Academics - St. Petersburg Private High School

Empowering students for success in academics, leadership, and life beyond the classroom

Grades 9-12

The Upper School years are a transformative period where students develop their voice, discover passions, and focus on goals, empowering them to express themselves confidently, explore interests deeply, and prepare for future academic and personal pursuits.

The Upper School Experience

The Upper School years are pivotal in helping students develop their unique voice and encouraging them to express themselves confidently and authentically. It's a time for students to discover their passions, explore new interests, and deepen their understanding of subjects that inspire them. With a focus on their goals, students in the Upper School are empowered to shape their academic path, prepare for higher education, and chart a course for their future endeavors.

Why do I love Canterbury? Our students are engaged in so many areas of learning--social, academic, cultural, spiritual, and more. They have leadership opportunities that surpass those of their peers, which they will not even fully realize until they are in college and find that it is not the norm to be leaders in the classroom, in athletics, on stage, in clubs, in service, and in the greater community. Yet, our students are not the norm--they are exceptional.

- Molly Smith, Dean of Student Life & Upper School Social Science

A Snapshot of our Curriculum

Our students are just as likely to be engaged in a handwriting or math lesson or on a field trip to a local museum as they are covered in mud working with the marsh grass in the STEAM garden. This multifaceted, inquiry-based curriculum allows students to value the process and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Math

Visual & Performing Arts

Meet Boris

The biggest thing that stands out to me about Canterbury is that 100% of the teachers and faculty are passionate and enthusiastic about what they teach.

This helps to create a positive learning environment for the students that makes it fun to learn and participate in class.
Class of 2025

Upper School Faculty

Our faculty embody the Canterbury spirit and mission: their selfless and collaborative efforts towards creating classrooms where students are cared for, educated, nurtured, and inspired make Hough Campus a magical and one-of-a-kind community.

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Kristy Alderson

Titles: Upper School Math Teacher

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Krista Coker

Titles: Upper School Language Arts Teacher

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Katie Craven

Titles: Upper School Language Arts Teacher

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Daniel DeGregory

Titles: Upper/Middle School Arts Teacher

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Elevation of Academic Success

The upper school years provide a rich experiential education through class trips, field trips, and vibrant campus life.

Educational Technology

Educational technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing students' learning experiences. Interactive touch boards, robotics, academic subscriptions, and manipulatives spark curiosity and an eagerness to learn. An integrationist collaborates across all disciplines to deliver cross-curricular lessons that extend learning beyond the classroom.

Buddy Program

A Buddy program between grade 5 and 12 students encourages mentorship and camaraderie, fostering leadership skills in older students and providing younger students with valuable role models in their academic journey.

Students meet once a month to strengthen bonds, share experiences, and provide guidance, creating a supportive environment.

Academic Support

A dedicated team of teachers and an advisor collaborates to harvest, support, and celebrate the academic journey, focusing on educational and social-emotional growth and development.

The Center for Academic Success provides enrichment or accommodations that address learners' diverse needs and developmental levels.

A rich tapestry of academic clubs, extracurricular activities, and community events that foster personal growth,
leadership development, and lifelong friendships can be found in
CAMPUS LIFE.

Experiential Learning

The upper school years provide a rich experiential education through class trips, field trips, and vibrant campus life.

Class Trips and Field Trips

Class trips and field trips play pivotal roles in shaping students’ educational journeys. These excursions extend learning beyond the classroom walls, providing immersive experiences that foster growth, curiosity, and connection. Let’s explore how each type of trip contributes to students’ development:

