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Student Life in the Upper School

Student Life at AFS

In the AFS Upper School, learning is active, social, and deeply rooted in relationships.

Lifted by Each Other, Prepared for What’s Next 

Relationships create a place for learning where students can thrive and reach their highest potential.

Upper School students regularly come together as a community at morning student-led assemblies. This is a time to share news, celebrate one another, and renew a collective commitment to well-being and inclusiveness. 

Our learning environment is also one of trust and respect. Students are encouraged to express themselves freely without fear of judgment, to build on their strengths and face their challenges with confidence. AFS graduates are empowered for life-long learning, ready for the world that awaits them in college and beyond. 

 

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Advisory 

Personalized Guidance, Purposeful Growth 

Every Upper School student at AFS is supported by a dedicated advisor who helps them navigate their academic and personal journey with intention and care. 

In 9th grade, students are paired with a member of a fixed advisory team focused on easing the transition into high school. This team is specially designed to support students as they adjust to new expectations, develop strong habits, and build community during their first year in the Upper School. 

Beginning in 10th grade, students are matched with a long-term advisor who remains with them through graduation. These advisors help students select courses aligned with their interests and future goals, encourage them to take on challenges, and offer steady guidance throughout each stage of their Upper School experience. 

Regular check-ins, strong relationships, and a culture of trust ensure that every student is known, supported, and empowered to grow. 

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Conscious Community Program 

Equity in Action, Dialogue at the Center 

Our Conscious Community Program invites students and faculty into courageous, reflective conversations that deepen our understanding of ourselves, one another, and the world around us. Through this program, we explore pressing issues in local, national and global affairs, and identity—always through a lens of equity, justice, and inclusion. 

Grounded in Quaker values and the belief that dialogue can lead to meaningful change, the program equips students with the tools, language, and perspective to navigate complexity, build community, and take purposeful action. The goal is not only awareness, but agency—to empower students to broaden their thinking, strengthen connections, and help shape a more just and inclusive world. 

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Clubs and Affinity Groups  

Scheduled time for student initiatives 

Clubs and affinity groups present rich opportunities for students to encounter a larger world of learning beyond the classroom and to forge friendships. Most clubs are student-led with a faculty advisor. Dedicated club periods in the weekly schedule help students fit clubs and activities into their academic, arts and athletics schedules. 

Sampling of Recent Offerings 

 

  • AWARE (Antiracist White Activists for Racial Equity) 
  • Biking Club 
  • Black Student Union 
  • Community Service Council 
  • Environmental Action and Justice Club 
  • Fashion Club 
  • GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) 
  • H.O.L.A. (Hispanic or Latino affinity group) 
  • Jewish Affinity Group 
  • LitMag 
  • Marvel Club 
  • Music Club 
  • Roobotics (the official Robotics team at AFS) 
  • The Blue and White (Student Newspaper) 
  • SQuAC (Student Quaker Leadership Group) 
  • Theatre Club 
  • Yearbook 

 

Athletics

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Career Exploration

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Arts

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