WELCOME TO THE Upper School
Welcome to the MKA
Upper School community – a place that nurtures the talents and interests of
every student and helps them to achieve their maximum potential. At the Upper School, all students are
encouraged to participate in the wide array of opportunities available to them
in a diverse, respectful and caring environment.
Our academic courses
include rigorous Honors and Advanced Placement tracks (in 2010, 62 seniors took 220 Advanced Placement Tests in 16 different
disciplines. 93% of the examinations received scores of 3 or higher; 76%
received scores of 4 or 5) and offer opportunities for independent research in
science as well as a junior history thesis in American History.
Our College
Counseling Office provides exceptional support and guidance to every student. With four full-time counselors and two
additional faculty liaisons for those students interested in pursuing athletics
or the arts, individualized attention is ensured. In the class of 2010, 73% of all students were admitted to
their first choice college, and 89% of the class was admitted to colleges
deemed “Most Highly Competitive” and “Highly Competitive” by Barrons Guide to
Colleges.
Our 75-minute class schedule provides ample
opportunities for in-depth learning, and has resulted in reduced student stress
and increased student achievement in grade point averages and standardized
testing. MKA's 1:1 Laptop Learning
Program prepares students to succeed in today's technological world, giving
them the tools to enhance learning, collaboration, exploration and success.
Our varsity teams can
compete with the best. Last year,
MKA produced five Prep State Championship teams - Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Soccer,
Field Hockey, Boys' Tennis and Golf - while Basketball and Field Hockey experienced
tremendous success with state playoff runs, and Girls' Track and Field were SEC
Colonial Division Champions. Our
athletes go on to find success at college - currently 42 MKA graduates are
playing at the NCAA level.
Our arts offerings
are unparalleled. From performing
in a full-scale musical to award-winning movies, to intimate black box
productions, theatrical experiences abound. Studio art, sculpture and digital photography studios,
together with dedicated band and practice rooms, dance and chorale spaces are housed
in the $3 million Peter R. Greer Arts Wing.
The Upper School is a
true community and school spirit runs high. Our alumni consistently report that the two greatest things
about their MKA education were their preparation for college and their relationships
with faculty. Our supremely
qualified and committed faculty acts as teachers, advisors, mentors and
coaches. Our House system, which
puts every member of the Upper School community – students, teachers and staff
– into one of four Houses for spirited competition throughout the school year,
promotes friendships and respect throughout the campus. Our Service Learning Program ensures
that every student not only participates in the act of service, but also
reflects on those experiences in meaningful and productive ways.
I look forward to
meeting you when you visit the Upper School.
David C. Flocco
Head of Upper School
