Upper School (9-12)
Upper School (9-12)
Preparing students to successfully navigate the future with confidence.
The Upper School at Charles Wright Academy is a welcoming and vibrant community that is big enough to offer the full high school experience, yet small enough for you to be involved in anything and everything you’d like! You will be joining a diverse community of friends and faculty who will challenge you to develop as a scholar, athlete, artists, and leader. Most importantly, they will support and encourage you every step of the way.
Academics
Typical Sequence of Courses for Each Grade Level
Information about our Upper School course offerings can be found in our Upper School Course Catalog.
Advanced Placement Courses
Charles Wright Academy offers a robust Advanced Placement program for our Upper School students who wish to sit for AP testing and receive college credit for their work. Currently, we offer 14 AP courses for our Upper School students:
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AP 2D Art
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AP Biology
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AP Calculus AB
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AP Calculus BC
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AP Chemistry
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AP Computer Science A
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AP Drawing
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AP Economics
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AP English
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AP Physics II
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AP Spanish Language and Culture
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AP US Government and Politics
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AP US History
Charles Wright Academy is a proud Platinum AP Honor Roll School, meaning our AP programs are delivering results for students while also broadening access. Schools earn this distinct recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. In the 2023-24 school year, 96% of our seniors took at least one AP exam, with 88% earning a score of 3 or higher on their AP exams. 49% of seniors took five or more AP exams during their time at Charles Wright Academy. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our Upper School faculty and the tradition of Charles Wright Academy students challenging themselves in the pursuit of academic excellence.
Noteworthy Upper School Courses
Humanities Capstone: This is an advanced research course in which students become experts in a field of their choosing and produce new scholarly knowledge in the humanities. Students select their own objects of study, cultivate their methodologies and theoretical frameworks, and ultimately produce deliverables that encapsulate their findings through a major research paper and formal presentation. Past projects have investigated diverse objects of study, such as art nouveau posters, political propaganda, horror films, gym influencer posts on social media, and Shakespeare adaptations. Over the course of the year, students develop the skills and techniques needed for research, analysis, and writing at the college level.
Research Methodologies in English: Students will practice advanced research methods in English and the humanities by embarking on a semester-long research project of their own design. This will involve reading and analyzing a number of works by a chosen author, researching the writer’s life and historical contexts, and conducting specialized secondary research. This project also incorporates a chosen lens or intellectual framework to guide and focus students’ analysis.
Science Research: Concerned about fluctuating concentrations of phytoplankton in Chambers Bay? Wondering about the nature of wingtip vortices created by differently shaped airfoils? Fascinated by the chemical synthesis of aromatic compounds? Utilizing up-to-date tools and technologies in the Weyerhaeuser Research Room, students in this course will propose, design, test, and present independent research projects. In the first semester, students will focus on building the skills necessary for successful research in the sciences. This will include library and internet research, along with the techniques of writing a specific paper. Students will also research possible projects and propose ideas to the group for discussion. Presentation of a proposed research project to the Science Department is required for final approval. Research may be conducted with an emphasis on any of the three major disciplines of biology, chemistry, and/or physics. During the second half of the course, students will design and implement their research projects under the guidance of a faculty member and/or project advisor. Throughout the course, there will be a heavy emphasis on technical writing, research methods, statistical analysis, peer review, and public presentation. The course will culminate in a written paper, supported by a presentation in the late spring.
Student Life
Advisory: Community, Discovery, Connection
Upper School advisories allow students the chance to deepen connections with their peers while exploring their unique path to graduation. Advisors are grade-level experts, reading to support students in all of their needs each year at CWA, from academic advising to social problem-solving and anything in between. By the time Upper School students graduate, they will have a team of advisors in their corner, ready to help launch them into the next phase of life.
Student Government: Organize, Lead, Represent
Leadership opportunities present themselves in a variety of ways and are an integrated part of the Charles Wright Upper School experience. Student Government is a meaningful and fun way to get involved! The Student Government is composed of representatives from each grade, as well as members elected by the entire student body. Student Government members gain leadership and community organizing experience, lift the voices of the Upper School student body, and work closely with their peers and faculty to foster an Upper School community valuing respect and collaboration.
