Life in the Upper School
Upper School at AIS is about more than just academics — our traditions and milestones create memories that last a lifetime.
A Closer Look: Commencement
2022 Commencement Highlights
Did you know?
"Club" time is built into the Upper School schedule. Upper schoolers can choose from more than 50 student-led clubs, boards, and organizations, and pursue everything from student government to robotics, a cappella, set design, nonprofit advocacy, improv, student-published magazines, and, yep — even lawn games.
Learn more
Student Publications
The Wick
The school's student newspaper, The Wick, is published several times per year and includes original writing, photography, commentary, and illustration.
Impulse Magazine
A collection of student poetry, prose, photography, and artwork, Impulse magazine celebrates the arts and is published twice a year.
Frenish
Our Spanish & French language magazine explores cultural interests through poetry, short stories, essays, news, crossword puzzles, and pop culture reviews.
More About Upper School Life
Advisory
Starting in 9th grade, all students are placed into advisories — a safe, small, and confidential community within the larger AIS community. Advisories meet several mornings a week to discuss balance, wellness, school expectations, and more.
Class Night
Each spring, we celebrate the year and distribute our annual awards, many of which honor former faculty, students, and classes. The evening ends with the junior class singing an original (and sometimes sassy) song to the departing senior class.
Senior Drive Around
To celebrate the end of the school year, the senior class hosts the annual Change Over Assembly to "hand over the gavel" to the junior class student leadership. Seniors then hop into their cars to circle around the parking lot, waving goodbye to AIS.
9th Grade Retreat
The Upper School experience starts with a two-day trip to the Pocono Mountains — tackling high ropes courses, performing skits, and more. Our annual tradition forges tight bonds as a class and helps prepare girls for the AIS Upper School experience.
Sophomore Day
Make a wish! On Sophomore Day, our students receive their class rings, emblazoned with the laurel and lamp of our school seal. After making wishes and turning the rings, the class enjoys a day of fun, games, food, and camaraderie.
Junior Coating Ceremony
In the spring, the Junior Class receives their AIS blazers, complete with the school's seal, signifying their transitioning role as leaders of the school. This ceremony is an important milestone for students on their journey to Commencement.
Hallway Competition
Battle of the classes! Each year, classmates band together to brainstorm and decorate their hallway and lounge around a theme. Secret, covert bonding happens until each hallway is revealed for the competition that comes with annual bragging rights.
100th Night
Seniors are welcomed into the AIS Alumnae Association with a special dinner and celebration hosted by the Alumnae Board. The night is filled with food, laughter, and a special gift as the class celebrates their remaining time as an underclasswoman.