Community School of Davidson

Our Upper School Academics include: 

• Innovative curriculum and teaching methods that allow students to find meaning, purpose, and relevance

• Opportunities for hands-on learning experiences

• Differentiated instruction and low student-to-teacher ratios

• Cross-curricular emphasis on student writing skills

• Advanced coursework options including Advanced Placement, Virtual, and Dual Enrollment options

• Internship and Independent study opportunities

• Inventive and inspiring arts programs including visual, performing, literary, craft, and technology based options.

• Traditional grading system paired with direct academic counseling to ensure students use grades and feedback as tools for assessing and understanding their mastery

• Extensive college counseling program

• State of the art classrooms, laboratories, art studios, and performance and practice spaces.

CSDHS is committed to providing a comprehensive developmental counseling program that addresses the academic, career and personal/social development of all students. Our school counselors are advocates who work with students as they grow to their fullest potential within a safe and supportive school environment. Partnering with students, CSD teachers, administrators, and staff, as well as parents, guardians, and the community, the counseling staff offers a support system that extends past the school walls. Our comprehensive counseling for high school students includes:

Personal Counseling

CSD's counseling staff are available to provide responsive services such as individual counseling to students in need, group counseling that addresses a range of developmental and social issues, and referrals to outside counseling practices as appropriate.

College and Career Planning

Beginning in 9th grade, students embark on an exploration of their academic and vocational interests in preparation for developing a plan for post-secondary education and employment. Through one-on-one sessions, small group investigations, and full-class seminars, students begin to define and articulate their interests, investigate different career paths and review a variety of postsecondary options.

Our College Board code is: 340973

Academic Planning

High School Counselors and administrators meet with students each year to select courses and develop a personalized four-year plan of studies. Counselors and administrators also monitor academic progress, help students develop study skills, assess their own development, and create and follow study plans that meet individual needs. In addition, our counselors and administrators work with students to identify off-campus and extracurricular educational opportunities.

State-Mandated and College Readiness Testing

CSDHS students participate in an array of testing, including state-mandated assessments and optional college readiness exams. At this time, the state requires all high school students to take three EOC assessments: English 1 (next year, this test will be administered after English 2), Algebra 1, and Biology. The state now mandates that high school students take Pre-ACT in their sophomore year and ACT in spring of the junior year. These two college readiness tests, together with the PSAT and SAT, comprise the battery of assessments that satisfy college admissions requirements. CSD will administer the PSAT in the fall for 10th graders (optional) and 11th graders. We will also serve as an SAT testing site for a single test administration each spring.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Upper School Counseling Team below. 

Lauren Santalesa, High School Social Worker

Taaron Riggins, Upper School Counselor

Jessica Smith, Upper School Counselor 

Sarah Thurber, Upper School Counselor

Emily McMullin, Upper School Counselor

uscounselors@csdspartans.org

SAY Something when you HEAR and SEE Something

Say Something Anonymous Reporting System enables you to report safety concerns securely and anonymously, helping identify and support individuals at risk before they harm themselves or others.

Schoology is the learning management system (LMS) used in grades 6-12. Students in grades 6 and 7 will have access to this platform for class lesson resources and assignments, but report cards/grades will be issued three times a year via email through Jupiter Grades (just like in elementary school). Students in grades 8-12 will have access to this program for class assignment, grades, and attendance.  Parents who set up access in previous years do not need to do anything to have access. Parents of new-to-CSD students and of all 6th graders will receive access codes and sign-up information during the first week of school.  8-12 Parents, this is SUPER important!  We recommend that you set up your account so that you get one weekly email that shares all recent grades, missing assignments, and announcements from the past week.  Thursday night works well so you can check in with your child going into the weekend and your child still has Friday to check in with teachers before the weekend.  Parents who get weekly emails find it super easy to help stay on top of things.  We find that parents of 8th, 9th and 10th graders need to check in with their students once or twice a week and help them learn to make plans (or ask a teacher to assist you if your child is super resistant to this support) and then by 11th and 12th grade, your student should be able to manage this on his/her own with you just reviewing grades weekly and reaching out to teachers and student if you have concerns or questions.  It is highly important that students develop independent organizational habits, but please keep in mind that many students need support and guidance as they learn these skills.