Welcome to Upper School at SCH Academy

Through our rigorous college-prep curriculum grounded in project and passion-based learning, SCH students build resilience and ownership while gaining an unparalleled academic foundation for life.

Offering a solid foundation in the liberal arts (Arts, English, History, Math, Science, World Languages), SCH's Upper School has an array of electives that are tailored to our unique educational environment. Whether your student is looking to foster a love for math and dabble in video production, take an in-depth look at courses offered in Upper School. 

Upper School Course Catalog

SCH's schedule is based on a 7-day cycle and built around the block system. The below is an example of a 9th grader's semester schedule. Over 100 elective courses are offered at SCH. Download graduation requirements here. 

With over 30 choices, activities, clubs, and councils provide opportunities for students to  discover new interests, take on leadership roles, contribute to the upper school student experience, and make new friendships across grade levels. In the beginning of each school year, Upper School holds a Clubs & Activities Fair for students to browse and select ones they're interested in.

Short list of offerings:

• Asian Student Alliance
• Black Student Union
• Campus Lantern (student newspaper)
• Eco Club
• GSA (Gay Straight Alliance)
• Honor Council
• Model UN
• Players
• Robotics
• Student Ambassadors
• World Languages Clubs
• Yearbook

Student Experience

All incoming students are placed into advisory groups of 10-12 that are paired with a faculty advisor. The heart of the advisory program is the relationship that develops between students and their advisor over the four years of Upper School. Advisories meet twice a week and spend time working on studentship skills, discussing topics such as current events and the responsible use of social media, setting goals, reflecting on experiences, and bonding over breakfast. Advisors oversee the academic and extracurricular life of their students and act as the first point of contact on campus for students’ families.

Student Experience

The College Counseling Office at SCH is committed to helping our students navigate the challenging yet exciting journey to finding your college match. Our college team is here to guide you through the college admissions process and to clarify the critical factors that colleges and universities consider when selecting students. We encourage our students to take ownership of the college process, and we are here to offer quality information, honest evaluation, and plenty of encouragement.

College Counseling Program

At the start of 9th grade, all students participate in a five-day Outward Bound expedition along the Appalachian Trail (within 1-2 hours of SCH) guided by the Philadelphia based Outward Bound School. Outward Bound has more than fifty years of experience, and our partnership with them ensures that the program will be an intentional, safe, and dynamic experience.
 
Outward Bound’s learning approach, one that “emphasizes high achievement through active learning, character development, and teamwork,” is an excellent complement to our existing orientation, advisory, and sports programs that will make the transition to Upper School both easier and more meaningful for our students. Our students affectionately call all our Outward Bound experiences "Type Two Fun". You have to live it to love it. 

Outward Bound

The Student Resource Center (SRC) is a place for high school students to work independently, collectively (as a study group), or with an assigned faculty for support. Workshops held in the SRC focus on skills such as presentations, exam prep, self-care, or college essays. Writing Wednesdays is peer-to-peer English support where students can work 1:1 to improve their writing. Examples of faculty support include homework planning, extra help, test taking, supplies & resources for special projects, and more! Listen to what our students and faculty have to say about the SRC.

Learn more about Student Support

In keeping with Springside Chestnut Hill Academy’s (SCH) long history of excellence in biomedical and health-related courses, and outstanding student successes at local, regional, and state science competitions, SCH is introducing a new opportunity for students who love science and are interested in pursuing a career in the biomedical sciences. Beginning in the spring of 2025, 9th-grade students will be eligible to apply to pursue a biomedical science track for the duration of their high school years. After completing all requirements, students will earn an SCH certificate of excellence in Biomedical Sciences in addition to their diploma. 

Highlights of this program include exclusive science events on and off campus, including field trips and guest speakers illuminating the amazing variety of university, pharmaceutical, and healthcare-related industries, science museums, and biomed professionals in the Philadelphia area; mentoring from Lisa Queeno, the BioMed Program Coordinator; summer and after-school research positions in labs and opportunities for shadowing healthcare professionals; a biomed-related Culminating Project; and access to mentoring and connections in the science community.

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