Students are at the center of our Upper School. We encourage students to take the lead in communication with faculty and with their parents, and in order to facilitate and engender that independence, all faculty members serve as mentors and advisors to their students; they are available before school, after school, and during Advisory Lunch to meet with students, answer questions, or offer support. Parents can help nurture their student’s independence by encouraging him or her to approach teachers, or the Upper School student success team, directly with questions or concerns. Parents should also feel free to initiate communication with teachers or administration. Students and families also receive college counseling beginning in the ninth grade year; in the junior and senior years, students and their families meet individually with our college counselor throughout the process.