Our Upper School program strives to balance academic excellence with emotional, social, physical, and spiritual development in an atmosphere that encourages the fulfillment of one’s potential. Students in Upper School are invited to enjoy new experiences and explore new interests while perfecting and polishing talents and abilities they have already discovered.

We believe that school must be an inviting place, a place where students feel safe, worthy, and comfortable taking risks. Classes are small, ranging from five to fifteen students, with opportunities for close student-teacher relationships, as well as leadership and responsibility for oneself and others. We allow students in Upper School to establish personal goals and make choices about their learning experiences. In addition to required courses, students may pursue an independent study in a subject of particular interest to them.

All students must meet the state graduation requirements for either an Advanced Studies diploma or a Standard diploma.

In addition, Virginia Beach Friends students must complete one year of Quaker Studies, one year of Computer Science, a Senior Internship or Senior Project, and eighty hours of community service. A wide variety of elective classes are available to students in English, physical education, fine arts, practical arts, and computer science.

Upper School students, in grades nine through twelve, are encouraged to expand their academic skills in all areas. Our program is writing intensive, requiring every student to develop proficiency in written communication. Critical thinking, evaluation, and synthesis of ideas are emphasized.