Humanities

Building on the strength of the Humanities Program in grades 5 through 8, the high school curriculum aligns English and Composition with the History sequence, where students will study Global History, United States History, and Economics. Students will graduate confident in their critical reading, writing, and public speaking skills, and will have developed the ability to understand, critique, and participate fully in the world around them.

Science, math, and technology

Building on the strength of the middle school science curriculum, high school students continue the study of science and technology to explore issues of importance to them, their community, and society. By learning how to gather and interpret scientific evidence about local and global issues, students begin to appreciate the power of science. They recognize that science is much more than a set of answers to be learned, but rather a way of asking questions. The course of study begins with Biology and Chemistry in freshmen and sophomore year, respectively, and follows with AP Biology and Physics in junior and senior years.

The mathematics program is tightly aligned with the Common Core and includes Integrated Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus. Advanced students have the option of choosing the honors mathematics track, and all courses ensure a deep understanding of concepts and an ability to apply mathematical concepts to the real world.

Extracurricular activities

We offer students a variety of experiences where they can explore hidden potentials and extend beyond their comfort zones. The school participates in the Charter School Athletic Association, with girls participating in volleyball, basketball, and softball, and boys participating in flag football, basketball, and track.

Other extracurricular offerings include yoga, introduction to web development, dance, and fitness.

Every rising ninth–grade family has a family meeting with school staff prior to September of freshman year, providing an opportunity for school staff and families to begin the relationship that will be a critical element of a student’s high school experience. Throughout high school, workshops, dinners, retreats, and conferences offer opportunities to strengthen the school-family partnership. Workshops include topics such as financial aid, the PSAT and SAT, finding the right college, and planning campus visits. Finally, rather than a traditional parent-teacher conference, students stay at the center of Ascend conferences and by leading the meetings, evaluate their own progress, and identify plans for academic improvement.

Advisory

Advisory plays an essential role, as students check in each morning with an advisor and one another on matters ranging from homework and dress code to family situations to summer internship possibilities, and develop the organizational and executive function skills required for success in high school, while building a strong sense of community.

College counseling and preparedness

At Ascend, our goal is to close the achievement gap. Today in the United States only eight percent of students from low-income families graduate from college. Our commitment is that every Ascend high school student enrolls in college.

But college access does not ensure college success. We are committed to ensuring that once scholars get to college, they graduate. College preparedness includes college-readiness seminars, visits to college campuses, testing support, and faithful maintenance of a college readiness portfolio. The school’s staff includes a director of college counseling and alumni programs and associated staff.

Academic preparedness is a necessary pre-requisite for college graduation, but so too are non-cognitive skills and a sense of purpose. It is particularly vital that students believe in themselves and have aspirations for their lives. Through the four-year college seminar, students analyze personal strengths and weaknesses, practice realistic goal-setting and planning, and develop a growth mindset.

Community service and internships

To foster this sense of belonging and of one’s place in the world, students are expected to complete a significant program of community service. Practical, hands-on experience outside of the school building is critical for students to explore career paths and navigate the real world. Staff help connect students to internships that further their emerging academic and professional interests.

A true liberal education—which fosters and prizes critical thinking and independence of thought—cannot be joined to a culture of rigid rule-following and silent meals. It is a flagrant contradiction. Students cannot learn that their voice has power when for much of the day the school stipulates their silence.

In Ascend’s high school, restorative practices teach students to resolve conflicts on their own, understand the impact of their actions, and acknowledge responsibility to the school community. Such practices encourage accountability and responsibility through personal reflection within a collaborative process. They enable people to listen and respond to the needs of the person harmed and the person who harmed. By the time our students reach college, they will trust in their ideas and self-manage with full autonomy—and take their place at the seminar table with confidence.

1501 Pitkin Avenue

Grades 9-12

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