Upper School

Student-Centered Learning

Empowered Education

At ULS, personalized learning is not just about choice - it’s about intention, expansion, and purpose. Here, every student is both challenged and supported to grow. Our teachers understand each student's unique path to excellence and adapt their teaching to meet those needs in ways that empower confidence and agency. Students are taught to go beyond content memorization to think deeply, question ideas and voice their own perspectives, derive meaning, and apply their insights in ways that drive conversations forward.

Upper School

Student-Centered Learning

Meaning Over Memorization

The Academic Research Program (ARP) exemplifies the Liggett Approach in action, placing students at the helm of their learning journey. Students take ownership by selecting their research topic, determining their method of presentation, and shaping their final product. As they plan milestones and navigate challenges, they develop critical skills in decision-making, self-direction, and adaptability - empowering them to take responsibility for their learning and growth.

Upper School

Student-Centered Learning

Valuing Student Voices

Student agency is the heartbeat of every endeavor. In addition to robust art and Global Online Academy (GOA) offerings, juniors and seniors can explore over 40 total core subject electives in English, science, and social studies, allowing them to shape their learning experience while meeting rigorous graduation requirements. From utilizing extra academic support to petitioning leadership for resources to achieve a specific goal, ULS students are seasoned at taking targeted action and getting results.

Upper School

Excellence Through Rigor

At ULS, academic rigor is about challenging students to go beyond knowledge absorption to forge new ways of thinking, organizing, and applying information in meaningful, lasting and impactful ways. Prioritizing depth over breadth, we continue to redefine advanced learning by creating tailored programs that incorporate the best aspects of standard AP coursework while surpassing its limitations with deeper, more focused exploration.

Upper School

Excellence Through Rigor

Standards of Excellence

The true distinction lies in the work students produce - complex, authentic projects that often involve collaboration with experts in the field. These experiences give our students compelling stories to tell, helping them stand out from their peers in competitive college admissions.

Upper School

Excellence Through Rigor

Rigor That Matters

From sustained project work to high-level competitions, ULS students set themselves apart - not by test scores alone - but by engaging in meaningful, real-world learning that builds resilience and expertise.

A perfect example is a recent history project by Annabel Klaasen, Zaire Polk, and Teresa Romanelli, which was selected for display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Their project, "The Gross Points of Grosse Pointe," highlights the critical exploration of local history, racial discrimination, and its enduring impact, showcasing how ULS students engage in meaningful, real-world learning with lasting significance.

Upper School

Strategies That Drive Growth

Meaningful Assessment

At ULS, Upper School students benefit from a combination of formal and informal assessment tools designed to track progress and provide meaningful feedback.

Upper School

Strategies That Drive Growth

Growth Beyond Grades

At ULS, our commitment to growth means constantly evolving our curriculum to meet the needs of our students in an ever-changing world. Each year, we revisit and refine coursework to align with assessment feedback, the latest research and evidence-based practices, and the tenets of the Liggett Approach. 

Upper School

Strategies That Drive Growth

Redefining Success

ULS faculty craft highly intentional educational experiences that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills students need to thrive in college and beyond. By tailoring our academic approach to challenge and fuel student potential, we help them build both the intellectual prowess and personal resilience they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Upper School

Practical Learning for Life

Upper School learning extends beyond the classroom by empowering students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Whether marketing a project, setting up professional meetings, or navigating complex social issues, ULS students develop practical, transferable skills that will serve them for life.

Upper School

Practical Learning for Life

Real World Learning

Hands-on experiences like conversing with local elders in Chinese or teaching English abroad teach students to adapt, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact in diverse environments.

With an emphasis on putting skills into practice, students build confidence and agency by witnessing the impacts of their own growth, learning resonates, and they graduate well-prepared to not only overcome future challenges, but to lead purpose-driven lives.

Upper School

Practical Learning for Life

Cultivating Connections

ULS’ small-school environment and close-knit community offer extensive opportunities for connection and comprehensive support. Our highly active alumni network is an ongoing source of valuable mentorship that allows students to engage with professionals and leaders across various fields, assess potential career paths, and build relevant skills. 

The Liggett Approach in Action

The Liggett Approach adapts to every stage of development, fostering inquiry, creativity, and intellectual growth. Explore how it shapes students into independent thinkers and lifelong learners from their first day through graduation.

Explore the Liggett Approach at Every Stage