2023-24 Upper School Admission Brochure

Upper School

Upper School Overview

FRA’s upper school offers a rigorous academic experience with a deeply relational approach. Our talented faculty members challenge students in college-preparatory coursework while using the latest technology to enable students to think critically, collaborate, and creatively problem-solve. Small class sizes allow our teachers to provide detailed feedback and foster strong relationships with students, creating an environment that encourages them to strive for excellence.

The inclusive Christian environment at FRA prepares students to serve others and become leaders in their community. Students are encouraged to find their passion through co-curricular opportunities in athletics, the arts, and club activities. Students can participate in TSSAA sports, serve local partners as a Turner Fellow, hone leadership skills through Model UN or Youth in Government, and apply STEM skills in the state-of-the-art Innovation Lab and DNA Lab on campus.

From the first day of ninth grade through graduation, college counselors, advisors, and grade level chairs help each upper school student excel academically and set goals for the future through intentional programming and relationship building. All of our upper school community, both students and faculty, start each school year with an overnight retreat and grade level leadership training where relationships are forged and memories are made. This event, along with new student orientation, not only prepares incoming students, but also sets the tone for the school year.

Sample Schedule: The upper school has seven academic periods, six of which meet each day in a rotating order.

The schedule ensures all students see their teachers at a variety of times throughout the week.

8:00 - 8:55 Advisory “A” Day Schedule Example 1st 2nd 8:55-9:50 Lunch Convocation 9:50-10:20 5th rd 3 10:25-11:20 6th th 4 11:20-12:15 Tutorial

Unique Programs:

12:15-12:40 12:40-1:20 1:25-2:15 2:15-3:05 3:05 - 3:30

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Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership: The Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership provides FRA students experiential and innovative learning opportunities which will develop the foundational skills required for success in entrepreneurial work.

The curriculum and programs are designed to inspire students to pursue their passions while equipping them with the skills required to chart their own path. Students strengthen core competencies and skills in an incubator course, a rigorous year of project-based learning where they solve real-world problems by creating and testing their business model.

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Turner Fellowship: Sponsored by the Cal Turner Family Foundation, the Turner Fellowship program at Franklin Road Academy offers students who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others, the opportunity to serve with nonprofit organizations within the Nashville community. Each spring a selective application process is open to all rising seniors.

Our Turner Fellows are recognized as exemplary FRA scholars with integrity, balance, and a strong commitment to community service. Each fellow completes a six-week paid internship and is eligible for a Turner Scholarship to the college of his/her choice. Each organization in which the fellows serve receives a financial contribution donated in honor of the Turner Fellow.

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AP Capstone: AP Capstone is an innovative diploma program that provides students with an opportunity to engage in rigorous scholarly practice of the core academic skills necessary for successful college completion. AP Capstone is built on the foundation of two courses – AP Seminar and AP Research – and is designed to complement and enhance the in-depth, discipline-specific study provided through AP courses. It cultivates curious, independent, and collaborative scholars and prepares them to make logical, evidence-based decisions.

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Global Online Academy: FRA offers an online database of virtually designed courses based on the student’s application and interest in elective offerings. Course offerings include, but are not limited to, Architecture, Bioethics, Business Problem Solving, Climate Change and Global Inequality, CSI: Computational Thinking, Entrepreneurship, Game Theory, Global Health, International Relations, Intro to Investments, and Intro to Legal Thinking.

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Interim: During our Interim week before spring break, upper school students participate in experiential learning opportunities and gain exposure to occupations while integrating meaningful, mission-appropriate service. Students participate in international mission trips, domestic travel opportunities, leadership skills development workshops, DIY workshops or job shadows at local corporations, and more.

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DNA Lab: The DNA Lab is a 500-square-foot space where students can learn and practice real-world lab techniques and procedures that are being used in the field of biotechnology. Stocked with PCR machines, gel electrophoresis, incubators, water baths, and a wide range of micro-pipets, the lab provides students access to the equipment needed to extract, replicate, and test genetic materials. FRA’s biotechnology courses meet daily in the lab, with other science courses using the lab regularly.

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Innovation Lab and Robotics: FRA’s 2,000-square-foot Innovation Lab is a unique area for students to receive individualized attention and gain hands-on experience in STEM. The lab features 3D printers and carvers, a laser cutter, a fully functional machine shop, state-of-the-art laptops and an HD projector system, a robotics arena, and modular seating and storage. Upper school technology and robotics classes utilize the space on a daily basis, while other classes utilize it for specific projects. The lab is also home to the VEX State Champion robotics team that competes in state, national, and world competitions.

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Writing Center and Math Lab: The writing center and math labs provide a supportive, collaborative environment focused on developing students’ ability to communicate effectively as writers and solve accurately as problem solvers. In addition to serving as a resource to help coach students in grades 5-12 in each skill set, each center provides ACT/SAT preparation and instruction. Writing center faculty help students craft strong thesis statements, utilize evidence effectively, organize papers coherently, improve sentence structure, and learn to use language more successfully, while the math lab teaches techniques to improve problem solving, logic, and reasoning skills.

