Upper School at Forest Ridge


In the Upper School, rigorous academics meet purpose. 

Our Upper School course of study challenges high school students through rigorous academics while also nurturing their intellectual curiosity and personal growth. Our faculty have designed engaging, dynamic and hands-on courses that prioritize depth of study over breadth, allowing students to develop a robust understanding of the curriculum.

Explore the Upper School Curriculum

The Mod Schedule

As a school committed to preparing our students to lead in the world to come, not the world that once was, we are tasked with reimaging our approach to education by asking the deeper questions, discerning what is best for how girls learn, and then making it a reality. Backed by researched, and intentionally designed with the well-being of our students in mind, Forest Ridge is proud to be among a select group of highly-regarded independent schools in the United States to offer the Mod schedule.  

Here, in our Upper School, our college-like schedule, takes the traditional 180-day school year and divides it the best way possible for our students. Offering six learning modules, each lasting approximately six weeks, Forest Ridge students are engaged and focused on their learning and not overwhelmed. Taking 3.5 classes at a time, Forest Ridge students stretch their learning in 80-minute blocks, allowing for more focus on ambitious learning and retention. 

Learn More About the Mod Schedule


Intentionally Holistic

Beyond the classroom, our Signature Programs in the Upper School inspire high school students to explore their passions and expand their horizons as they embrace challenge, feed their curiosity and build their confidence, preparing them to be changemakers in today's ever-changing world.

Endorsement Pathways

Endorsement Pathways provide students with the opportunity to deepen their learning in a specialized area of interest in STEM, the Arts, or Global Citizenship.

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Senior Capstone

Advanced Integrated Seminar is a senior Capstone project completed by every student in their senior year that culminates in a final project during mod 6. Together with an advisor, students choose a Capstone Project that aligns with their interests and course of study. 

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Immersive Week

A special one-week term in the spring during which students explore and experience an interdisciplinary topic not traditionally covered in the Middle and Upper School curriculum.

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Cor Unum

Students in the Upper School take part in Cor Unum, two days in the fall during which students hear from guest speakers, and participate in workshops, and team up together on service projects, all around a specific social justice or global issue. 

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The Upper School in Action