At ULS, we believe a world-class education extends beyond academics; it’s about cultivating character, fostering lasting relationships, and exploring possibilities. Through a diverse range of co-curricular programs, clubs, and leadership opportunities, students cultivate critical skills, creativity, and confidence. Whether excelling in STEM, the arts, athletics, or service initiatives, every activity is purposefully designed to support personal growth, ignite curiosity, and guide each student on their unique path toward excellence.
| Equipped to Excel | Cultivating Passions |
| Classroom to Community | Immersive Learning |
At ULS, we are committed to nurturing the whole student by providing a comprehensive network of academic, social, and emotional support. Upper School students thrive in an environment designed to foster connection, challenge, and growth. Through programs like daily advisory, community time, and peer mentorship, students build authentic relationships, develop leadership skills, and engage meaningfully with their community. With access to dedicated support services, tailored academic guidance, and a wide range of co-curricular opportunities, students are empowered to excel in every aspect of their lives — both within and beyond the classroom.
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Our comprehensive support team includes:
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Upper School Students Also Benefit From:
At ULS, leadership is about action, growth, and connection. Students have countless opportunities to develop as leaders, from mentoring younger peers and guiding collaborative projects to taking active roles in student government and service initiatives. ULS uniquely empowers students to lead within their school community while building skills that extend beyond campus. Leadership at ULS is not just a title — it’s a pathway to personal growth, meaningful impact, and lifelong connection.
Complementing a robust curriculum filled with engaging electives, our co-curricular programs empower students to pursue their interests, refine their talents, and build valuable life skills. Our offerings are as diverse as our student body. Here, there’s truly something for everyone—and countless ways to make a difference.
For the Athlete: Building Teamwork, Resilience, and School Pride
Athletics at ULS offer something for everyone, from beginners eager to try a new sport to seasoned athletes seeking advanced competition. With over 20 athletic teams to choose from, students can explore new interests, develop essential skills, and push their physical and mental limits. Beyond the game, our programs emphasize teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Athletics at ULS cultivate school pride while building lifelong connections and allowing students to discover their personal strengths. Whether joining for fun or pursuing excellence, every athlete has a place to thrive at ULS.
For the Innovator: Engineering New Possibilities
Students with a passion for STEM don’t just study science and technology—they actively engage in innovation, problem-solving, and real-world application. Through a dynamic blend of hands-on experiences and cutting-edge coursework, our students develop the skills and mindset necessary to lead in the ever-evolving fields of engineering, robotics, and scientific research. ULS graduates are equipped to solve the challenges of tomorrow.
Learn More About the Institute for Innovation in STEM
| FRC Robotics | |
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The FRC Robotics program offers students an unparalleled opportunity to combine STEM education with hands-on learning. This program exemplifies the Liggett Approach, where rigorous academic challenges are paired with collaborative, real-world problem-solving. Students gain technical expertise in engineering, programming, and design while developing essential skills in leadership, mentorship, teamwork, and communication. |
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Liggett’s FRC team has earned several prestigious “blue banners”, including six event wins. Recent achievements include:
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The Chairman’s/Impact Award, regarded as the most prestigious honor in FIRST Robotics, was awarded to University Liggett School’s FRC team in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
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| Science Olympiad Team | |
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The Science Olympiad team at ULS offers students an engaging way to explore science beyond the classroom, embodying the Liggett Approach of hands-on, inquiry-driven learning. Students dive deep into diverse STEM topics, from anatomy and astrophysics to aeronautics. Through experimentation, research, and teamwork, they tackle complex scientific challenges, honing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. It’s more than a competition — it’s a launchpad to innovation, discovery, and personal growth. |
| Global Online Academy - Expanding Horizons in STEM | |
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Through GOA, ULS students engage in specialized, college-level courses led by expert instructors and collaborate with peers from top independent schools around the world. These courses allow students to:
GOA empowers ambitious learners to broaden their knowledge, build a global perspective, and gain a competitive edge for college and beyond. |
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For the Artist: Expressing the Extraordinary
Students with a passion for the performing arts can participate in The Liggett Players, our school’s student-led theater program. The group stages several productions each year, including a fall play and a spring musical, offering students the chance to act, sing, or work behind the scenes.
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Learn More about the Performing Arts
| The Shakespeare Project | ||
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In this unique interdisciplinary initiative, students collaborate on producing a full Shakespeare play in Detroit’s Midtown, gaining experience in dramaturgy, stagecraft, and theater production. |
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| Pit Orchestra | ||
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| The Lambrequin | ||
| The Lambrequin is a student-produced print publication which was developed to showcase students' talents in ULS’s Upper School and to provide an outlet for students to express themselves through visual art, photography, poetry, short stories, and music. | ||
“It is those unexpected moments where an athlete is asked to step on stage, or an artist is asked to pick up a golf club that makes Liggett unique. It stretches students in various ways to go out of their comfort zones and to shine in a myriad of ways.”
Jennifer Listman Barthel ‘90, Lower School teacher, parent to Connor ‘19
Our signature experiences take learning beyond the classroom, connecting students with real-world challenges and global perspectives. From grade-level trips and global travel to specialized college preparation programs, every experience is designed to inspire excellence, build community, and prepare students for a world of possibilities.
| Experiential Learning |
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International travel during school breaks immerses students in new cultures and languages, with destinations like France, Spain, China, and Singapore providing rich, hands-on learning experiences. Complementing these adventures, the Modern Language and Cultural Program celebrates diverse traditions, promotes conversational practice, and unites students across grades in shared exploration and discovery. |
| Place-Based Learning Trips |
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| College Guidance |
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