The Upper School years are a defining season of the Jaguar Journey — where academic rigor, personal growth, and life readiness culminate.
At Salisbury Academy, students are not just preparing for college; they are preparing for life.
In a community where they are known, supported, and inspired to be who they were meant to be, Upper School students develop the knowledge, skills, and character that serve them well beyond graduation. Through personalized schedules, dual-enrollment opportunities, internships, and authentic learning in the community, SA students are equipped to thrive in higher education and in life.
Upper School at a Glance
📍 Location
- Downtown Salisbury at 316 Depot Street
- Steps away from cultural destinations, historic landmarks, and community partners
🎓 Enrollment
- Grades 9–12
- Small classes where every student is known and supported
📘 Academics
- All courses taught at the honors level
- Dual-enrollment with Catawba College for juniors and seniors
- Compass wayfinding courses (The Hero’s Journey, Innovation & Design, Perspectives)
🧑💼 College Prep
- Individualized college counseling
- On-site college visits, ACT/SAT prep, resume and essay workshops, and more
- 100% of graduates accepted to a top- choice college (beginning with Class of 2025)
🌍 Experiential Learning
- Twice-annual Exhibition Nights to showcase authentic work
- Regular field trips to destinations like Washington, D.C., Nantahala Outdoor Center, Thomas Wolfe House, and more
- Internships with local businesses and nonprofits
⚽ Student Life
- Wide variety of clubs and organizations
- Athletics for grades 5–12
- Traditions like prom, campfires, retreats, and service projects
Shaping a Personalized Path & Preparing for College
Every Jaguar’s journey is unique — and Salisbury Academy’s Upper School is intentionally designed to support that individuality while preparing every student for the college process.
Flexible scheduling, modular electives, and customizable tracks allow students to explore passions in the arts, STEM, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. Dual-enrollment with Catawba College expands academic options and gives students valuable, supported experience in college-level coursework. Internships with local businesses and nonprofits provide professional exposure and clarity about future goals.
At the same time, families benefit from Salisbury Academy’s comprehensive college preparation services, which ease what can often be an intimidating process. Students receive personalized support through:
On-site college visits and campus trips
- Visits from college representatives
- ACT and SAT prep
- Resume writing and interview coaching
- College essay and application workshops
- Access to regional and national college fairs
This combination of customizable education and structured guidance ensures every graduate leaves SA not only prepared for higher education, but confident and excited about their next steps.
Pursuing Purpose & Rigor
Salisbury Academy’s Upper School curriculum is designed for depth, challenge, and meaning. Every course is taught at an honors level, asking students to think critically, write persuasively, and engage deeply with ideas that shape both intellect and character.
A signature feature of the Jaguar Journey in Upper School is the Compass program, a grade-level wayfinding course that helps students reflect on who they are, what they value, and how they will contribute to the world. From The Hero’s Journey in 9th grade to Innovation and Design in 11th grade and Perspectives in 12th grade, Compass equips students with the self-awareness, leadership skills, and problem-solving capacity they’ll need in college and life.
For juniors and seniors, dual-enrollment at Catawba College expands learning even further. Students can select from a wide array of college courses — from advanced sciences and mathematics to fine arts, business, and humanities — earning both high school and college credit. This experience builds confidence, strengthens transcripts, and provides a smooth transition to higher education.
Whether in a Socratic seminar, a lab investigation, a design challenge, or a college-level course, Upper School students are consistently invited to rise to the challenge, discover their potential, and pursue their purpose with rigor.
Building Confidence & Character
At every stage of the Jaguar Journey, students are nurtured into creative problem solvers, confident communicators, compassionate citizens, motivated learners, and resilient individuals.
Leadership comes alive through advisory groups, chapel, athletics, and service opportunities. Small classes and mentoring relationships ensure every student is seen, valued, and supported. SA’s intentional emphasis on wellness, balance, and purpose equips students to lead with both strength and empathy.
Beyond the classroom, student life at Salisbury Academy is active and engaging. Upper School students can take part in a wide variety of clubs and organizations, from service and leadership groups to arts, STEM, and special-interest clubs. Social traditions bring the community together in meaningful and memorable ways — from prom and campfires to retreats, excursions, and talent showcases.
In every setting, SA Upper School students are building confidence, friendships, and lifelong memories that complement their academic growth.
Connecting Learning to Life
At Salisbury Academy, the world is our classroom. Our downtown Salisbury campus places students in the heart of a vibrant community filled with opportunities for authentic engagement. Within walking distance, students connect with cultural destinations, historic landmarks, local businesses, government offices, and outdoor learning spaces that expand the boundaries of traditional education.
The Jaguar Journey extends well beyond campus through regular field trips and excursions. Students immerse themselves in live theater, explore the outdoors at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, visit art museums and historic homes like Asheville’s Thomas Wolfe House, and gain new perspectives in Washington, D.C. From forest preserves to civic buildings, these experiences bring learning to life.
Inside the classroom, students tackle real-world projects that challenge them to apply knowledge in meaningful ways. Twice a year, they share this work publicly during Exhibition Nights, presenting their authentic learning to families, peers, and community members. These moments cultivate not only mastery of content but also confidence, communication, and a sense of purpose.