Upper School - Grades 9-12
Tower Hill’s Upper School is a vibrant place of discovery and growth. We believe in the limitless potential of young people and consider it a privilege to share their journeys with them. Our scholars, artists and athletes live our motto, Multa Bene Facta, many things done well.
Upper School students at Tower Hill can choose from over 60 electives as they craft their academic program alongside their advisor and Class Dean, two adults tasked with supporting student intellectual and social growth and agency. Our curriculum has classical roots and contemporary branches. It lives, expanding in directions appropriate to student interest, faculty passion and expertise, and world events.
In our program, students propose and carry out original research projects, produce college-level writing with careful mentorship, and experience interdisciplinary, exploratory learning both in the daily classroom environment.
Because we believe that our students are capable of great things, the faculty at Tower Hill have high expectations and hold themselves to high standards in supporting students. Our teachers, coaches and staff devote themselves to encouraging students’ existing passions, introducing them to new joys, and fostering their positive character development throughout their time in the Upper School.
We devote ourselves to building an environment in which every child will thrive.
Jack Phillips
Head of Upper School
Handbook
The Upper School Handbook outlines the student experience and expectations for families. Each year, students are required to have a solid understanding of the school’s expectations as they are outlined in this handbook. Each student signs a pledge affirming they have both read and will commit to the Honor Code and the standards set forth in this handbook.
Upper School Highlights
325
students in Upper School
138
Upper School classes offered
51
2024 AP Scholars with and average score of 4.49
18
National Merit Qualifiers and Semifinalists (average of the past 3 years)
✔
Honors and advanced courses offered in all subject areas in the Upper School
100%
students attend 4-year college
95%
of the class of 2024 received early admission acceptances
✔
International travel programs offered every year for all students
45
student clubs: everything from Mock Trial to Science Olympiad. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Start your own!
29
Tower Hill School’s 3-year average ACT score
1341
Tower Hill School’s 3-year average SAT score
23
varsity teams
81
Athletic state titles
17
performing ensembles
2
theater productions annually
44
faculty members
84%
advanced degrees
20%
Ph.D. or another terminal degree
4
college counselors
Global Scholars Certificate Program
Morning meeting every day
Leadership: advisory program, peer tutors - Upper School students tutor as part of the student support network, Student Government Association (SGA), The Green Keys, Senior Peer Leaders
Social Justice Program: students explore and discuss topics about diversity and inclusion
Tower Term: an interdisciplinary experiential learning experience offered to all Upper School students
Senior Speeches
Curriculum
Tower Hill’s Upper School prepares graduates to thrive wherever their paths may take them after Tower Hill. Qualified students who demonstrate exceptional interest and ability in one or more academic disciplines are encouraged to enroll in honors and advanced level classes - these courses provide opportunities for deeper exploration of the subject matter and enable our alumni to excel in similar coursework in college and graduate or professional school.
Beyond academics, Upper Schoolers engage in a rich extracurricular life in the arts and athletics; our graduates exhibit a deep appreciation for the humanities and literature, exercise the ability to evaluate quantitative and scientific information and are well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
