Upper School

The VCS Social Studies program provides the means through which we help children understand their world and the world of other peoples across time and space. Students master interdisciplinary skills through their Social Studies coursework. They expand their intellectual framework and feed their curiosity, becoming self-motivated, critical thinkers for a lifetime.

The focus of 6th Grade Social Studies is a thematic study of Ancient Greece and Rome. Over the course of the year, students identify characteristics of civilizations and examine their development; develop an understanding of the ways that geography impacts civilizations and ways in which humans affect their environment; learn about societies by studying their beliefs, mythology, and social structure/power dynamics; and examine the influence of ancient Greece and Rome on our modern world. 

In 7th and 8th Grade, students examine the complex formation of American society and government from various perspectives and learn to view historical events through the eyes of individuals who witnessed them. They uncover the voices of marginalized groups in American history and discover how they thrived and shaped our nation. Students view America’s past through a lens sharply focused on civil rights and social justice issues as they examine the concepts of discrimination, activism, the historical interpretation of the Constitution and the evolving American identity. 

Students read a variety of texts including novels, short stories, poems, plays, and personal narratives, equipping them with the skills and content knowledge needed to engage with diverse texts, ideas and perspectives. Discussions, group work and writing exercises develop their analytical and expository skills. Students typically cover several units of study, using literary texts to strengthen comprehension and as models for their own writing.

Challenging and diverse writing assignments help students develop their expository and creative work; they gain a firm understanding of the writing process as well as the proper mechanics of grammar and vocabulary. Students craft essays with clear thesis statements and supporting evidence. As they prepare for Graduation, they increasingly undertake long-term, self-directed projects reflecting personal interests.

By the time they graduate from VCS, 100% of students have already completed high school Level 1 math; 33% will have completed high school Level 2.

In preparation for algebra, students integrate real-life problem solving in their work writing, interpreting and using expressions and equations while continuing to hone computational fluency across topics including geometric constructions, ratio, proportion and rational numbers. In Algebra I, students explore proportional relationships and operations with rational numbers, probability and the Pythagorean Theorem. Students work with expressions and linear equations, building the abstract-thinking skills needed to master algebraic concepts and expand their algebraic knowledge by analyzing and solving linear equations, systems of equations, quadratic equations, rational and radical expressions and inequalities. Coursework emphasizes using precise algebraic notation and producing exact calculations. Students in the accelerated Math program culminate their studies with 8th Grade Geometry.

Students deploy Google Drive, Microsoft Office, iWork, Adobe Creative Suite and other applications to create, organize and collaborate on projects. VCS also provides access to e-learning programs like Fluencia (Spanish), Sadlier Connect (vocabulary), NIH Labs (science), among others for individual and classroom coursework.

In STEAM, students work on projects that explore this essential question: How can we apply what we know about science, technology, engineering, art and math to meet our needs? Students work primarily in small groups on design challenges, and apply the (engineering) design process as a protocol for problem solving. They conduct research, brainstorm multiple approaches to a challenge, produce scaled drawings and negotiate their ideas with teammates as they work to build models and prototypes.

Upper School students transition into a departmentalized science curriculum, devoting an entire year to one core area of inquiry. This ensures our graduates master both conceptual and factual knowledge across topics in earth science, life science, physical science, chemistry and environmental science. Textbook coursework, active lab learning, student-created visual presentations and independent research form a dynamic curriculum for students to continue developing their skills as critical thinkers who can observe, measure and evaluate scientific evidence and then draw conclusions and articulate findings to others. Upper School science class requirements include homework, research and tech projects, written reports, lab work, class participation and exams.

Students select one language to study for three consecutive years, providing the equivalent of at least a Level 1 high school course. VCS graduates often place at Level 3 in high school coursework. Cultural study, field trips, assigned reading, composition exercises and independent projects complement students’ rigorous, text-based coursework. Students make classroom presentations and take tests to help them achieve written, aural and oral proficiency. Our VCS Beyond the Classroom initiative also offers opportunities for studying abroad, providing invaluable stays with local families, trips to cultural sites and tastes of the country’s cuisine.

