UPPER SCHOOL

Senior Year and Post-graduate

Upper School

Academics

Tennis
STEM
Art Academy
Field Academy

Classrooms and Architecture

Electives and Athletics

College Counseling

Support

Faculty

Grade 12 at Ross prepares students for the increased independence and responsibility of college academics.

Senior year, or Grade 12, is designed as a capstone course, revisiting the Spiral Curriculum and looking toward the future. As such, the year serves as a transition from Ross School to institutions of higher learning, providing a college-like experience and expectations for upcoming Ross graduates.

At the beginning of the year, students embark on self-defined Senior Projects that engage their focus for two terms, during which they delve into the exploration of an area of interest, demonstrate integrative and independent thinking, work closely with a faculty mentor, and discover themselves as learners and producers.

By the time they graduate, Ross School students are equipped with a global perspective and a host of experiences that prepare them for a lifetime of learning.

Senior Projects

The Senior Project is the culmination of a student’s learning experience at Ross.

The process of planning and executing the Senior Project to completion allows students to pursue their passions through a self-directed project that integrates such Ross School principles as multiple intelligences, cultural historical context, personal reflection, problem posing and solving, applied media/technology for research and communication, and pursuit of excellence. Students present their end products to the community at an exhibition, followed by individual presentations about their process, product, and conclusions.

A faculty mentor, acting as facilitator, teacher, advisor, editor, critic, and advocate, works individually with each student and is key to supporting and challenging the student through the evolution of the project. By the conclusion of their Senior Projects, students gain both deeper understanding of the topic of their choice and metacognitive insight into themselves as learners and producers.

Explore Senior Projects 2024

Featured

The Spiral Store by Carolina S.

Like the Ross School's community, the inventory is remarkably diverse, with items ranging from snacks to dog coats. The store offers an array of Ross School merchandise, including Carhartt backpacks and beanies, trucker hats, and T-shirts, all adorned with the school's branding.

Game, Set, Machine: A DIY Tennis Ball Machine by Eduardo M.

For his senior project, Eduardo M. created the Game Set Machine—a DIY tennis ball machine—driven by his lifelong passion for tennis.

When Fish Fly by Maya S.

Maya S.'s senior project, "When Fish Fly," is a graphic novel that explores the idea of childhood wonder, born out of Maya’s passion for art and storytelling.

Emerging Sino-Saudi Ties: Energy & Security Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy by Sienna G.

Sienna G.'s senior project, titled "Emerging Sino-Saudi Ties: Energy & Security Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy," delves into the intricate dynamics between China, Saudi Arabia, and the United States through the lens of the Thucydides Trap.

Get Well Soon Love by Miles D.

Miles D.'s senior project, "Get Well Soon Love," delves into the intersectionality of disability and queerness through a deeply personal artistic exploration.

2:Cubes—The Faces of Grief by Stella F.

Stella F.'s senior project embarked on a profound exploration of grief and healing following her father's battle with ALS, aiming to create a supportive platform for others facing similar struggles

Crocheted Coral Reef & The Scientific Explanation by Gianna D.

Gianna D.'s senior project focused on the creation of a Crochet Coral Reef exhibit, blending visual arts and marine sciences to raise awareness about the plight of coral reefs.

Postgraduate Program

Ross School offers a postgraduate program that is open to all students who have earned a high school diploma and are looking to enhance their study skills and or strengthen their academic profile.

Ross postgraduate students are considered members of the senior class, following a modified senior schedule that has been designed to meet the specific needs of each individual. Students work closely with a college counselor, an advisor, the Director of Senior Projects, and the Director of Academics to create an experience that prepares them for college.

Inquire