Upper SchoolExperience an extraordinary education. Both inside and outside of the classroom, students in the Upper School are challenged, encouraged and equipped to excel at Kent Denver and beyond.
In our classrooms, every student has a voice and is active. Students are not told what to think; they are given the opportunity to think, explore, consider, interact and conclude. Yes, they master the content essential to moving educationally forward, but they also develop problem-solving confidence, skills and wisdom that will help set them up for life.
A Day in the Life
Every day at Kent Denver is full of adventure, discovery, growth, creativity and fun! Get a feel for what a day in the Upper School is like with our interactive schedule. Below is an example of a Monday A Day schedule for an Upper School student. To explore a full week, please view our Upper School schedule.
![Teacher helps student with math problem]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716496767/kentdenver/fzr0pwpnr6rjvhvotawk/usschedule-05.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716496767/kentdenver/fzr0pwpnr6rjvhvotawk/usschedule-05.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1716496767/kentdenver/fzr0pwpnr6rjvhvotawk/usschedule-05.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716496767/kentdenver/fzr0pwpnr6rjvhvotawk/usschedule-05.jpg","width":940}])
- 8:30 a.m.
Period 0: Math
Our school day starts at 8:30 a.m.—9 a.m. on Wednesdays—so there’s time to get that important adolescent sleep!
Our flexible course sequencing allows students to select appropriate levels of challenge in a calculus-, statistics-, or computer science-focused path.
![Upper School students sit in Anschutz Family Theatre for assembly]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716496697/kentdenver/lxguir5n9wv5vszvajb5/usschedule-02.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716496697/kentdenver/lxguir5n9wv5vszvajb5/usschedule-02.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1716496697/kentdenver/lxguir5n9wv5vszvajb5/usschedule-02.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716496697/kentdenver/lxguir5n9wv5vszvajb5/usschedule-02.jpg","width":1101}])
- 9:35 a.m.
Assembly
Upper School students come together weekly for our student-led assembly to learn about important news and events, hear from distinguished speakers, cheer on their classmates’ performances, and most importantly, celebrate the school year as a community.
![Student works in a cubby on her laptop]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716497125/kentdenver/nddgre3itvgfk0t14qyt/usschedule-08.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716497125/kentdenver/nddgre3itvgfk0t14qyt/usschedule-08.jpg","width":512}])
- 10:05 a.m.
Period 1: Free Period
All Upper School students have a free period that rotates through their weekly schedule. Whether you use this time to meet with teachers, go to Math Lab, get ahead of homework or socialize, this valuable time is yours to choose how you use it.
![Student plays guitar in music class]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716496734/kentdenver/eytplzq8i0ksneyvkxep/usschedule-09.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716496734/kentdenver/eytplzq8i0ksneyvkxep/usschedule-09.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1716496734/kentdenver/eytplzq8i0ksneyvkxep/usschedule-09.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716496734/kentdenver/eytplzq8i0ksneyvkxep/usschedule-09.jpg","width":1101}])
- 11:10 a.m.
Period 3: Contemporary Music
Two years of Visual and Performing Arts credit are required for graduation. Upper School students can choose from a variety of art, music and theatre classes.
![Students line up to get food at lunch]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716497179/kentdenver/eacfpmao4vzjastncln6/usschedule-07.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716497179/kentdenver/eacfpmao4vzjastncln6/usschedule-07.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1716497179/kentdenver/eacfpmao4vzjastncln6/usschedule-07.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716497179/kentdenver/eacfpmao4vzjastncln6/usschedule-07.jpg","width":1101}])
- 12:15 p.m.
Lunch and Office Hours
With a 45-minute block of time, students can meet with teachers during their rotating office hours and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal in our world-class dining hall.