Mandarin
Upon completing this three-year course, students attain basic conversational fluency as well as the ability to read and write in Mandarin. Students work to develop a wide-ranging vocabulary on topics such as clothing, food, body parts, sports, visiting friends, making phone calls, daily routines and weather. Class time is focused on speaking and listening using practical conversational language. Students learn about Chinese culture, including the pop culture of modern-day youth. Students write analytical essays and prepare presentations that illustrate the influence of language on a culture and its worldview.

Spanish
In our Spanish course, students refine their skills in interpersonal, interpretative, and presentational oral communication through the use of diverse authentic resources. These activities focus on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, contributing to a deeper understanding of the Spanish-speaking world and fostering cultural awareness. With a strong emphasis on oral communication, the curriculum encourages students to immediately apply newly learned grammatical structures, promoting increased fluency and precision in personal expression. Within our Spanish program, grammar and vocabulary serve as powerful tools that enable us to narrate the stories of our lives—those from yesterday, today, and the dreams of tomorrow, connecting and balancing instructional content with real-life situations.

Latin
In this three-year course, students learn the fundamentals of Latin grammar and vocabulary. Through learning Latin, students will attain better English reading and writing skills, and will be provided with the basis for learning Romance languages, such as Spanish, French, and Italian. Through reading the stories in the Cambridge Latin Course books, students learn Latin in an accessible, fun, and kid-friendly way. By way of interdisciplinary lessons, this course also reinforces what students are learning in their ELA and Social Studies classes. While interpretive reading is the focus of our course, students learn Latin in a multimodal manner, including acting, drawing, listening, speaking, and writing. Through project-based-learning, students explore Ancient Roman daily life and history, such as gladiatorial combats, the baths, the Forum, and ancient theater. Students also learn the exciting stories of Greco-Roman mythology, and discover how the lessons of the Ancients can be applied to their own lives.

The Upper School curriculum focuses on developing students’ sport-specific skills, team play, and sportsmanship. We also offer an array of cooperative games, communication exercises and team-building challenges that encourage physical and emotional growth. Students take physical education class three periods a week; classes are held at Pier 40’s sports and recreation facilities as well as in our own gymnasiums. Many students also enjoy our interscholastic athletics program spanning soccer, volleyball, track and field, and basketball. VCS student-athletes shine with school pride, taking pleasure from diligent practice and hard-fought matches with players from other schools. Students who volunteer to play must make a commitment to participate fully. There is a no-cut policy; all children may enjoy the camaraderie and excitement of competition.

Students in 6th Grade build upon the foundational work of 5th Grade Drama by expanding their early acting skills, working as an ensemble and individually to develop character- and world-building skills. Students also begin to explore directing, set design, costume design, and how all of the elements come together to create an experience for the audience. In the spring, students participate in a cross-disciplinary study of Shakespeare in Drama and ELA, culminating in a Shakespeare Festival for their families and the school community. 

In 7th and 8th Grade, students who wish to continue their Drama studies may do so as part of their Performing Arts Classes (PAC) rotation. They explore the ancient art of storytelling through a modern-day lens as they work with and perform theatrical texts. They practice breaking down scenes and monologues into beats, actions, and intentions and work with partners and small groups to stage and rehearse their scenes and monologues.

All Upper School students have the opportunity to participate in two productions annually: a fall play and a spring musical. To learn more about the many ways students participate in our robust After School Drama program, see the After School Programs.

The Upper School art curriculum meets the growing interests and abilities of pre-adolescents with projects that develop their observational and manipulative skills as well as their capacity to think symbolically and metaphorically. In addition to hands-on exploration and practice, students are introduced to artists from other time periods and cultures, helping them to connect their own work to a larger artistic legacy.

Upper School students are exposed to a wide variety of music and continue building their literacy and ensemble skills. All Upper School students choose an ensemble or process-based class from our electives program. Students may also elect to study an instrument through our after school music program; private lessons in flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and drums are also offered. 

Elective courses provide opportunities for Upper School students and teachers to explore an area of shared interest and/or try their hand at something new. Each semester, each student chooses a new elective. The program empowers students to shape a part of their curriculum, a developmentally appropriate exercise during their Upper School years. Electives meet twice weekly in mixed-grade grouping classrooms. Students in Grades 6-8 select from the same array of classes. Course topics vary; past courses have included Podcasting, Chess, Stage Design & Production, The Art & Science of Basketball, Knitting, and more.