Academics

Upper School

Prepared for College—and the Real World

Our academic curriculum is designed to prepare students for the academic rigor and individual responsibility expected throughout a collegiate education—while also equipping students with real-world-ready skills so they’ll be prepared to lead on the global stage.

Upper School begins in 9th Grade at Davidson Day, as does our college counseling program for students and their families.  One-on-one personalized assistance with every aspect of the college application and enrollment process ensures that every Patriot is knowledgeable, prepared, and excited to identify institutions of higher learning that are the best fit for their strengths, interests, and potential.
The most important skill we cultivate is responsible self-advocacy.
We expect every student to engage in every class every day. And, in each class, whether AP Psychology, Conceptual Physics, or Big History, knowing how to ask the right question at the right time is just as critical as knowing the right answer.

With our 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, each classroom is arranged for student collaboration and discussion. We structure our classes such that the majority of discussion is student-generated and student-led. This ensures that students, regardless of academic discipline, deconstruct complex academic material, then reconstruct that material cogently in written work or in classroom discussion, adding to their theoretical and practical understanding.

Upper School Administrators

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Michael Smith

    Michael Smith 

    Head of Upper School
    704-237-5258
  • Photo of Debbie Taylor

    Debbie Taylor 

    Upper School Dean of Students
    704-237-5237

HONORS MAGAZINE 2024




Davidson Day School is an independent private school for students 2 years old through 12th grade in the Lake Norman region of Charlotte.

COLLABORATION
CREATIVITY
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT