Curriculum
Logic (Sixth through Eighth Grades)
Because Upper School students’ capacity for abstract thought is maturing, this is the perfect age to introduce formal debate and logical reasoning. Students begin to think critically about the facts they have learned and work toward applying knowledge, historical context, and the fine points of logic. Using the Socratic method to engage students, teachers encourage debate and critical thinking. Through regular opportunities for public speaking and debate, students learn to listen and communicate well, a combination that fosters wisdom, goodwill, and civility. To this end, we seek to help students grow to be comfortable in their own skin and extend that comfort to others. Within this learning environment, students discover their own specific passions, talents, and potential.
Rhetoric (Ninth through Twelfth Grades)
The Rhetoric stage, the capstone of the trivium, completes the Geneva School student’s academic architecture. The grammar stage provided all the building blocks of knowledge, and the logic stage added the solidification of facts through argumentation and debate. The rhetoric stage instills the final touches of persuasion, eloquence, nuance, and expression. It focuses on the expression of ideas logically and winsomely in spoken and written form. Communication, whether written or spoken, is never neutral but always originates from and directs to a specific idea or vantage point. From a classical Christian perspective, the communicator is charged with articulating language and scholarship that engages others in truth and virtue.
House System
Upper School students are inducted into one of the four Houses for the duration of their time at Geneva School. The House system facilities leadership opportunities, community building, spiritual development, and mentoring connections through team spirit, friendly competition, and service opportunities.
Trips
Upper School students begin their year cultivating a deeper walk with God and strengthening friendships at the fall retreat.
In the spring, Sixth Grade visits Boston while Seventh and Eighth Grades visit Washington, D.C. as part of their United States history studies.
Ninth through Twelfth Grade students enjoy extended trips to Europe to complement their humanities studies of ancient, Renaissance, and modern history, including Greece, Florence, Vienna, and Poland.
Leadership and Service Opportunities
Upper School students play an active role in our weekly Assemblies by leading worship as vocalists and musicians, delivering speeches on scriptural insights, and managing the A/V equipment. Our elected Student Council officers spearhead community-building and service opportunities for the wider student body. Community projects include regular visits to A House on Beekman in the Bronx and a student-initiated English tutoring program for Ukrainian refugees. Additionally, Rhetoric students build up their community service hours by tutoring and assisting in Lower and Preschool classrooms.
Clubs and Competitions
Beginning in Ninth Grade, students initiate and lead clubs with a faculty sponsor during the school day, from finance to film to Yearbook.
Recent competitive achievements include MathCounts, MoMathlon, NYC Spelling Bee, Ethics Bowl, American Computer Science League, and Odyssey of the Mind.
Competitive Sports
As a member of American International Private School League (AIPSL), Geneva School student athletes compete against other schools in soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Additionally, students participate in cross country, ultimate frisbee, and golf competitions.
College Advising
We recognize the unique makeup of each student and seek to help them find their life’s purpose and prepare them for a post-Geneva School future. With over ten years' experience in college counseling, our lead college advisor holds regular one-on-one sessions with students and parents beginning in Ninth Grade. Springboarding off a multiple intelligences assessment, students are guided to develop their God-given gifts and passions throughout their Rhetoric years. For Junior Project, students enjoy a yearlong mentoring partnership with a faculty advisor on a topic of their choice, culminating in a year-end presentation to the School community. College guidance also encompasses Upper School advisory sessions, individualized test prep, guidance on the Common App and essay writing, and a college tour of New England and Philadelphia area schools.
1. Online application and fee
2. In-person student assessment at Geneva School
3. Parent Interview
4. Student interview
5. ISEE exam
September-December 15 | Apply online
We recommend applying early to maximize your chance for enrollment given our small class sizes and limited availability.
October–December | Schedule a virtual information session
Complete your family interview, student assessment and tour. You will be contacted to schedule the interview and assessment upon receipt of your completed application. Submit supplemental documents (listed in the application) to Admissions no later than January 10.
December 15 | Application deadline
Although we accept applications throughout the year where space is available, the December 15 deadline provides applicants with the best possible chance of admission and financial aid considerations.
February | Admissions decisions made.
Applicants will be notified on February 2. Offers of admission must be accepted within 14 days of receipt.
"Our students possess a rare mix of academic excellence, selfless disposition, and proactive leadership within our uniquely talented student community. They exemplify virtue and character, taking initiative to demonstrate selflessness through acts of service to underserved populations both locally and abroad. They are trained in the art of rigorous, thorough inquiry, searching for answers to deep, insightful questions and considering the perspectives from both a classical and modern lens. Each one of our students are nurtured to discover and cultivate their unique God-given talents, accentuating each student's individual brilliance."
— John Yang, Lead College Advisor