![Student works with a teacher in science class]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716497208/kentdenver/ozry1eazstbcy4pjcq0r/usschedule-12.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716497208/kentdenver/ozry1eazstbcy4pjcq0r/usschedule-12.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1716497208/kentdenver/ozry1eazstbcy4pjcq0r/usschedule-12.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716497208/kentdenver/ozry1eazstbcy4pjcq0r/usschedule-12.jpg","width":979}])
- 1:05 p.m.
Period 4: Science
Starting in our ninth grade Molecular and Evolutionary Biology course, students discover the wonders of everyday life through active and engaging classroom discussion, collaborative work and laboratory activities, and even via time on the reservoir in one of our canoes!
![Model UN students gather around a laptop]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716496667/kentdenver/rr9x6llkpbcgk4feziuu/usschedule-06.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716496667/kentdenver/rr9x6llkpbcgk4feziuu/usschedule-06.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1716496667/kentdenver/rr9x6llkpbcgk4feziuu/usschedule-06.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716496667/kentdenver/rr9x6llkpbcgk4feziuu/usschedule-06.jpg","width":1101}])
- 2:10 p.m.
Signature Programs and Office Hours
Kent Denver's Signature Programs give students the opportunity to pursue their interests outside of the traditional classroom setting.
![Student reads a book in class]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716497082/kentdenver/tk9qotm0ewdobeqplh6w/usschedule-01.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716497082/kentdenver/tk9qotm0ewdobeqplh6w/usschedule-01.jpg","width":512}])
- 2:35 p.m.
Period 5: English
Our English program encourages critical and appreciative reading, eloquent writing and logical and imaginative thinking.
Kent Denver’s Upper School English curriculum starts with English 9, which emphasizes literature and language while examining themes of identity, expectations, resilience, belonging and family.
![Lacrosse players warm up on the field]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716497237/kentdenver/ijkrkvykvyst3xcpubb2/usschedule-10.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716497237/kentdenver/ijkrkvykvyst3xcpubb2/usschedule-10.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1716497237/kentdenver/ijkrkvykvyst3xcpubb2/usschedule-10.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716497237/kentdenver/ijkrkvykvyst3xcpubb2/usschedule-10.jpg","width":1101}])
- 4 p.m.
Sports Practice
In grades 9 and 10, students are required to participate in two seasons of a sport or one season of a sport and one season of an athletic performance activity. In grades 11 and 12, students must participate in one season of a sport or two seasons of an athletic performance activity.
Graduation Requirements
Find Your Passion
The student experience in Kent Denver's Upper School is elevated by our Signature Programs. These world-class offerings give students the opportunity to pursue their interests outside of the classroom. From global competitions and travel to personal development—our Signature Programs help fuel student passion.
Uniquely Kent Denver
From our student-run bank to professional music recording opportunities, these are programs at the heart of the Kent Denver experience.
Academic Competition
Students can design robots, solve problems, discuss geopolitics, debate the issues, go head-to-head in a courtroom, compete in math tournaments and so much more.
Student Voice
Aspiring journalists, sports broadcasters and magazine editors can develop skills and share their passions through a variety of student-run media.
Global Travel
Students can experience the world through extraordinary travel, language immersion and service opportunities.
Environment
Through the Tiny Farm and our beautiful 200-acre campus, students practice sustainability and conservation efforts right here at Kent Denver.
Sun Devil
Voices.
Why attend Kent Denver? Let some of our Upper School students explain what they love about our campus, teachers and extracurriculars.
Lucas Z. '24
Alum
Lucas Z. - Class of 2024
Juliet M. '24
Alum
Juliet M. - Class of 2024
Liam G. '27
Student
Tselot H. '25
Student
Tselot H. - Class of 2025
Tselot H. - Class of 2025
Caleb F. '26
Student-Athlete
Caleb F. - Class of 2026
Caleb F. - Class of 2026
Meet Your Upper School Support Team
We expect our Upper School students to seek and embrace challenges, and we are there to support them every step of the way. Browse the friendly faces below to see who works alongside our students throughout their four years in the Upper School.