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Director of Upper School
The Agnes Irwin School Core Values
Our Core Values are the guiding principles that shape our decisions and define the character of The Agnes Irwin School community.
LEAD WITH CHARACTER
We are courageous leaders who model empathy and compassion. We embody honesty, kindness, and personal integrity in all that we say and do.
FOSTER TRUST AND COMMUNITY
We build trust through openness and understanding fostering supportive relationships, deep connections, safe risk-taking, and the space to be our best selves.
STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
We encourage and support each other to tenaciously reach our fullest potential as we demonstrate resilience and champion greatness in all our pursuits.
NURTURE PASSIONS AND WELLBEING
We nurture a love of learning and academic success by cultivating individual passions and the pursuit of our own unique path, supporting the whole person in wellness and wellbeing.
RESPECT AND CELEBRATE ALL
We treat all with dignity and respect, welcoming differences in backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone is valued, contributions are celebrated, and community is cherished.
| admission@agnesirwin.org
JOY PRINCE began her career as a French teacher at Charlotte Country Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina, before transitioning to college admission at Agnes Scott College near Atlanta, Georgia. Joy continued to expand her impact at The Weber School and Atlanta Girls’ School. With a background in teaching, student life, college admission, and college counseling, Joy brings a well-rounded perspective to supporting students in their transitions through high school and into college. “The Upper School academic program, in each discipline, offers opportunities for students to challenge themselves in the classroom, to develop critical thinking skills, and to problem solve and understand the connectedness to the world around them,” shared Joy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in French from Davidson College and a Master of Arts from Middlebury College.
Upper School
2025-2026
Supported holistically, students in our Upper School gain the knowledge, tools and experiences they need to engage and excel in any endeavor they choose. They are challenged to be learners and leaders, and through curated academics and signature programming, explore not only themselves, but also the world around them, becoming well-rounded young women excited for all that’s to come – and more than ready for it. At Agnes Irwin, we know Upper School girls.
And they INSPIRE us.
9th grade
WHO AM I AS A LEARNER, COMMUNITY MEMBER AND FUTURE LEADER?
From researching energy and matter in Physics to uncovering social, political, and economic interconnectedness in Global History, or grappling with the intersection of technology and design in Media Arts, 9th grade students have the ability to open new doors of understanding, while strengthening their skill sets in each subject area. At the heart of her 9th grade year is the question that each student will answer: Who am as a learner, community member, and future leader?
10th grade
HOW CAN I EXPAND THE SCOPE OF MY LEARNING AND CONTRIBUTIONS
TO MY COMMUNITY?
From participating in lab work in Chemistry to deep-diving into the 20th century starting with the run-up to World War II in Global History II, to cultivating a newfound love of a modern or classical language, 10th grade students have the ability to continue to discover and explore further in their chosen interests and paths. Each student will learn how to answer: How can I expand the scope of my learning and contributions to my community?
11th grade
HOW DO I REFINE MY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING TO ALLOW FOR DEEPER EXPLORATIONS OF MYSELF AS A SCHOLAR AND LEADER?
Our juniors study Biology, United States History (grade level or Honors), and continue in modern or classical language. Electives such as Psychology, The American Constitution Political Science, Computer Science III, Environmental Sustainability, and Engineering III, and advanced study in Visual and Performing Arts are offered to our 11th graders, further expanding their knowledge in core subjects and allowing for deeper exploration of individual academic interests.
12th grade
HOW DO I APPLY MY LEARNING AND KNOWLEDGE OF MYSELF TO ARTICULATE THE LEGACY I WILL LEAVE IN THE WORLD?
In 12th grade, students are offered a wide range of courses that allow them to focus on subjects they enjoy or wish to explore further before college. Signature options include Statistics, Organic Chemistry Advanced Engineering, Astrophysics Research in Microbiology and our most popular course, Bioethics. The Department of History and Social Science offers deeper study into topics such as International Relations and The Third Reich and the Holocaust. The Humanities curriculum features courses including Photography, Theatre, Textile & Design, Critical Theory, and Dystopian Literature. Seniors are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and pursue areas of interest as they prepare for future academic experiences.
A typical day
IN THE UPPER SCHOOL FOR A 9 TH GRADER
Agnes Irwin follows a seven-day rotation schedule, with extracurriculars meeting before, during, and after school.
Sample 9th Grade Schedule
Office Hours, Fitness, Individual Teacher Meetings
Physics I Honors
Assembly, Advisory, or Class Meeting
Global History
Media Arts I Flex:
Board/Org/Club/Pub Meetings, Fitness, Community Wellness, and Office Hours
Lunch
p.m.
English
Algebra II Honors
Office Hours
The Upper School advisory program is central to our commitment to fostering deep relationships that provide girls with strength and confidence. Advisory ensures consistent, meaningful connections between students and their advisors. Advisor-led conferences, held at the end of the first and third quarters, place students at the center of their academic journey, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning and growth. These conferences also reinforce the advisor’s role as the family’s primary point of contact, fostering supportive connections between school and home.
HONORS CAPSTONE
Upper School students have the opportunity to participate in the Honors Capstone program — an advanced elective designed for juniors and seniors to demonstrate academic excellence. Through independent research, guided by faculty mentors and supported by peer collaboration, students delve into topics beyond the standard curriculum, produce a formal research paper, and present their work to the community during the Honors Capstone Showcase.
SPECIAL STUDIES PROGRAM (SSP)
Now in its 55th year, the Special Studies Program (SSP) is a beloved tradition that offers both local and international experiences focused on experiential and project-based learning. Past international destinations include Iceland, Costa Rica, Spain, France, Poland, Czech Republic, and Ecuador.
SENIOR ASSEMBLY
Senior Assemblies are one of the oldest and most cherished curricular traditions at The Agnes Irwin School. Each senior is required to deliver a talk to the entire Upper School community on a topic that holds personal significance. With guidance from faculty mentors, students engage in independent research, refine their writing, and develop public speaking skills.
A Superior Upper School Experience Signature Programs Superior Experience
The decision to implement a phone-free environment was based on research showing that phones contribute to distraction and hinder genuine social engagement.
Upper School students gain real-world experience through internships with current parents and alumnae who share their professional expertise.
Launched in 2024, the Agnes Irwin Internship Program gives students access to realworld, hands-on experiences that inspire career exploration and build confidence. Many internship placements are hosted by accomplished parents and alumnae — leaders in their fields who are eager to mentor the next generation of Agnes Irwin students.
From medicine, law, and publishing to commercial real estate and vineyard management, dozens of vetted internships connect students with professionals eager to support their growth. These experiences help students build networks, explore career paths, and learn from role models who understand and value an Agnes Irwin education.
Grounded in research showing that young women thrive with mentorship and strong professional connections, the Internship Program is a powerful example of the access our students have to the broader Agnes Irwin community.
ADVISORY