CWA Activities and Competition Teams
Robotics: Join the Wright Angles, our competitive robotics team! Through teamwork, innovation, engineering, play, and problem-solving, robots help us develop key critical thinking skills. The Wright Angles participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and regularly host meets on the CWA campus throughout the season.
Model United Nations: Model UN is an amazing opportunity to discuss solutions to current global issues with other students. Through simulation of the United Nations, students play the role of a delegate from a different country and work to understand and pose solutions to current issues. Model UN offers opportunities to practice public speaking, gain awareness of global issues, and make new friends.
Knowledge Bowl: Do you like trivia? Are you competitive? Do you have quick recall? Knowledge Bowl is an academic competition for high school students. Teams compete against other schools in a quiz-like competition. CWA has been known for dominating this contest, winning the Knowledge Bowl State Championships in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2024!
Clubs and Affinity and Alliance Groups
Clubs: Clubs are student-driven, student-run, and reflect the current interests and passions of our Upper School community. Students can create and lead clubs on any interest or topic of their choice, and as a result, new clubs are introduced each year. What club will you bring? What club will you join? Some of our offerings include Spirit Club, Gardening Club, Crochet Club, Disc Golf Club, Chess Club, and more!
Affinity and Alliance Groups: All students have opportunities to join discussion groups that help support, educate, and empower others. In affinity spaces, those who share an identifier, such as race, religion, or gender, come together to discuss their personal and shared experiences. In alliance spaces, students of all identities who share a common goal meet to learn and to think about how they might further educate their community about building a safe, inclusive, and equitable school. Some of our offerings include Black Student Union, Women’s Empowerment, Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI), Mental Health Alliance, and more!
Athletics
At Charles Wright Academy, we recognize the significance of competitive athletics and fitness activities as essential components of a student’s education, offering valuable learning opportunities. By promoting teamwork and instilling perseverance, our athletic and fitness programs enable students to engage in a collective endeavor beyond themselves through participation in competitive sports teams. Our aim is to foster healthy lifestyles and emphasize the significance of lifelong fitness.
All Upper School students are required to participate in athletics and fitness activities. CWA athletes compete in the Nisqually League 1A. Upper School students participate in competitive athletics through fifteen teams, and CWA has won state championships in Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, and Soccer.
Recent Athletic Highlights:
More than 70% of Upper School students participated in at least one competitive sport in 2023.
23 Tarriers were named to Nisqually All-League Teams in 2022-23.
In 2022-23, three coaches were named Nisqually League Coach of the Year.
One student received a Tacoma Athletic Commission Award, and two students received a National Football Foundation Scholarship.
Visual and Performing Arts
Upper School students enjoy consistent, regular time dedicated to visual and performing arts – inspiring creativity, persistence, and confidence. We offer a breadth of opportunities taught by faculty who are also teaching artists so that students may discover and develop their unique talents. All students enjoy at least one year each of visual and performing arts courses.
The Sam and Nathalie Brown Visual Arts Center features spacious studios for ceramics, printmaking, painting, stained glass, and more. The Robert A. Camner Language and Performing Arts Center has both large and private practice rooms, a digital music mixing studio, a modern black box theater, three dedicated classrooms for choir, orchestra, band, and theater, and a professional qualify production shop. Take our virtual campus tour to see a preview of these spaces!
Visual and Performing Arts Course Offerings:
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Beginning Ceramics
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Advanced Ceramics
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Advanced Studio Art
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Painting
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Drawing
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Illustration
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Photography
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Printmaking
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Graphic Design/Yearbook
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Stained Glass and Mosaic
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AP 2D Art and Design
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Art History
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Concert Choir
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Academy Singers Choir
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Orchestra
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Band
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Improsivation
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Musical Theater
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Show Choir
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Technical Theater
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Theatrical Production
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One Acts
College Counseling
The College Counseling Team at Charles Wright Academy empowers all students in grades 9-12 to navigate their future with confidence. Our team emphasizes research and reflection, addressing diverse student needs through personalized counseling, interactive workshops, comprehensive resources, and our network of college, alumni, and community connections. We help develop skills and self-awareness essential for identifying and successfully pursuing each student’s best post-secondary fit.
