Program
Upper School
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15
Humanities electives -
11
STEM electives -
15+
Student led Co-curricular clubs -
2
Students are required to take two years of Visual and Performing Arts classes
The Upper School at Providence Country Day (grades 9-12) encourages students to develop the tools they need to succeed in and out of the classroom.
With our small size, strong student-teacher relationships, and opportunity for students to participate in all aspects of school life, PCD creates personalized learning that is tailored for every student.
With our small size, strong student-teacher relationships, and opportunity for students to participate in all aspects of school life, PCD creates personalized learning that is tailored for every student.
About PCD's Upper School
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Upper School Curriculum
As a private high school, we have more flexibility in our curriculum. PCD class sizes are small, and teachers use a variety of strategies that encourage and emphasize each student’s role in their own education. PCD’s use of project- and inquiry-based learning, as well as the Harkness Method, are examples of the Upper School’s hands-on learning style.
PCD Upper School Departments offer many different course levels, giving students the chance to pursue strengths and talents or find support where needed. PCD’s Advisory and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs influence the classroom, and signature programs such as the “Physics First” track and the year-long Big History Project are also important components of the curriculum.
PCD’s Upper School college prep curriculum includes English (reading and writing), World Languages (Latin and Spanish, with online options for French, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian), History (The Big History Project, modern world, US history), Mathematics (Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus), Performing Arts (band and chorus), Science (physics, chemistry, and biology), and Visual Art (2D, 3D, digital media).
9th graders focus on foundational education in these subjects before branching out to individualized tracks by choosing from a wide variety of electives in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. Students are expected to complete a Senior Project and to meet academic, athletic, and community service requirements prior to graduation.DepartmentGrade 9Grade 10Grade 11Grade 12English
4 years requiredEnglish 9: Identity and CommunityEnglish 10: The Individual and CommunityEnglish ElectivesEnglish Electives
AP LiteratureHistory
3 years required
(4 years recommended)History 9: World History OriginsModern World History
AP European HistoryUS History
AP US History12 Grade History Senior Electives
AP Art HistoryMathematics
3 years required
(4 years recommended)Algebra I A and B*
Algebra II A and B*
Honors Algebra II
Geometry
Honors Geometry
Pre-Calculus
Honors Pre-Calculus
*A = Standard; B = College PrepAlgebra II A and B*
Honors Algebra II
Geometry
Honors Geometry
Pre-Calculus
Honors Pre-Calculus
AP Calculus AB & BC
*A = Standard; B = College PrepGeometry
Honors Geometry
Pre-Calculus
Honors Pre-Calculus
Differential Equations
Multivariable Calculus
AP Calculus AB & BC
AP StatisticsPre-Calculus
Calculus
12th Grade Math Electives
Differential Equations
Multivariable Calculus
AP Calculus AB & BC
AP StatisticsScience
3 years of lab science requiredConceptual Physics
(lab-based)Chemistry
Honors ChemistryBiology
Honors Biology
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Physics C12th Grade Science Electives
AP Biology
AP Physics CWorld Languages
3 years recommended; level 3 requiredLatin I, II
Spanish I, IILatin II, III
Spanish II, III
Honors Spanish IIILatin III, IV
Spanish III, IV
Honors Spanish IIILatin IV
AP Latin
Spanish IV, V
AP SpanishPerforming & Visual Arts
2 years requiredChorus
Jazz Ensemble
Trimester ElectivesChorus
Jazz Ensemble
Advanced Studio I
Trimester Electives
Advanced Jazz EnsembleChorus
Jazz Ensemble
Advanced Studio I & II
Trimester Electives
Advanced Jazz EnsembleChorus
Jazz Ensemble
Advanced Studio I, II, & III
Trimester Electives
Advanced Jazz Ensemble
AP Music Theory
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Upper School Environment
Students at the Upper School have the opportunity not only to participate in the classroom, but in student government, the arts, co-curricular activities, and athletics as well.
Leadership and student government opportunities are available through Student Council, Peer Advisors, and the Community Standards Group. Peer Advisors provide upperclassmen mentorship to incoming ninth graders, while the Community Standards Group advocates for PCD’s core values.
High School Art: PCD’s arts curriculum focuses on artistic growth rather than the creation of perfect works of art. There are many opportunities for performance through the jazz ensemble, advanced ensemble, choir, or in school plays or musicals.
Co-curricular clubs can require extensive preparation and time commitments (such as Mock Trial, which represented Rhode Island in the 2017, 2019, and 2020 National Championships!), while others offer a fun way to pursue shared interests (Ping Pong Club, Music Appreciation, or Joy of Crafting).
Sports are required at PCD and focus on participation, teamwork, and fitness.
Credit towards the sports requirement can also be earned through participation in the annual musical or individual off-campus athletic pursuits such as gymnastics, fencing, or equestrianism.
On-campus team options include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, sailing, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling.
