Learn deeper.
Stand out.
Go further.
Upper School
Empowering curious students in a complex world through project-based learning
At Bennett Day Upper School, our mission is to provide a collaborative culture that nurtures an innate sense of inquiry and curiosity.
Project-Based Curriculum That Matters
By working on projects relevant to their interests and lives, students sustain motivation in their learning. Project-Based Learning encourages active learning, where students engage in the process of inquiry, discovery, and problem-solving. This leads to a deeper understanding of concepts and their application in real-world scenarios.
Internships for Practical and Professional Experience
Bennett students in 11th and 12th grade participate in internships during the school day for an entire trimester as part of their core academic schedule. Developing essential professional skills and applying classroom learning in the real world makes our students stand out in life after Bennett.
Relationship-Driven Advisory and Mentorship
When students feel seen, heard, and understood, they are comfortable taking risks. Our program's dedicated mentorship and personalized guidance empower students on their unique journey, providing the support they need to excel academically, socially, and emotionally.
Future-Focused for College and Beyond
College counseling at Bennett starts in 9th Grade. Every student receives one-on-one guidance from our dedicated college counselor, ensuring a tailored path to success. We work closely with students and families to help identify best-fit colleges and navigate the application process with confidence.
Our students learn by doing—with an emphasis on problem-solving, critical thinking, and social acuity—to be ready for a life of learning in today’s world.
Accomplishment
Shapes Us
Our project-based learning (PBL) environment is built on the idea that learning comes from a sense of purpose and a goal of accomplishment. Students at Bennett work collaboratively to design and revise projects with the very specific and tangible goal of presenting them at Demo Night. There is a definitive connection between what they learn and what they create and the accountability that comes with the presentation of the final product. In a student’s mind, there is a direct line between what they learn, what they create, and the positive feelings of accomplishment.
As I watch our Middle and Upper School students dive deep into their PBL projects each trimester, I see this play out in person; students who came to us disengaged or school agnostic have now involved themselves fully in their projects and found areas of interest. Meanwhile, many students are diving deep into the type of academic content their peers can only dream of “covering” in their AP and IB classes.
Students here at Bennett are not only thoughtful, engaged, and deep learners, but they can articulate a sense of themselves as academics and learners in a manner that few students their age can. If you’ve read any of our “Senior Spotlights,” you’ll notice a common theme: our students not only can tell you what they want to do, but more importantly, why they want to do it. That’s incredibly rare and truly wonderful.
Ultimately, it is the accomplishments that shape us and leave a lasting impact, defining who we are and what we contribute to the world. At Bennett Day, we made a conscious choice in the design of our Middle and Upper School programs to embrace accomplishment over the false virtues associated with “rigor” and “achievement.”
Start maximizing your opportunities
at Bennett, today.