Led by two experienced College Counselors, Charles Wright’s College Counseling program supports students throughout their four years in the Upper School, providing individualized guidance to meet the unique needs of each student. Highlights of the program include:
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Unlimited individual sessions with a College Counselor (at least four are required)
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Annual college fair with over 100 colleges attending, open to students and parents grades 9-12
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Junior year application case studies workshop with distinguished Deans and Directors of Admission from colleges across the country
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Admission and financial aid workshops for parents
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Summer application “boot camp” for seniors
Charles Wright graduates attend a wide variety of colleges and universities in all parts of the United States and abroad, and consistently report that they were well-prepared for the academic and personal challenges of college life.
Learn more about College Counseling at Charles Wright Academy
12
Average Student Class Size
6:1
Student : Teacher Ratio
67%
Faculty with Advanced Degrees
CWA Student Selected for American Choral Directors Association Honor Choir
Charles Wright Academy is proud to announce that Allison C. ‘25 has been accepted into the American Choral Directors Association 11-12th grade mixed Honor Choir! Allison was one of the …
CWA Student Named 2025 Washington State Delegate to the American Junior Academy of Science
Charles Wright Academy is excited to announce that one of our own, Rebecca K. ‘26 has been chosen as a 2025 Washington State Delegate to the American Junior Academy of …
Charles Wright Academy Earns Platinum AP School Honor Roll Recognition
College Board announced that Charles Wright Academy has been named to the 2024 Advanced Placement Program (AP) School Honor Roll, earning Platinum distinction. The AP School Honor Roll recognizes …
Charles Wright Academy Students Receive National Merit Scholarship Program Recognition
In September 2024, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists and 34,000 Commended Students in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Out of …
Rachel Rippl Named Interim Middle and Upper School Director
We are saddened to announce that Betty Benson, Upper School Director, has tendered her resignation from Charles Wright Academy. Betty has been a strong and transformative leader for Charles Wright’s …
CWA Students Selected to Perform with Honor Ensembles
We are pleased to announce that 12 Charles Wright Academy students have been selected to participate with prestigious ensembles in the Northwest. Seven students were chosen to perform in …
Alumni, Parent of Alumni, Current Parent
As an alum, parent of two alums, and parent of a current student, Charles Wright has been a great fit for myself and my kids. Teachers who genuinely care, small class sizes, tight friend groups, loads of experiential and place-based learning opportunities are just a few of the many aspects that make CWA a great school.
Beginning School Parent
When we first enrolled our daughters in 2021, we were immediately drawn to the play-based education, active joyful learning style, dedicated teachers, and supportive administration that Charles Wright Academy offers. It was clear from the beginning that we had found a special place that truly cares about each and every child.
Our oldest daughter has thrived at Charles Wright Academy. The personalized attention, support, and challenge she receives have helped her to improve and grow in ways we never thought possible. The play-based education in the Beginning School and the constant challenge in kindergarten have been instrumental in her development, and we are grateful for the creative and engaging learning opportunities she has had. Our youngest daughter has faced some challenges due to a developmental delay. However, the support and resources provided by her teachers and the school have been invaluable in helping her to work on these obstacles. We have seen tremendous growth and progress since she started at Charles Wright Academy, and we are grateful for the inclusive and nurturing environment that has allowed her to flourish.
Current Middle School and Alumni Parent
My son graduated from Charles Wright Academy in 2020 starting in his seventh grade year. My daughter is currently in sixth grade, she started in Kindergarten. There is no better opportunity in the South Sound for your child than CWA.
Lower School Parent
The faculty and staff at CWA are the best! They truly care for the kids and one another. Our son LOVES his school and is thriving. We feel extremely fortunate to be part of the community.
Upper School Student
I am really happy with all my teachers. They will make sure you do well no matter what and even though it gets hard at some points, it’s still a great place to be. Teachers really care about you and put the time in to make sure you are supported.