2023-24

Upper School Curriculum Offerings Students are required to take a minimum of six classes each semester, five of which must be core academic courses. Students must earn a total of 24 credits for graduation: four in both English and mathematics; three in the sciences and social studies; two in world language; one each in the fine arts, physical education, and religious studies. The remaining units may be taken Advanced Placement Programs in any department. Honors options are denoted with (H).

FRA offers AP courses in all major disciplines and

FRA Curriculum and Graduation Requirements ENGLISH (4 years required) 9th Grade English I: Genres in World Literature English I: Genres in World Literature (H) 10th Grade English II: The American Experience English II: The American Experience (H) 11th Grade English III: British Literature AP English Language & Composition 12th Grade (* Fulfills English IV requirement) English IV: Critical Thinking & Writing AP English Literature & Composition *Shakespeare Sampling *Creative Writing *WWI Modernism and Mental Health *Fictional Worlds: Tolkien Studies MATH (4 years required) 9th Grade Algebra I Geometry or Geometry (H) 10th Grade Algebra II or Algebra II (H) Geometry or Geometry (H) 11th Grade Algebra II or Algebra II (H) Geometry or Geometry (H) Pre-Calculus or Pre-Calculus (H) Calculus or AP Calculus (AB and BC) AP Statistics 12th Grade Pre-Calculus or Pre-Calculus (H) Calculus or AP Calculus (AB and BC) AP Statistics Trigonometry & Analysis

SOCIAL STUDIES (3 years required) 9th Grade World History: Ancient World History: Ancient (H) AP Human Geography 10th Grade AP World History: Modern United States History 11th Grade AP United States History AP U.S. Government and Politics AP Art History AP Psychology American Government Economics Psychology Sociology: American Social Issues The Holocaust: Meanings & Implications 12th Grade AP European History AP U.S. Government and Politics AP Art History AP Psychology American Government Economics Psychology Sociology: American Social Issues The Holocaust: Meanings & Implications African American History War & Peace: Conflict in the Middle East

SCIENCE (3 years required; 4 recommended) 9th Grade Biology or Biology (H) 10th Grade Chemistry or Chemistry (H) 11th Grade Anatomy & Physiology AP Biology AP Chemistry Physics or Physics (H) AP Physics I Science of Innovation AP Environmental Science Robotics Engineering 12th Grade Organic Chemistry Anatomy & Physiology AP Biology AP Chemistry Physics or Physics (H) AP PhysicsI Science & Technology AP Environmental Science Robotics Engineering Biotechnology WORLD LANGUAGE (2 years required; 3 recommended) Latin Latin I Latin II Latin III Latin IV Latin V/VI (H) AP Latin French French I French II French III French IV (H) French V/VI (H) AP French Language French through Film, Literature & Music Spanish Spanish I Spanish II Spanish III or Spanish III Spanish V/VI (H) AP Spanish Language Contemporary Spanish Language & Music Spanish Culture through Film TECHNOLOGY AP Computer Science Principles Digital Media Digital Publications: Yearbook Graphic Design Innovations Intro to Technology Technology & Design Thinking Technology: Gaming & Simulation RELIGIOUS STUDIES (1 year required) Old Testament New Testament Life of Christ World Religions Faith & Film Christian Leadership

does not limit the number a student may take.

Though not limited, students are advised to take a maximum of three per year. Enrollment in AP courses is based upon departmental approval, and all students enrolled in AP courses are required to sit for the AP exam.

Courses Offered: AP Biology AP Art History AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Chemistry AP Computer Science Principles AP MicroEconomics AP English Language & Composition AP English Literature & Composition AP European History AP French Language AP Human Geography AP Latin AP Physics I AP Research AP Seminar AP Spanish Language AP Statistics AP Studio Art AP Studio Art: 3D Design AP United States History AP World History: Modern AP U.S. Government and Politics AP Enviornmental Science AP Psychology

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (1 year required) Wellness & Physical Education Performance Fitness Dance FINE & PERFORMING ARTS (1 year required) Music Intro to Guitar Intro to Band Jazz Band Vocal Ensemble Concert Choir Studio Rock Band Theater Dramatic Arts I Dramatic Arts II Theater Tech Studio Art I: Drawing Art II: Color Theory Art III: Advanced Art Ceramics I Ceramics II AP Studio Art: Drawing AP Studio Art: 3D Design ACADEMIC ELECTIVES Broadcast Journalism • Broadcast Journalism II • Criminology • Global Language: Writing & Linguistics • AP Capstone: Seminar • AP Capstone: Research • Classical Mythology • Global Language Acquisition • Business Communication • Exceptional Learners • Entrepreneurial Leadership and Finance • Entrepreneurial Incubator and Accelerator • Public Speaking • Photography 2023-24

College Acceptances 2019-2023

Over the past five years, FRA students have been admitted to nearly 400 unique colleges and institutions. Eighty one students from the class of 2023 are attending colleges in 23 states and two countries.