The Upper School also offers place-based learning experiences through cultural immersion trips to Quebec, political education programs in Washington DC or the New Hampshire Primaries, and outdoor exercises through white water rafting in Maine or surfing and yoga in Costa Rica.
Other unique features of PCD include the Winter Arts Session, Community Service, World Culture Day, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programming, Social and Emotional Curriculum addressed in advisory groups, and the Senior Wellness Program.
The Upper School is designed to inspire, challenge, encourage, and support all students, wherever they are in their unique educational journeys. Students go forth from PCD as independent learners and thinkers, with the skills and practice to be resourceful, ethical innovators in both new and familiar settings. -
College Counseling
Our Director of College Counseling works with students in Grades 9-12 introducing them to the college process through a developmentally appropriate framework. Early high school students are asked to reflect on who they are by using various assessments including personal strengths, skills, learning styles, personality characteristics in terms of future goals and academic planning. They are also introduced to early academic, college and career planning tools. The college search and application process intensifies in junior year. Students receive highly individualized support throughout Grades 11 and 12.
College Counseling -
College Preparation
Whether your grandparents attended university or you’ll be the first person in your family to graduate from high school, PCD’s personalized education gives each student the tools they need to succeed in college—and to decide what to study.
PCD’s diverse and challenging curriculum, combined with an emphasis on sports, the arts, and co-curriculars, allows each student to find their unique path and develop important skills for choosing, applying to, and attending college.
Our alumni attend colleges and universities across the United States and several countries, and have gone on to careers as lawyers, architects, business owners, marketing directors, engineers, artists, writers, professional athletes, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals and more.
Alumni frequently attribute their college and career success to early lessons taught at PCD through the diverse and rigorous curriculum. Time management, critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, problem solving, work ethic, perseverance, and confidence built through the opportunity to try a wide variety of classes, co-curriculars, and sports are often cited as being important to their success.
Upper School Daily Schedule
PCD has a seven-day rotating schedule. Classes meet in a similar sequence each day, but the sequence starts with a different period each day. The schedule enhances the student learning experience with built-in flexibility and a more efficient workflow. Students have the opportunity to perform during individual peak times, and a regular block when the school can gather in its entirety allows for unique off-campus activities without sacrificing valuable classroom time. An extended 70-minute teaching period at the start of each day in the upper school supports greater variety of instruction to help make the vital connections between theory and practice.
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Rotating Schedule
Click to read more about PCD's schedule.
Every school is different and one size does not fit all. Just as each child is unique, so too is the experience each child will have at the school he/she attends.
PCD teachers are not only experts in their disciplines, but they are also experts in adolescent education. It is what they do—and love. They are fire starters and light up the classroom every day, whether in class or in one of the unique programs that you will only find at PCD.
Upper School Clubs and Co-Curriculars
Amidst a seemingly full schedule, Providence Country Day School students find the energy and passion to lead and participate in a vibrant club program. Student leaders often emerge through these programs because clubs are wholly student driven. Each year, some new clubs start, other clubs are retired, and longstanding clubs gain new life and direction.
While students are primarily responsible for planning cocurricular activities, at least one faculty advisor helps manage each club. Activities like Mock Trial are rigorous and challenging—requiring an extensive time commitment, while others—such as Crafting and the Music Appreciation Club, give students a fun way to pursue shared interests. In addition, groups like Habitat for Humanity and PeaceJam sponsor wide-spread community service efforts, while Student Government and Admissions Ambassadors contribute greatly to the social and cultural climate of the school. Thus, through cocurricular activities, PCD students gain another frame through which they see the significance of participation, initiative, persistence, and hard work.If students come to PCD with an inclination to specialize, they leave with an often unexpected appreciation for new and diverse interests.
Co-Curriculars
- Admissions Ambassadors
- Board Games
- Chess Club
- Chess Team
- Chinese Students Association
- Coffee House
- Community Outreach Club
- Community Standards Committee
- Cooking
- Current Events
- Diversity
- Frisbee
- GSA – Gender & Sexuality Alliance
- Improv
- Joy of Crafting
- Leftist Studies Society
- Mock Trial
- Movie
- Music Appreciation
- Newspaper
- Peace Jam
- Peer Advising
- Peer Tutoring
- Philosophy Club
- Roundtable Newspaper
- Quilting Club
- Spike Ball Club
- Student Council
- Students in Action
- World Affairs
- Yearbook
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Rhode Island State Champions
PCD's Mock Trial Team works with professional attorney/coaches to prepare prosecution, defense and witness testimonies. The team competes throughout the year and in 2017, 2019, and 2020 PCD represented the state of Rhode Island in the National Championships.
Upper School FAQ
List of 10 frequently asked questions.
Applying to PCD's Upper School: Next Steps
Applying to PCD requires an official transcript from the current school (current and previous years), teacher recommendations: one from the current English teacher and one from the current Mathematics teacher, and an interview with a member of PCD's Admissions Office.
International applicants must also include the International Student Supplement form and results of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
If you are interested in attending PCD, request more information below!
