’s individual progress in their class.
Advisory Program
Small groups of students meet weekly with a faculty advisor to build relationships, work on academic and planning challenges, do projects and community service activities, have fun, and give each other encouragement.
Personalized College Counseling
Student Counseling
Our school counselors offer a variety of personal and confidential services to help support student social and emotional needs. We value and respect the privacy and diversity of each campus community member and endeavor to help students feel confident in making informed decisions that will enhance the quality of their lives. Our counselors are on campus throughout the school day and have a friendly and relaxing counseling center where students can drop in or make an appointment.
The Writing Center
Modeled after those found on many college campuses, The Gregory School Writing Center is a dedicated peer-tutoring service space that assists students in all phases of the writing process. Our student editors apply and interview for their positions and are highly trained and closely supervised by a dedicated faculty member.
Library & Technology
With over 14,000 books, our library is a 4,000 sq ft reader's paradise, offering a comfortable space for study, reading, and group meetings. The library also serves as our technology hub, with IT support available for all students and faculty. Our faculty have extensive training and over a decade of experience in integrating laptops into every classroom, and we consider technology to be one of the essential components in preparing our students for higher education and for life.