Graduation Plans
Classical, Foundational, and Part-Time paths to a diploma.
See the plans ›
Academics
Upper School
From Knowledge to Wisdom
In the Upper School, students move from memorization to reasoning, from repetition to articulation. These years are devoted to forming thoughtful, articulate young men and women who can think clearly, speak persuasively, and live faithfully.
Students are challenged to pursue excellence in every discipline while learning to govern themselves with maturity and conviction.
The Classical Stages
Logic Stage
7th – 8th Grade
Students sharpen reasoning skills and learn to analyze arguments, identify fallacies, and understand cause and effect. Coursework deepens in literature, history, mathematics, science, and theology while emphasizing structured thinking.
Rhetoric Stage
9th – 12th Grade
Students learn to express truth clearly and persuasively. Through formal writing, speeches, debates, and senior thesis work, they develop confidence and clarity in communication.
The Curriculum
Core Academic Areas
Humanities
Integrated study of history, literature, and theology helps students understand the development of Western civilization and the Christian worldview.
Mathematics
Courses emphasize logical structure, precision, and disciplined problem-solving.
Science
Students explore the created order through laboratory work, research, and analysis, learning to approach science with both rigor and humility.
Composition & Rhetoric
Writing is central. Students learn to construct arguments, analyze texts, and communicate with clarity.
Theology & Worldview
Biblical truth is integrated throughout every subject. Students are encouraged to ask difficult questions and pursue thoughtful, faithful answers.
Mastery, not minimums
Most schools ask students to earn 70% to pass a course. MCA holds a higher bar: to reach Mastery, a student must earn at least an 85% in a class. It is a high standard on purpose — we want students to genuinely understand their work, not merely get by.
Because some of the best learning happens by correcting mistakes, students may revise most project grades to recover points and deepen understanding. Students who go further can earn Mastery with Honor — an honors designation earned through an independent project that serves the school or community.
More than a diploma
The Upper School offers several ways to stretch and recognize a student’s work — and MCA provides the PSAT 8/9, PSAT/NMSQT, and the SAT School Day through the College Board, so students are prepared for college admissions.
Dual Credit
Earn college credit through our Christian Hall International partnership.
Explore dual credit ›STEM Endorsement
Go deep in science, math, or robotics for a transcript endorsement.
See the tracks ›Senior Thesis & Orals
The public capstone of an MCA education.
Learn about the thesis ›“By the time my boys were freshmen, they were better equipped at managing themselves and their time than I was as a junior in college.”
— MCA Upper School Parent
Academic Expectations
Upper School students are expected to:
Complete independent readingEngage thoughtfully in discussionWrite with precision and depthTake increasing ownership of their workDemonstrate personal responsibility
Parental partnership remains essential. While students grow in independence, communication between tutors and parents ensures accountability and support.
Ready to learn more?
See how a student joins the Upper School, or come experience a day on campus.