Upper School

Reaching for New Heights

Welcome to Dawson's Upper School. An Upper School education is centered on passion, agency, and relevance. Our job is to open doors for students so that they can discover and pursue new passions, realize their own agency in a world they care about, and know that what they do is important.

The first thing people remark on when they come to the Upper School for the first time is the sense of caring that is evident in the interactions they see between students, teachers, and parents. That culture of care affords faculty the opportunity to recognize students' individual strengths and to nurture those until students emerge from high school with a strong sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Dawson students are known throughout the college world for being articulate, driven, confident, principled problem solvers. We are proud of them, and we welcome the opportunity to bring you into our community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Anne Hecox

Upper School Director

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Dr. Anne Hecox

Upper School Director

Upper School Profile

Upper School at Dawson

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College Ready

Dawson’s Upper School combines rigorous academics with personalized guidance. Advisers meet one-on-one with each student for course planning, while dedicated college counselors provide individualized support beginning in 9th grade.

Dawson also offers distinctive opportunities like the EntreX Lab Program™, a dual-enrollment entrepreneurship course for college credit. With 90% of AP students scoring three or higher on exams and 100% of graduates accepted to four-year colleges and universities, Dawson delivers both challenge and support at the highest level.
Beyond the Classroom

Experiential learning takes center stage through fall trips, extensive service work, independent projects and showcases, international Winterim experiences, clubs, and co-curriculars.

Students also benefit from flexible internship options offered during the summer, after school, or for credit during the school day. This commitment to hands-on learning is why Dawson students report greater engagement in their school experience compared to their peers at other high-achieving private and public schools. ((Challenge Success Upper School Student Survey, November 2024).
Life at Dawson

Dawson students share a drive to learn, grow, and form lasting friendships. Interdivision buddy programs and supportive faculty foster connection across campus, while students take the lead through clubs, student government, athletics, and the arts.

Annual traditions such as seasonal tailgates, Dawson Fest, the Pony Puff Flag Football Tournament, Winter Carnival, homecoming, prom and after prom, senior sunrise, and senior honoring create a vibrant and memorable student experience that celebrates both leadership and community.

Upper School Curriculum

Upper School Course Catalog

Co-Curriculars

Acceptances & Matriculation

Upper School at a Glance

Opportunity abounds in Upper School. Engaged faculty, incredible class selection, unique co-curriculars, and individualized attention makes this a special place.