Upper School

Three words define our high school student experience: rigorous, connections, complete.

Rigorous coursework has several advantages. In addition to preparing our students for college life and beyond, important relationships form between students and teachers. We work closely with parents and believe students benefit when teachers, administrators and parents communicate skillfully and work in partnership. The better we work together, the more meaningful the environment we can create for our students.

Yet upper school at NSCD is more than just academics. Students develop into well-rounded adults by stretching themselves with experiences in performing arts, athletics, service, activities and meaningful connections made with their teachers and peers.

Dave Potter
Head of Upper School

What Our Parents Say

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NSCD encourages engagement in many disciplines. You cannot be a bystander at NSCD. They insist each student jump in and participate, and contribute in their own way. Susie ShermanUpper School Parent

I love the way the younger students bond with the older students.  This does not happen at a typical high school and creates a great sense of community.  When our kids first started there, my husband said “it feels like home.”Linda KarminUpper School Parent

I appreciate the school's willingness to communicate and support the kids when additional assistance is required; their ability to appreciate the unique attributes of each child.Mary PhillipsUpper School Parent

I am excited my younger daughter is starting high school at NSCD in the fall. My older daughter just graduated from NSCD and is heading to an amazing university armed with all she learned and experienced. Our family is looking forward to another exciting and fruitful four years. Souad MelloukUpper School Parent

Distinctively Upper School

Program Overview

Curriculum Guide

By the Numbers

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8 to 1

Student to Teacher Ratio

35%

Students of Color

100

Years NSCD has been serving the greater Chicago area

215

Students In Upper School

42

ZIP CODES REPRESENTED

63%

FACULTY WITH ADVANCED DEGREES

Meet Our Upper School Faculty

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Kristen Allen

Kristen Allen

Athletic Trainer; Middle School Health Teacher
Jared Branahl

Jared Branahl

Middle and Upper School Information and Media Librarian
Marìa Elena Centomo

Marìa Elena Centomo

Upper School Spanish Language Teacher
Becky Corrigan

Becky Corrigan

Upper School Science Teacher; Site director, UPenn residency program
Tim Curren

Tim Curren

Upper School Social Studies Teacher
Kim Diorio

Kim Diorio

Upper School English Teacher
Brian Frederick

Brian Frederick

Assistant Head of Upper School; Upper School Math Teacher
Drea Gallaga

Drea Gallaga

Director of Live+Serve Lab, Upper School Social Studies Teacher
Arturo Garcia

Arturo Garcia

MS & US Computer Science Teacher
Gina Gnoffo

Gina Gnoffo

Upper School Science Teacher
Ann Goodrich

Ann Goodrich

Instrumental Music Director; Middle and Upper School Music Teacher
Laura Hsieh

Laura Hsieh

Upper School Visual Arts Teacher
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