Our Private Independent High School
Grades 9 - 12 where students are inspired
Welcome to our Upper School. Here our students enjoy a sense of graduated independence and responsibility where they are inspired to pursue their passions. The academic program provides opportunities that are innovative, hands-on, and collaborative with an emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, and applying knowledge to new situations. Deep scholarship and independent thinking are hallmarks of the upper school program. Our classrooms, assemblies, advisories and peer mentoring groups provide places for conversation about leadership, goal setting, time management, and decision making. Students graduate and are prepared for college and life, ready to embrace the increased freedoms in front of them with a healthy attitude to hard work, inspire others, and better a dynamic world.
Learning With Purpose
At Cincinnati Country Day Upper School, learning goes far beyond textbooks and tests. Students dive into experiences that spark curiosity, sharpen problem-solving skills, and connect classroom knowledge to the world around them.
On any given day, a student might learn about the art of food through photography, debate Reconstruction policy, or design solar-powered cars in geometry. These immersive opportunities challenge students to think critically, take risks, stretch resiliency, and collaborate.
Experiential learning extends beyond the classroom too. Through service, leadership, athletics, and the arts, every student is encouraged to pursue what they love and try something new.
Mentorship That Inspires
Our Upper School faculty is dedicated to cultivating both scholarship and character. Teachers are mentors who know each student as an individual, challenging them with high expectations while also providing the support they need to succeed.
Small class sizes create space for discussion, collaboration, and deeper connections. Teachers guide students through an engaging curriculum that blends traditional rigor with innovative approaches.
Beyond academics, faculty model integrity, curiosity, and compassion. They inspire students to see themselves as thinkers, creators, and leaders. More than preparing students for college, our teachers equip them with the mindset and skills to thrive in life.
Belonging That Lasts
High school is a time of independence and self-discovery, but at Country Day no one makes the journey alone. Our connected community ensures students are supported every step of the way.
Shared experiences like House Cup competitions, peer mentoring, diversity conferences, and service days build bonds across grades, creating a sense of belonging that is both joyful and lasting.
In our inclusive environment students discover their voices, celebrate their uniqueness, and learn to listen to the perspectives of others. This culture of connection not only defines their time in Upper School but also prepares them to be empathetic leaders and engaged citizens long after graduation.
Quick Facts
Grades: 9 - 12
Students: 250
Faculty/Staff: 40
Average class size: 15
Student-to-faculty ratio: 9:1
College Placement: 100%
Head of Upper School:
Jon Zeljo
Contact: (513) 979-0223 usoffice@countryday.net
Admissions inquiry?
Complete an online inquiry today. You can also request information by contacting us directly at (513) 979-0220 or admission@countryday.net.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is designed to prepare students to successfully continue their education at the college level with emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration.
Choice plays a key role as well, as students make decisions about what studio and performing arts classes they might take; whether to pursue college preparatory, honors, or AP classes; which sports or clubs they’ll lead; whether a second language or an AP computer science class best suits their strengths; and which electives most appeal to them.
For a complete list of Upper School offerings, please review our Curriculum Guide. A summary of curricular offerings including college prep, honors, and AP courses, as well as college matriculations for the most recent graduating class can be found in our College Profile.
Graduation Requirements
To provide continuity and support throughout their rigorous Upper School careers, all students are assigned a faculty advisor. The role of the advisor is a critical one, allowing each child a mentor who, over the course of four years, keeps track of the student’s academic, athletic, artistic, and personal progress.
To qualify for a diploma, students must be currently enrolled and in good standing in the school and must satisfy the departmental requirements regarding level of study and proficiency. Specifically, students must complete the following:
- 22.5 credits in grades 9-12
- Yearlong course = 1 credit
- Semester-long course = 0.5 credit
- 0.5 credit in health
- PE/Athletics requirement of 0.5 credit in PE or six seasons of an athletic team
- Students must complete a total of 2.5 credits in arts and computer science COMBINED, with a minimum of 1.0 in arts and 0.5 in computer science
- 90 hours of service learning
| Department | Required Credits | Recommended Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
Arts |
1.0 | |
| Computer Science | 0.5 | |
| English | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| History (ancient, modern world and U.S. history) | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Math (algebra II and geometry) | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Science | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| World Language (3 Upper School credits in one language) | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Electives | 2.0 or more | |
| TOTAL | 22.5 |