Calvary Day School Upper School Calvary Day School

About Us

We are a community of learners and leaders where teaching and learning are stimulating, interesting, and Christ-centered. Students, staff, and parents are supportive of one another and work cooperatively to reach ever higher academic, social, emotional, and spiritual competencies. Differences are accepted and respected by students, staff, and parents. We follow many pathways to learning while sharing goals that unite us, a common core of knowledge, and a belief in biblical truths.

Admissions

It is our desire to learn more about you and your family and how we may best serve your child. We seek to develop each student: academically, athletically, socially and most of all, spiritually. In turn, we are seeking students who want to integrate and fully invest in the school with their time and talent to obtain the most out of their experience here at Calvary Day School.

Faith

Our key verse at Calvary Day School is Luke 2:52, which states: “So Jesus grew both in height and in wisdom, and he was loved by God and by all who knew him.” For the Administration and educators of Calvary, this verse is a presentation of the guiding force behind everything we do. This verse encompasses the four components of a truly Christian philosophy of education: physical growth, intellectual growth, spiritual growth, and social/interpersonal growth.

Academics

At Calvary Day School, we are called to a higher mission. We infuse faith into our classrooms, clubs, gymnasiums, playing fields, etc.; in essence, into whatever is being done or taught. At Calvary we also pursue excellence in whatever we do. As a result of this internal pursuit of excellence, Calvary was recognized as the first charter member of the National Elementary Honor Society, and our students are accepted each year into some of the finest colleges and universities in the United States, with over half of these students typically receiving academic scholarships.

Giving

Since Calvary Day School opened its doors in 1961, it has been blessed with enormous support from those who seek to further the school’s mission of providing an academically challenging education in a uniquely Christian environment. Exceptional teachers, state-of-the-art facilities, and superior athletic venues are all possible because of the generous support of the Calvary family.

Upper School

The Upper School offers an exciting, Christ-centered academic program designed to prepare each student intellectually, physically, and spiritually for college and for life. With a diverse array of course offerings, a wireless campus, and each student equipped with a school-issued device, students have significant opportunities to explore their interests in a wide range of disciplines. In addition to academic pursuits, students are encouraged to participate in various activities spanning the arts, athletics, service, and clubs to become fully immersed in the community and develop their God-given talents.

Graduation Requirements

Calvary is a college preparatory school. Core curriculum requirements, leading to an academic seal diploma, are listed below. The Guidance Department assists students with course selection. 25 credits are required for graduation. The credit required for graduation are as follows:

• Biblical Studies - 2	• Foreign Language - 3
• English - 4	• Physical Education - 1
• Mathematics - 4	• Public Speaking - 0.5
• Social Studies - 4	• Fine Arts - 1
• Sciences - 4	• Academic Electives - 1.5

Upper School Experience

List of 5 items.

Advisement/Small Group

Each Calvary student is part of an advisement and small group, which is composed of students of the same grade and gender, which meets twice a week and serves as a student's home base. During this time, students will spend time in community with one another and build relationships with one another. Advisement time is focused around the academic development of students and college counseling activities, while small group time is centered around their personal and spiritual development.
Clubs at CDS

Clubs at Calvary are student-created and student-led and provide the entire student body with ways to get involved. Students are able to share current interests with peers and explore new hobbies and interests. Calvary supports over 20 clubs currently, and students are encouraged to create new clubs that will enhance the student experience for all.
Interim Term

Interim Term is an important part of the CDS student experience and serves to develop well-rounded students whose learning extends well beyond the classroom walls. During this week, students have a number of options to explore interests, develop life skills, and travel domestically and abroad.
Internships
Students are able to investigate potential careers through internships at various businesses in the community.
Travel
Travel opportunities for the 2023-24 academic year include:
New York City
San Diego/Los Angeles
Greece
Dominican Republic - Mission Trip
Multi-state College Tour
Life Skills
Students will learn about developing good financial habits, basic car maintenance, interview skills, and how to leverage social media for good.
Student Leadership

Calvary´s goal for developing student leaders is to nurture and develop leaders who can live out Christian values with boldness and conviction in the CDS environment and beyond. The backbone of the Calvary student leadership program is the Prefect Program. Prefects are selected through a comprehensive interview process and are mentored by leaders among the faculty and staff so they are equipped to be authentic student leaders who shape the culture of the school and prepare them to lead in their adult lives. All upper school students are able to be a part of a Prefect Committee, enabling them to develop their leadership skills and be a part of a group that impacts the CDS campus.
Student Life

School spirit is special at Calvary Day School, and the CDS Student Life leaders set the tone for the rest of the student body. A hallmark of the CDS student experience is homecoming week where students organize and plan an entire week's events ranging from Family Feud to Powder Puff Games to Class Games where all grades compete against one another to win the week. Student Life encompasses many other social events activities that bring students together outside of the normal school day to foster community and build relationships.

Upper School Staff

List of 10 members.

Doug Pesce

Director of Educational Strategy & Programs

912-644-5080
Jason Mehl

Grade Level Dean and English Teacher
Ava Nelson

Grade Level Dean and Math Teacher
Vincent Whelan

Grade Level Dean and Bible Teacher
Erin Chadwick

Director of College Counseling

912-644-5080
Taylor King

Associate Director of College Counseling
Daniel Jackson

Grade Level Dean, Asst. Athletic Director, Public Speaking Teacher,
Mikki Thomas

Upper School Counselor

912-351-2299
Melissa Vermilyea

Assistant to Upper & Middle School Division Heads
Kelly Smoltz

College Counseling