International applicants must also include the International Student Supplement form and results of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
If you are interested in attending PCD, request more information below!
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Ann Infante
Director of College CounselingWhat inspired you to pursue your current role?I was an English teacher in an urban public school system for many years, and I wanted to empower my students to believe in the power of higher education to change their lives. I wanted them to understand that by dreaming big, and working hard, they had many options for higher education that were excellent "fits" academically, financially, and socially. I knew that if I could help them access resources, they had the power to make their dreams a reality. -
Chris Dodd
English TeacherWho is the greatest country singer of all time?
Hardcore country fan will all answer George Jones. However, this is obviously wrong. While no one can compete with Jones as far as the pure power of his voice, Merle Haggard is clearly the all time greatest based on the combination of musical talent and songwriting ability. Just take a listen to "If We Make It Through December", "Going Where the Lonely Go" or "Mama Tried" and you'll forget all about George Jones. Sorry, Possum. Hag for the win. -
Dobromira "Mira" Kostadinova
Math TeacherHow do you stay curious and continue growing in your professional journey?Sometimes, I find myself relearning or digging deeper into the topics I teach to present them in the best way possible for my students. It’s not just about mastering the content; I’m always working to improve my teaching methods, too. Everyone brings a different approach to teaching, so I often read math-related articles, solve problems outside of class, or watch math and science videos. Even tackling math puzzles helps keep things fresh and stimulating. -
Haley Crockett
English Teacher, Science TeacherHow do you stay curious and continue growing in your professional journey?My high school's motto was "life-long learners," and I strive for that. I am always reading books (and love discussing them with my students and colleagues). I also love collaborating with other teachers to pilfer their ideas and try them out in my own classroom. I also appreciate how PCD lets me design my own courses and try things that are a bit out of my comfort zone (like designing and teaching Environmental Science) to stretch my skills and interests. Never a dull day at work! -
Jen Aitken
Head of Upper School & Biology TeacherHow do you stay curious and continue growing in your professional journey?I make sure to incorporate things into my classes and life outside of school that feed my curiosity and soul. A couple of years ago, I decided to pursue a graduate degree through a program at the Bronx Zoo. Even with the added workload and lengthy commute, it has expanded my knowledge and skills (we were still using microfiche readers when I was in college!). This experience has energized me and led me to bring new innovations and ideas back to PCD to share with students and faculty. -
Johnson Thomas
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and BelongingHow do you encourage creativity and innovation in your role?I encourage creativity and innovation in DEIB work by creating spaces where students and faculty feel safe to be open, and ask hard questions. By embracing discomfort as part of learning, uplifting student voices, and weaving diverse perspectives into our curriculum and traditions, we build a school culture where everyone feels valued and change can happen. -
Kelly Hutchinson
Co-Director of Upper School Student Life, History Department ChairHow do you stay curious and continue growing in your professional journey?I actively seek professional development opportunities in the field of History. Sometimes that takes the form of listening to a podcast or reading a book on a specific period of history that helps me expand my content knowledge and other times it involves completing a training on a new methodology like the Case Method through the Case Method Institute of Harvard University. My work with that specific program allowed me to bring the Case Method into my AP history classes and expose my students to a new format for critical thinking. -
Lance Sun
Spanish Teacher, World Languages Department ChairWho was your favorite teacher and why?My favorite teacher was my high school Spanish teacher and advisor, Ms. Heytink. She inspired me to be curious not just about what we were learning but the why and how we are learning. She also set high expectations for me while being warm and supportive. She helped me believe that I was capable of doing things that are difficult. -
Marquis Harper, Sr.
Director of Athletics/English TeacherWhat inspired you to pursue your current role?I have a lifelong love of sports and am grateful for where they've brought me. I want to give to my athletes what was given to me-the opportunity to compete at the next level and set the course for their futures.
As a player, it was great to see my teachers in a different role because you got the opportunity to see them being passionate in another area of their existence at the school. So coaching is a way for me to connect with students outside of the classroom and share my passion. -
Melanie Page
Math TeacherWhat is something that makes PCD unique or special?The teamwork! I've never worked at a school where colleagues looked out for each other so consistently. Despite vast differences in teaching styles and specific goals, it feels like we are part of a team that wants the best for each other. This spills over to students, and although they may not always show it, many of them know and believe that we have their best interests at heart, even when differences of style or opinion make for tense situations. -
Kenneth Hileman
Mathematics Instructor, TLC InstructorWhat is something that makes PCD unique or special?The fact that PCD recognizes that some students will have a need for academic support in addition to their classroom contact with teachers is critically important. More importantly, PCD is one of the very few schools that actively addresses this challenge with a comprehensive approach that includes teachers, advisors, and The Learning Center (TLC). TLC support occurs in an organic environment, with teachers who know the content and a schedule that makes that support available during the normal academic day. The fact that I am part of the TLC team was a significant factor in my desire to join the PCD community.
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