Class Trips: Fostering Bonds and Skills
- Dynamic Catalysts: Class trips serve as dynamic catalysts for team bonding, collaboration, and community building. Students step out of their comfort zones, embarking on transformative experiences.
- Navigating New Environments: Beyond mere excursions, these outings challenge students to navigate unfamiliar settings and overcome obstacles. They learn resilience and adaptability.
- Leadership and Empathy: Classmates collaborate, support, and understand each other in novel contexts. Leadership qualities and empathy emerge as students work together.
- Shared Adventures: Through shared adventures and discoveries, classmates forge deep connections. They uncover layers of each other’s personalities, enriching relationships.
Field Trips: Broadening Perspectives
- Extensions of Learning: Field trips extend classroom learning by immersing students in real-world environments. Whether visiting historical sites, museums, or natural wonders, students witness concepts coming to life.
- Curiosity Ignited: Beyond traditional education, field trips ignite curiosity. Students explore diverse subjects firsthand, asking questions, and seeking answers.
- Interacting with Communities: By stepping outside the classroom, students engage with diverse communities. They learn about different cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives.
- Sense of Wonder: Field trips cultivate a sense of wonder about the world. Whether observing wildlife, studying ecosystems, or appreciating art, students gain a deeper appreciation for their surroundings.

Clubs and Activities

Upper school clubs are a fantastic way for students to explore their interests, learn new skills, and connect with peers. Here are some common types of clubs you might find in an upper school setting:

Academic Clubs: These focus on specific subjects or fields. For instance, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) clubs encourage interdisciplinary learning, while international studies clubs delve into global affairs.
Creative Clubs: These provide outlets for artistic expression. “No Bake Club” sounds intriguing—it might involve cooking or baking without using an oven! Thespians clubs are perfect for theater enthusiasts, and art clubs allow students to unleash their creativity.
Athletic Recruiting Clubs: These clubs help student-athletes navigate the college recruitment process. They provide guidance on scholarships, NCAA eligibility, and connecting with coaches.
Leadership Development: Many clubs offer leadership opportunities. Students can organize events, manage budgets, and collaborate with others. These experiences enhance teamwork and organizational skills.

Remember, participating in clubs not only enriches your education but also helps you build lasting friendships and develop valuable life skills. If you’re interested, check out your school’s official list of clubs and find one that resonates with you!

International Travel Opportunities

Makerspace and Library

A Place Where Passions are Discovered

Whether finding a new favorite book, exploring the world of robotics, or researching a topic of interest, Knowlton Carothers Library is a place where students explore what matters to them.

The Knowlton Carothers Library is a place where future leaders discover their passions and hone their skills through research, reading, and technology.

Through inquiry and experiential learning, students find their voice and passion at the Knowlton Carothers Library.

Where Science Meets the Water

Our upper school Marine Studies program offers an exciting array of science electives, including Marine Biology, Oceanography, and the Marine Studies Research Capstone, providing a comprehensive understanding of marine ecosystems. Students can enhance their exploration of the marine environment through the Open-Water SCUBA Course and unique experiences like SCUBA Diving with a SCUBA Crew and shark tagging trips. Additionally, our program emphasizes environmental service learning, incorporating aquaponics, snorkeling trips, and seining to foster hands-on conservation efforts and ocean stewardship among students.

Knowlton Special Assemblies

Students gather in the Dollinger Auditorium regularly for presentations that celebrate accomplishments, citizenship, and unique student led service or philanthropic information. Often guest speakers, alumni and community members will come to share an important lesson that connect with the Canterbury mission.

Check it out on YouTube!

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Other Programs that Enhance the Academic Experience

At Canterbury, we prioritize the holistic development of every student. Our educational ethos permeates all aspects of our school programs, instilling values and lessons that enrich the academic journey. We aim to augment the academic experience through programs that seamlessly align with both our mission and our curriculum.

Upper School LEADS

Leadership, Equity, Advocacy, Dignity, Service
Service learning and the LEADS program in the upper school instill a sense of responsibility and empathy, empowering students to become compassionate leaders who positively impact their communities and the world.CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

College Counseling

College Counseling in the upper school guides students through the complex college application process, offering personalized support to help them explore options, navigate requirements, and make informed decisions about their future academic endeavors.

COLLEGE COUNSELING PROGRAM

Chapel Services

Chapel at Canterbury is a compilation of lessons that develop life skills that impact our daily lives through musical performances, public speaking, and a variety of presentations. It emphasizes the values of kindness, respect, and service.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHAPEL

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Our Signature Programs

Marine STUDIESDive into New Spaces

visual & performing arts
Illustrate Creativity

AthleticsExercise Teamwork

Upper School