Advising

Each student in the Middle and Upper Schools is paired with a faculty advisor in the fall. Students in grades six through nine are assigned an advisor from the teachers who make up their grade's homeroom team. Students in grades 10 through 12 may request an advisor within the Upper School faculty and may keep their advisor from year to year.

The role of the advisor is to serve as a source of information and support for students and parents. The advisor helps to plan the student's academic and extracurricular activities and guide the student to set and assess long-term goals. Advisor and advisee meet throughout the school year (especially before and after grading periods) to discuss any necessary adjustments in the student's schedule, study habits, or class performance. If a student is required to meet with the Honor Council or the Discipline Committee, the advisor may accompany him or her as a source of support.

Upper School Advisory Groups also provide a forum for students to discuss some of the complex issues they will encounter during their adolescent years and beyond.  These issues include, but are not limited to, decision making, managing stress, diversity, communication, substance abuse, and healthy relationships.  The goal of these advisor-led discussions is to equip students with the knowledge they need to make well-informed and healthy decisions. 

Advisors also serve as additional contact persons for parents, although parents are encouraged to call teachers directly if they have questions or concerns. After the first and third marking periods, the advisor will contact the parents of each advisee to discuss the student’s progress and to arrange for parent-teacher conferences as needed . Advisors also write an advisor report during the second and fourth marking periods.