Risk-Taking. Leadership. Scholastic and athletic achievement. These are the hallmarks of the McGehee Upper School experience. Girls are encouraged to try something new--like auditioning for the Upper School musical for the first time or participating in the Mock Trial team. Student government is a key element of building leadership. The Executive Committee and Student Council take an active role in planning student activities and supervising the Honor Code, which was established at McGehee's in 1921 and is the oldest in the city. Students are given the opportunity to lead their peers, and in doing so develop skills that prepare them for leadership as women and professionals.
Across the curriculum, students continue to participate in group discussions effectively and thoughtfully. They offer new ideas, make original connections, and show enthusiasm for learning. Students hone their listening and interpretive skills and master the art of constructive criticism.
The Upper School curriculum emphasizes learning how to learn - how to ask questions, how to use "hands-on" methods to acquire and retain knowledge. Girls are encouraged to "own" the knowledge they gain through actually doing--becoming historians, scientists, writers, mathematicians, artists, singers. Students experience collaborative classroom environments where questions often begin with "what if..." and end with thoughts of endless possibilities.
