The Upper School Experience (5th Grade – 8th Grade)
For students that transfer into Saint Gregory’s and for those who have been in our hallways since Kindergarten, our school experience culminates in the Upper School. As a school and as a larger community, everyone at SGS is proud of the work that we do to prepare our students for the next phase of their academic careers in high school, college and onto a career.
The Upper School consists of 5th – 8th graders. Notice how we do not call these grades a “middle school,” because there is nothing “middle” about it. Following what is traditionally considered elementary school in our Lower School, the Upper School is exactly what it implies: an elevated experience. Academic expectations are higher, responsibilities are plentiful and there is more at stake. Many of our students receive academic scholarships going into high school which is one of the many reasons why we believe Saint Gregory’s is one of the best places for your child to receive a high-quality education in Albany, NY.
Explore the features of the Upper School through some of the experiences we’ve created for our students:
Academics
Our students receive an education that will put them ahead of their peers when they reach high school and college. Students in Pre- K begin Spanish classes, so by the time they reach 5th grade, they are well prepared for Latin classes. Upper School students have the opportunity to take high school credits before graduating, often putting them ahead of the pack in terms of credits toward graduation. Each 5th grade student receives a locker, new uniform, an advisor and class schedule to go along with the new set of expectations.
While there are changes that our students need to get used to, some things stay the same, including recess twice a day. We find it important for our older students to “be a kid” a little longer, an element of their school day that we’ve found time and again to be beneficial to their development. When 8th graders are outside playing with some of the youngest students on our campus, there is a sense of community that manifests in every area of the school.
Community Involvement
Aside from being a part of the Saint Gregory’s community, our Upper School students are involved in the larger Albany community as well by getting the opportunity to do volunteer work.
Here are a few of the moments when our Upper School students can get involved and give back to the community throughout the school year.
Pulsera Project
Our Upper School students participate in the Pulsera Project, a nonprofit organization connecting Central and South American artisans with American schools.
DARE Program
Every year, the Colonie Police Department teaches our 5th graders about making safe choices around drugs, alcohol and internet safety.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Saint Gregory’s students give back to the local community every year by donating food for Thanksgiving to the St. John’s/St. Ann’s Outreach Center in Albany, NY.
Other than community service, our Upper School students spend time outside of our school on field trips. Students go to New York City, Boston, Cooperstown, and the 8th graders get to plan their annual trip to Washington D.C., oftentimes making it a highlight of their time at SGS.
Athletics
- Interscholastic Track and Field – Spring seasons
- Grades 5th – 8th
- Interscholastic Soccer – Fall season
- Grades 5th – 8th
- Cross Country – Fall season
- Grades 5th – 8th
- Golf Club – Fall season
- Grades 5th – 8th
- Interscholastic Basketball – Winter season
- Grades 3rd – 8th
- Lacrosse – Winter season
- Grades 1st – 6th
Art and Music
Artistic expression, whether in music, visual arts or theatrical performances, are important to our students. We want all who come to Saint Gregory’s to have the opportunity to explore their creative options during and after the school day. For this reason, we have a number of programs available to students.
Theater – Builders club is available to Upper School students as an after school program. Music classes are part of our curriculum, with band being available to students after school as well. When the night of these shows arrive, all parents, family and friends are invited to come to our school and enjoy their performances. The productions our students perform on stage feature music as well, another way students can spend their time after school.
Clubs
Our staff wants to leave no stone unturned when it comes to things our students are interested in. As a result, clubs change on a year-to-year basis based not just on student involvement, but on their choosing. Computer coding club, for example, is one of the areas students have chosen to spend their time learning about after the school day.
Recurring clubs that continue into each school year for Upper School students are Ski Club and Homework Club. While Ski Club is pretty self-explanatory, Homework Club is what it sounds like as well: students have the opportunity to sit amongst their peers and work on what they have due in more of a group setting rather than at home. Students not only get to accomplish what they need for the next day, but they also continue learning by sharing ideas with each other and collaborating.
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