Agnes Scott College Alabama A & M University American University Appalachian State University Arizona State University Auburn University Baldwin Wallace University Ball State University Bard College Baylor University Bellarmine University Belmont University Berea College Berry College Birmingham Southern College Boston College Boston University Brown University Bryn Mawr College Bucknell University Butler University California Polytechnic State University Carson-Newman University Case Western Reserve University Centre College Chapman University Claremont McKenna College Clark Atlanta University Clemson University Coastal Carolina University Colgate University College of Charleston College of the Holy Cross Colorado College Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Columbia College Chicago Columbia University in the City of New York Connecticut College Cornell University Culver-Stockton College Cumberland University Dartmouth College Davidson College Denison University DePaul University DePauw University Drexel University Duke University Earlham College Eckerd College Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emerson College Emory University Fairfield University Fisk University Flagler College Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida International University Florida Polytechnic University Florida Southern College Florida State University Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College Furman University George Mason University George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Southern University Gonzaga University Guilford College

Hampshire College Hampton University Haverford College Hawaii Pacific University High Point University Hofstra University Howard University Indiana State University Indiana University-Bloomington Iowa State University Ithaca College Jacksonville University James Madison University Kansas State University Kennesaw State University Kenyon College Knox College Lake Forest College Lipscomb University Long Island University Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University New Orleans Lynn University Macalester College Marshall University Marymount Manhattan College Mercer University Miami University, Oxford Michigan State University Middle Tennessee State University Middlebury College Millikin University Millsaps College Mississippi State University Missouri Western State University Montana State University Mount Holyoke College Muhlenberg College Murray State University New York University North Carolina A & T State University Northeastern University Northwestern University Notre Dame College Nova Southeastern University Oglethorpe University Ohio State University Ohio University Ohio Wesleyan University Oklahoma State University Otterbein University Pace University, New York City Campus Pacific Northwest College of Art Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Point Loma Nazarene University Point Park University Purdue University Quinnipiac University Randolph College Reed College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island School of Design Rhodes College Rice University Rider University Roanoke College Rochester Institute of Technology Rollins College Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Rutgers University-New Brunswick Saint Edward’s University Saint Louis University Sam Houston State University

Samford University San Diego State University San Jose State University Santa Clara University Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art & Design - SCAD School of the Art Institute of Chicago Seattle Pacific University Seattle University Seton Hall University Shenandoah University Skidmore College South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Southeastern University Southern Illinois UniversityCarbondale Southern Methodist University Southwestern University Spelman College Spring Hill College St Olaf College St. Ambrose University St. Francis College St. John’s University-New York Stetson University Stony Brook University Syracuse University Temple University Tennessee State University Tennessee Technological University Texas A & M University-College Station Texas Christian University The College of Wooster The New School The University of Alabama The University of Montana The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The University of Tampa The University of TennesseeChattanooga The University of TennesseeKnoxville The University of Tennessee-Martin The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas at Dallas The University of the Arts The University of the South Toronto Metropolitan University Transylvania University Trevecca Nazarene University Trinity College Trinity University Troy University Tufts University Tulane University of Louisiana Tuskegee University Union College (NY) Union University United States Naval Academy University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama in Huntsville University of Arizona University of Arkansas University of California-Davis University of California-Irvine University of California-Los Angeles University of California-Riverside University of California-San Diego University of California-Santa Barbara University of California-Santa Cruz University of Central Florida University of Central Missouri

University of Cincinnati University of Colorado Boulder University of Dallas University of Dayton University of Delaware University of Denver University of Evansville University of Florida University of Georgia University of Hartford University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Houston University of Illinois Chicago University of Indianapolis University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Louisiana at Lafayette University of Louisville University of Maryland University of Massachusetts-Amherst University of Memphis University of Miami University of Michigan-Ann Arbor University of Mississippi University of Missouri University of Nebraska-Lincoln University of North Alabama University of North Carolina at Asheville University of Notre Dame University of Oklahoma University of Oregon University of Pittsburgh University of Puget Sound University of Redlands University of Richmond University of Rochester University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of South Alabama University of South Carolina University of South Dakota University of South Florida University of the Arts London University of the Pacific University of Toronto University of Tulsa University of Vermont University of Virginia University of Washington University of Wisconsin-Madison Ursinus College Valdosta State University Valparaiso University Vanderbilt University Vassar College Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Wagner College Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Washington University in St Louis Webster University Wellesley College West Virginia University Western Kentucky University Westmont College Wheaton College Whittier College William & Mary Wittenberg University Wofford College Xavier University Xavier University of Louisiana Yale University