The Upper School program is designed to provide opportunities to develop the mind in all its facets: analytical, imaginative, and ethical. A student's abilities mature and flower as he or she tackles classic forms of expression: the essay, public speaking, and the visual and performing arts. Creative and analytical skills are further expanded through the exploration of more advanced territories within science and mathematics. Perspective and critical thinking skills are developed through our rigorous humanities curriculum. Finally, the study of the Bible also provides an integration of Christian faith and learning central to the School's mission.
The Upper School faculty members are lifelong learners and passionate educators, chosen for their giftedness in their respective fields and their ability to communicate both their subject and their passion for it. They continue to travel, attend conferences, and do research in order to teach their subjects at the highest level. Most of our faculty live on campus and are readily accessible to meet with students outside of the classroom. Their contact information is also made available to all parents, since close communication is viewed as a vital part of the educational process.
With small class sizes and balanced loads, teachers get to know all of their students, their strengths and their weaknesses, and are able to work specifically to the student's individual needs. When more help is needed, peer and professional tutors are available. When more challenge is desired, students can take advanced college-level classes through Stony Brook University's ACE program and Molloy College's Scholars Program as well as participate in high-level academic competitions and mini-courses.
Teaching students to write well is one of the hallmarks of the School's curriculum. In the Upper School, students are instructed across disciplines in the art of the analytical and personal essay, with special emphasis placed on the organization and craft of a well-written argument. Many of our alumni have noted that the training in writing that they received while at The Stony Brook School was invaluable to their undergraduate experience.