Academics
Upper School (5th-8th Grades)

Upper School Life

The upper school includes fifth through eighth grades. Expanding on the recurring themes of community, culture, confidence, compassion, and continuity from the lower school curriculum, upper school students study a variety of subjects across various discplines. Building on the strength of program from the lower school, upper school students continue to grow in their analytical and critcal thinking skills as well as continue to develop their fine art skills.

Moving up to the third floor, our Upper School students continue to develop their leadership skills and to grow in their independence. Our Upper School program seeks to continue building on the early foundations of our Pre-K, K, and Lower School program as students prepare for high school, college, and beyond. 


Field trips continue to play a key role in creating an authentic inter-curriculum experience for our upper school students. Just as our younger students benefit from understanding more about the world (and city and state!) around them, our older students continue to more deeply understand and apply the concepts they are learning about in the classroom through various field trips during the year. It is important that our upper school students understand the advantage of having the larger downtown "classroom" just outside their Advent classroom doors! While upper school students take a variety of trips throught the year, below are some of the key field trips each grade takes.


General Upper School Field Trips

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  • Shakespeare Performances

    Sixth through eighth grade students attend various Shakespeare performances each year held as a part of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery or the Shakespeare Tavern in Atlanta depending on which plays are being performed during the season.

5th Grade

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  • Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

    Students build on their experience from the walking tour during lower school by visiting the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to gain a deeper understanding of the Civil Rights Movement and particularly the importance that Birmingham has in that story.

  • Children's Theatre

    Each year, the fifth grade students attend an age appropriate production that is being showcased. Last year, the 5th grade attended Encore which is a collection from five great authors: Edgar Allen Poe, Washington Irving, W.W. Jacobs, Guy de Maupassant, and Mark Twain. The performance was held at the historic Alabama Theatre.

  • Red Mountain Park

    Utlizing our easy access to Red Mountain Park nearby, fifth grade students participate in the Magic City Hike. A guide walks them along the ruins of old mine structures and railroad beds learning how Red Mountain Park iron ore once fed the nations thirst for steel. This trip serves as a critical component of understanding our city's history.

  • Washington D.C.

    Every year the fifth grade travels to Washington D.C. Particularly complementing their social studies curriculum, This overnight field trips which includes teachers and parents allows students the opportunity to explore a variety of D.C. museums, tours, and experiences. The trip enhances their study of the Revolutionary War, the workings of Congress, and the dynamics and relationship of support that exists between various branches of government.

6th Grade

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  • Camp McDowell

    A long tradition of the sixth grade year, this is a three day/two night trip to Camp McDowell, an Episocpal camp located just north of Jasper, AL. The Environmental Center at Camp McDowell has been in operation for over twenty years and has a mission to connect people to the environment, teach respect for the earth and its beings, and to promote a commitment to lifelong learning. Classes vary, but typically the students take classes covering a variety of topics including life science, earth science, American history, survival skills, and social skills.

  • Tuskegee

    The field trip to Tuskegee offers a wonderful historic perspective and reinforcement of the importance of Booker T. Washington and the early 20th century movement to foster social and economic advancement through education and job training.

7th Grade

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  • Dauphin Island

    The three day trip to Dauphin Island takes place during the spring. While primarily a science trip, it also includes Alabama History. Students classify local flora and fauna while learning abut the significance of the barrier island on local ecosystems and geography. It also serves as an opportunity to foster independence among the students and continues to help develop the class's ability to work together before they begin their final, eighth grade year.

  • Montgomery Civil Rights Memorial and the Freedom Riders Museum

    Students travel to Montgomery to visit the Montgomery Civil Rights Memorial and the Freedom Riders Museum. The trip is designed to coincide with the study of black history and the struggle for equality.

  • Negro Southern League Museum

    Students are able to tour the museum and meet former players in the league as they learn more about the story of African-American baseball in America.

  • Regions Field

    The field trip to Regions Field offers students the chance to tour the faciltiy which highlights trends in Birmingham's growth and the civic boosting power of sports.

  • Sloss Furnaces

    Sloss Furnaces is a National Historic Landmark in Birmingham that operated as a large iron-producing blast furnace from 1882-1971. The students have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on iron pour activity.

8th Grade

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  • Cahaba River Canoe Trip

    The canoe trip down the Cahaba River is a wonderful opportunity for eighth graders to celebrate the end of the year while also learning about one of the most biodiverse places in the country. The Cahaba River is literally in our backyard, but many students are unaware of how to access it. Students learn about canoeing, seining, and collection of macroinvertebrates on this day long trip.
Upper school students are required to adhere to Advent Episcopal School's honor system. All students sign the honor code at the beginning of each school year.

Honor Code
As a member of the Advent Episcopal School community, I pledge that I will not lie, cheat, or steal nor tolerate the behavior of those that do.

Honor Statement
On my honor as a student, I have neither given nor received aid on this work.

Founded in 1950 and located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, Advent Episcopal School is a coeducational, college-preparatory day school for students grades Pre-Kindergarten through 8th.