Upper School (Grades 8-12)

21st century learning skills are practiced every day in the Upper School. Each of our students are assigned a Chromebook so they may organize themselves digitally, practice independent research, and express what they have learned in a variety of formats.

High school students may pursue one of two course of study diploma tracks - college prep or technical prep. Diploma track declarations are usually made sophomore year in consultation between the administration, parents and students.

Fletcher's college prep course of study is designed to meet the minimum admission standards required by all North Carolina university system schools, while helping students develop work habits and academic fundamentals required for success at the next level.

We believe exposure to a variety of technical education classes can help students attain increased confidence in their ability to meaningfully contribute at home and in the workplace. Technical classes are offered in the areas of technology, skills for life and culinary arts.

Upper school students study the fields of visual arts, drama and kinesthetic expression. Our course offerings in the creative arts are designed to inspire creativity, teach and decode techniques, and apply creative effort in ways that thoughtfully engage and inspire students.

TFA's health and physical education department offers a variety of courses  that nurture student awareness of physical health and personal fitness. Our students grow to value these qualities while practicing measures that promote good health and self care.

Our holistic approach to learning and small school environment helps students actively practice and develop social-emotional skill-building. Co-learning alongside peers develops social awareness, responsible decision making, self awareness, relationship, and self management skills.

Upper school students become student leaders. They explore ways to believe in themselves, achieve to their potential, explore the world with curiosity, and soar as a community leader. Students learn how to publicly present ideas, lead assemblies, organize events and support community initiatives.

Community service is an integral part of becoming a contributing, responsible, and community-oriented adult. Myriad service learning opportunities are integrated into course curriculums so TFA students may discover ways to apply their   newfound knowledge and skills in service to others.

Upper School students engage in hands-on, project based learning across all subjects. Student projects are undertaken and refined within the classroom, following an exploratory process where students learn to inquire, research, publish, critique, revise and publicly share what they learn.

High school intersession courses create powerful, hands-on learning, leadership, and service experiences outside the classroom. Multiple course options are offered each year where students explore locales throughout North Carolina, across the United States, and  around the world.

The final period of each day is committed to Homework hall, where students may get a jump-start on homework. Homework Hall provides students with a structured, teacher-supervised space to concentrate and  work. In the event  specific help is required, it's a perfect time to check-in with a specific teacher before heading home.

A great annual tradition at TFA is the Garnet and Gray Games, in which every student and employee participates. Over the course of a full academic year, the games unfold as a variety of athletic, service and spirit-based competitions where students work together to achieve a common goal within an environment that promotes fun and healthy competition.

Throughout the school year we schedule a variety of special assemblies for the benefit of our students. Examples include student-led assemblies, spirit day assemblies, Veteran's Day assemblies, and other gatherings where students and teachers may present special thematic content.

The Academy plays host to a number of special events, including the all-school picnic, Fall Festival, student performances and presentations, and special guest presentations. Recent performances include: Tyler Butler Figeroa, Borromeo Quartet, Raleigh Concert Band, Willa Brigham, Burning Coal Theatre, Fletcher Opera, and Cary Ballet.

At the end of the school day every Friday, students have the opportunity to relax and participate in a variety of fun school clubs. These include athletic clubs, challenge-based clubs, gaming clubs, and a plethora of special interest clubs.

A favorite high school rite of passage, the prom, is alive and well at Fletcher. Each enrolled high school student is eligible to attend this fun, well-organized, and safe event. Students dress up and enjoy this celebratory evening together where they may dance, socialize and hang out with friends and their favorite teacher chaperones!