Academics

Upper School

Oaks Branch Out for Success

The culminating years of a Norfolk Collegiate education are distinct in many ways. On a personal level, we prompt students' awareness of the opportunities available to them through activities fostering social responsibility, leadership, service and philanthropy. With guidance from our teachers, administrators, college counselors and coaches, our students are charged with exploring their interests and charting their path to foster their interests and challenge their minds. In working together, we bring students through the rigorous upper school academic program and to matriculation.

On an academic level, we continue to challenge students to think globally, to question strategically, to work collaboratively and to grow in a multitude of directions. To broaden their experiences, students are offered a college preparatory core curriculum, including the internationally recognized AP Capstone Diploma ™ program, a wide range of Advanced Placement® courses, honors courses, engaging electives, and independent study programs. Our goal is to prepare our students for college and success beyond the classroom by building skills and confidence through real-world experiences and by inspiring a continuing love of learning.

We know that harnessing students’ creative and digital interests is key to engaging students and inspiring them to discover what sparks their intellectual curiosity on a subject or topic.

Our commitment to knowing and guiding each student to success is evident in our Advisory and College Counseling programs, as well as the depth of connections made between teachers and students in and out of the classroom. Our faculty is student-focused and committed to continuing to personalize instruction and build relationships with each student. We do this through our Advisory program, which is an expansion of the program offered during their middle school years. Students are assigned an advisor and advisory group with whom they journey with from their first days as freshmen to their final days as seniors. Through this program they also participate in the Learning to Elevate Action Program where they will discover an explore their passions.

In ninth grade, we also introduce students and their families to the college admissions process under the guidance of our college counseling office. Over the next three years, we provide insights from alumni and college admissions officers, as well as guidance in navigating the college search with informational sessions on applications, visits, tests and interviews. The goal is to match each student with the right-fit college of his or her choice.

Athletics also are a core component of the upper school experience, and many of our students are multi-sport athletes who take to the courts and fields after school. Athletics become more competitive in the upper school and students compete on a regional, state and national level.

We challenge our students to think critically, to explore new ideas and to develop strong values. At the core of the upper school experience are the core values―honor, kindness, respect, responsibility and perseverance. We empower student leadership and civic responsibility through student government, club activities, community services and internships with community partners. Our graduates will be ready for success in college and beyond, as well as becoming active members of their communities.

Upper School Curriculum

Upper School Administration

List of 7 members.

  • Photo of Anne Claywell

    Anne Claywell 

    Head of Upper School
  • Mr. Charles Fayton 

    Upper School Dean of Students
  • Photo of Michael Kaplan

    Michael Kaplan 

    Director of College Counseling
    757-480-2885
  • Photo of Val-Del Ortiz

    Val-Del Ortiz 

    Associate Director of College Counseling
  • Photo of Helen Younce

    Helen Younce 

    Upper School Counselor
  • Photo of Aileen Roman

    Mrs. Aileen Roman 

    Upper School Administrative Assistant
  • Photo of Susanne Potter

    Susanne Potter 

    Health Department Chair: Lead School Nurse

Middle/Upper School Campus

Lower School Campus