Upper School (Grades 9-12)

List of 7 items.

• Critical thinking and problem solving

  • A contemplative academic culture supports students as they challenge assumptions and come to terms with ambiguities.
  • Student-led Socratic seminars probe essential and unanswerable questions rather than requiring rote memorization of facts.

• Leadership and relationship-building

  • Leadership and civic learning externships develop thoughtful, aspirational leaders known for their competence and ability to take action.
  • An emphasis on collaboration and cooperation fosters lifelong friendships among peers and enables students to develop a strong professional network within and beyond Greater Cleveland.

• Agility and adaptability

  • Yearly self-assessment presentations require students to earnestly examine goals, achievements, strengths and weaknesses for continuous growth.
  • The Holy Cross tradition of hospitality opens students’ minds to new perspectives and affirms that differences aren’t inherently divisive.

• Initiative, innovation and entrepreneurship

  • A dedicated Learning Enhancements Coordinator helps motivated learners to connect the dots between interests and real-world experience.
  • Entrepreneurial studies reward innovative thinking and offer a safe testing ground for new ideas.

• Effective communication skills

  • At least one semester of speech and debate is mandatory, enabling every student to learn to articulate their beliefs and support their positions using facts and logic.
  • Morning Convocation for grades 7 through 12 are entirely student-led, developing comfortable, confident public speakers who are leagues ahead of their peers.

• Ability to access and analyze information

  • 80-minute block scheduling, experience and sophisticated faculty members and small class sizes of about 15 allow for complex analysis and mastery of content.
  • Weekly faculty advisory sessions and individualized grade-level and college counseling challenge and support students in their studies and help create self-motivated lifelong learners.

• Spiritual awakening and moral decision-making

  • Study of religious texts and daily opportunity for reflection directs students of all faiths to seek connections and find purpose.
  • Charitable research projects and required volunteer service inspire empathy and demonstrate the power of action.