Upper School

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Preparing for college

And beyond

Many independent schools are driven by a “bigger, better, faster” ethic. At Steward, we are driven by the notion that smaller is better — a smaller environment creating deeper relationships, greater opportunities, and enhanced learning.

While competition is important, students thrive in an atmosphere that doesn’t place competition above character, balance, and the profound need to feel confident stepping beyond one’s own comfort zone. By capitalizing on the deeper relationships built in a small school environment, we are able to strike a balance between support and challenge. The ability to use these skills effectively will set students apart as they move through college and life to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Upon entering the Upper School, the Advisory Program matches each student with his or her own advisor. This advisor supports that student through graduation to help lead the way through the complexities and unique challenges he or she may face during the important years before college.

Tour the Upper School!

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Upper School Curriculum Guide

Upper School Curriculum Guide

The Steward School is proud to present a rigorous academic program at all levels, allowing students to follow individual paths toward graduation. The academic curriculum is the cornerstone of a Steward education, which is further enhanced by the advisory program, service learning opportunities, extracurricular activities, and a small school environment. Throughout their academic studies, students will hone skills that synthesize learning across the disciplines and foster critical thinking, communication, and problem solving. As a college-preparatory school, Steward believes that its students should be well-prepared to enter the world with a breadth of knowledge that allows them to pursue their passions.
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Activities
- More than 80% of students in grades 6-12 participate on athletic teams.
- More than 90% participate in the arts.
- One feature of the extracurricular program is the scheduling of clubs during the school day so that those with after-school responsibilities may still participate in clubs.
- The school's numerous organizations and clubs are a key part of creating the Steward experience and help to strengthen individual interests. Often, the friendships developed and lessons learned through these organizations help students discover what is truly important to them.
- Student organizations include: Admissions Ambassadors, Class Officers, Honor Council, National Honor Society, Student Council for Activities, and Student Life Committee.
- Students also have opportunities to start their own clubs as long as they are appropriate in nature and have a faculty sponsor.
- A sampling of Upper School clubs includes Battle of the Brains, Bring Change to Mind, Black Student Alliance, Creative Writing, Debate, Entrepreneurship, FOCUS, Gardening, GSA, Thespians, Model UN, Outdoor Adventure, Podcast, Robotics, Spirit Squad, Stewardship, Women's Empowerment, and more.
Facilities
The Upper School is located in two adjoining buildings, Taylor Hall and Cosby Hall. Some highlights of the Upper School include:
- Three Student Commons
- Three Science Labs and Prep Areas for Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Physics and Fundamentals of Research
- The ability to showcase major visual arts exhibits
- Classes are also held in the Cramer Center, the Bryan Innovation Lab, the Athletic Center, and Wilton Hall
- Lunch is provided in the Middle and Upper School Dining Commons
College Counseling Office

The College Counseling Office, which includes four expert faculty members, individualizes the college admission process for each student during his or her journey from ninth grade through graduation. This personalized attention helps each student find his or her best fit within an often overwhelming number of college options. In past years, nearly 100% of our students have matriculated at a top-choice college.

Learn About College Counseling
Advanced Placement

To keep students challenged and engaged along their academic journeys, we offer numerous honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Five core courses in the areas of English, social studies, mathematics, Spanish, and science, plus a grade-level seminar and one or more electives make up a typical Steward Upper School schedule.
Grade-Level Seminars

In grade-level seminars, Upper School students explore the fundamentals of design and engineering, coding, health and wellness, research writing, and public speaking. Students create their own unforgettable experiences during our one-week Minimester program that includes internships, community service, foreign and domestic travel, and the capstone Senior Project.
Entrepreneurship Studies Program

We also offer a unique Entrepreneurship Studies program that incorporates academic studies, hands-on learning, and skill building, as well as the possibility of earning a unique credential that will prepare them both for their college applications and their future careers.

Learn About Entrepreneurship Studies
Upper School Leadership Program

This unique credentialing opportunity is the first of its kind among Richmond-area independent schools. The Leadership Program combines hands-on learning with academic studies, enabling participants to become more effective leaders at Steward and beyond.

Learn About Our Leadership Program

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Meet the Director of Upper School

Bobby Pollicino
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Bobby Pollicino earned a B.S. in biology from Washington College and a M.A. in secondary science from The College of William and Mary. In addition, he earned an Executive Certificate in Leadership from Cornell University. Before leading Steward’s Upper School, he served as Head of Upper School at Bullis School, an independent, co-educational college preparatory school for grades K-12 in Potomac, MD. Mr. Pollicino has taught public speaking, leadership, environmental science, and biology courses and has coached girls and boys lacrosse since 2003. Mr. Pollicino believes in fostering students’ growth and development through well-rounded educational experiences and strong community relationships.