Upper School Curriculum

Emerging from the lower school as active learners, students have a strong foundation of skills and a great enthusiasm for investigation, reading, learning, exploring and discussion. In the Upper School, students move from class to class, with a core of homeroom teachers and advisors overseeing their progress. Academic subjects include science, mathematics, social studies/history, English, foreign language (French, Spanish, Latin), computers, art, music, and physical education. Dutchess Day School emphasizes independent thinking and exploration, a strong academic foundation in the key disciplines, writing and speaking skills, social and community responsibility, and integrity. As in the lower school, projects and field trips augment classroom study and provide many opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. 5th and 6th graders experience an in depth two year water study and marine biology curriculum, which incorporate many field explorations, culminating in a week long environmental and biology field trip to Cape Cod. 7th and 8th graders explore history and art in a week long trip to Washington, D.C. The 7th grade trip to Greenkill combines team building and science. Historical landmarks in the Hudson Valley are excellent resources for students as they investigate American history. The theater and symphony at the Bardavon, locally, as well as the proximity to New York City, provide rich opportunities for students to explore the arts. These learning adventures are exciting and highly anticipated traditions at Dutchess Day School.

“Dutchess Day School emphasizes independent thinking and exploration, a strong academic foundation in the key disciplines, writing and speaking skills, social and community responsibility, and integrity.”