All areas of Upper School instruction include:
  • Small class sizes to allow for individualized, skill-based instruction
  • A multisensory approach that incorporates the needs of the whole child
  • A learning environment where students learn at their own pace
  • Explicit instruction in self-advocacy skills in order to develop confidence
  • An integrated approach that focuses on the development of the whole child through close collaboration with teachers, members of the Psychological and Language services teams, and Educational Advisors

A typical day for our Upper School students is broken into the Academic Day (8 am-2 pm) and Afternoon Activities and Study Hall (2 pm – 4 pm)…

  • Morning recess during student arrival time
  • Homeroom each morning is an opportunity for students to organize themselves for the day of learning
  • First three academic classes (each academic class is 40 minutes long)
  • Recess and snack
  • Callback, a 20-minute block of time, during which students can work with teachers and specialists for academic or social enrichment
  • 4th academic class
  • Lunch: Upper School students eat during one of two lunch periods (an academic class is held during the other period) and a teacher is at each table and encourages healthy eating habits and socialization
  • Lunch includes a 15-minute recess
  • Last academic class
  • 8th and 9th period: Students participate in 55 minutes of an activity or sports team and a 55-minute, proctored study hall
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Upper School Academic Program
Study Skills

Study Skills

Instruction covers important executive function skills including soft skills, time management, note-taking and outlining, test preparation, textbook usage, research techniques, and public speaking. These skills help students to become more efficient and effective learners.

Math

Math

Explicit instruction centers on four key areas; number sense & estimation skills, computation, the language of math and word problems, and practical applications. The scope and sequence of computation skills is based on a hierarchy that a child moves through at his or her own pace. A multi-sensory approach is used by teachers to reinforce instructed concepts.

Science & History

Science & History

Students explore general science, earth science, life science, health, and biology in a course of study designed to foster scientific thinking. Students explore areas of American and world history as they develop an understanding of the interconnection between historical events and their relationship to current events.

Literature

Literature

Literature class encompasses literal and inferential reading comprehension, critical thinking skills, vocabulary, and literary concepts. Social Emotional Learning instruction, in collaboration with members of the Psychological Service Team, is incorporated into weekly lessons.

Writing

Writing

Students are explicitly instructed in the skills that are needed for the writing process, including planning, generating ideas, composing, reflection, and revision.  The writing curriculum includes a continuum of skills, from grammar and mechanics to sentence and paragraph structure through advanced composition. The use of technology is integrated into all Upper School writing classes.

Language Arts

Language Arts

Students develop upper-level comprehension, literary analysis, vocabulary, and expository writing as they develop the skills necessary to transition to a mainstream school environment. The selection of books is based on essential themes important to the development of their social awareness and maturity.

Reading

Reading

Direct instruction for decoding and comprehension takes place each day during a child’s Tutorial Class.  This class offers a systematic, multisensory, research-based approach to developing skills in the area of decoding, spelling, comprehension, vocabulary, and written expression.

Integrated Services

Integrated Services

Members of the Language, Psychological Service, and Occupational Therapy Departments use an integrated approach to complement the academic program. Through close collaboration with teachers and Educational Advisors, services are tailored to meet individual student needs. The service delivery model may include collaborative sessions within academic classes and individual or small group sessions. Learn more.

A Team Approach

A Team Approach

Each student is assigned an Educational Advisor, who is the liaison for parents, districts, and outside specialists.  With a whole child mindset, the Educational Advisor oversees a child’s EHS team of teachers and specialists to monitor their academic program, language development, and social-emotional growth.

Complementing the Academic Program

With a focus on educating the whole child and providing a full school experience, art, music, PE, library, athletics, and activities are part of every child’s education at Eagle Hill.

Fine Arts Program

The Art Program offers an innovative curriculum that guides and helps students explore and learn about art and design through a variety of mediums. Each student’s creative expression is encouraged and students are offered experiences with a variety of two and three-dimensional art materials and techniques.

The Music Program at Eagle Hill stimulates an interest in and appreciation for music. All students emerge from the music class with an enhanced understanding of the elements and styles of musical expression.

Eagle Hill also has a Choir Program that is composed of approximately 40-50 Upper and Lower School students. In a typical school year, the choir practices weekly and performs two concerts on campus and at other special events.

Athletics

Our philosophy at Eagle Hill School is: if children want to play a sport, they play. Our goal is to place students on a team that suits their skills and abilities. In addition to building skill and stamina, team play allows students to develop sportsmanship qualities, a sense of fair play, and enhanced self-esteem.

Our faculty are integral to the athletic offerings at EHS. They continuously recognize achievements, and show the leadership skills that are critical for self-improvement. All of the coaches at Eagle Hill are members of the Eagle Hill staff. They know our students and they maintain the learning philosophies of EHS on the sports field.

Eagle Hill participates in the Fairchester League and competes interscholastically at three levels.

In a typical year, team sports are offered in:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Cross Country
  • Field Hockey
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Wrestling

Activities and Study Hall

Physical and non-physical activities are important to the healthy development of our students. At Eagle Hill, we offer a variety of activities, in addition to athletics, that our students can select from each semester.

Specific activities will vary by teacher availability, season, student interest, and a student’s age.

A sample of available activities:

  • Art
  • Computer Coding
  • Digital Photography
  • Drama/Theater/Improv
  • Fitness
  • Flag Football
  • Movie Review Club
  • Yoga

Study Hall: Students are placed in a small group study hall which is proctored by our faculty. Teachers are available to provide additional support and to reinforce instructed strategies.

The Junior Boarding Program

Eagle Hill Junior Boarding program is a five-day boarding program for 10-15-year-old students. 

Fondly referred to as ‘our dorm’, we recognize the importance of structure, routine, and the continued development of social skills and independence, while helping families balance the importance of valued family time. 

Our mission is to meet the individualized needs of each student on a daily basis while also teaching them to be a successful mindful member of a community, whether that is at a family meal table, socializing in the dorm lounge, engaging in an activity, or advocating for their needs during a proctored study hall. 

Learn More About Junior Boarding

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