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Upper School

US Learning

The Upper School at Newark Academy is a vibrant community where students in grades 9-12 are inspired to dive deep into discovery and develop a lifelong passion for learning. Here, education is a dynamic process of practice and growth, not just the acquisition of information.

NA Upper Schoolers are encouraged to take intellectual risks and explore personal passions through a broad array of experiential learning opportunities. Whether engaging in skills-based education through our hallmark "Six Cs" framework, pursuing independent study, or embracing the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program, students assume ownership of their educational experiences, preparing them for success in college and beyond.

Our close-knit community fosters meaningful relationships with peers and teacher-mentors, providing a supportive environment for personal growth. Upper School students also take on leadership roles, mentoring younger students and contributing to the inclusive and supportive culture that defines NA.

We invite you to learn more about the transformative journey awaiting students in the Upper School at Newark Academy!

While rising to challenges across academics, arts and athletics, students are guided to seek balance, developing resilience and confidence in ways that are developmentally appropriate. At Newark Academy’s Upper School, students don’t just prepare for the future — they discover who they are and who they want to become.

Signature NA Upper School Experiences:

Arts

Students embrace their creativity and think beyond the realm of possibilities in NA arts. NA uniquely incorporates the arts as a part of the academic program. Upper School students can choose to concentrate in more than 40 arts offerings in which they learn to build confidence, develop emotional intelligence, and articulate a “felt thought.” 

Athletics

The NA Minutemen experience allows Upper School students to strengthen their resolve and resiliency, while cultivating a love of competition. Students have the opportunity to participate in NA’s 24 varsity sports, which have captured 16 state championships over the last five years. 

Senior Traditions

The Chocolate slide, Senior Mountain Day, Classroom Internship Association (CIA), Senior Projects and Peer Leaders are just a few highlights of the senior year student experience.

Immersion Experiences

Immersion Experiences are a signature part of the Upper School experience. All students complete an Immersion Experience via one of three exciting forms of trips that incorporate experiential education opportunities. Students can choose among a Cultural / Linguistic Immersion, Cultural/ Service Immersion, or Wilderness / Outdoor Immersion.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme

Newark Academy was the first school in New Jersey — and remains the only private school in New Jersey — to offer the highly respected IB Program. Juniors and seniors can either take individual IB coursework or pursue the full diploma program. 

June Term

During the final two weeks of the school year, NA students in grades 9-11 immerse themselves in June Term, a hands-on, experiential educational opportunity that features NA faculty-designed courses such as “Making Things Fly” and “Happiness.” 

Leadership Opportunities

From serving as a spokesperson of a group to writing a proposal for starting a new club, Newark Academy students are given opportunities to develop leadership skills every day. Leadership opportunities include serving on NA’s School Council, becoming a peer mentor, stepping into the role as captain of an athletic team, etc.

Midnight Madness

Midnight Madness is an evening of fun exclusively for ninth graders. Hosted by Peer Leaders, the event includes games, activities, movies and treats that can be enjoyed at the NA campus until midnight.

Off-Campus Study

For students who are ready to escape their comfort zones for longer periods of time, NA partners with the world’s most highly respected semester-long travel and study programs. Opportunities include studying at The Island School, where you’ll learn about Bahamian art and culture, or joining the High Mountain Institute, where the outdoors can become your classroom.

Field Trip Day

Every fall, each grade goes on a full day excursion to bond as a class, dive into the local culture and and bring to life what they are learning in the classroom.

Service-Learning

All Upper School students are required to participate in NA’s Community Service program. Within the program, students partake in service learning projects, which ties their activities to curricular goals. Service learning occurs in many forms at NA, including the IB Program’s Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) Project, the annual Solidarity Sleepout, and in-class activities. 

Voice Proposals

One of the many ways in which NA students' voices are expressed and heard is through voice proposals. During this process, the Upper School Council, which represents the student body, gathers students’ recommendations for the school and presents the proposals to the NA administration. Voice proposals have resulted in meaningful outcomes, such as changes to the dress code and upgrades to student spaces. 

Meet the Upper School Principal

Dr. Catherine Atwell

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Our Upper School Faculty

Our faculty are dedicated to providing the best education possible for Newark Academy students.

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