The Key
Upper School
Difference!
at a Glance
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS like Humanities, Integrated Science/Engineering and Outdoor Education inspire students to think critically, lead confidently and engage with the world around them.
202
Students Enrolled
Humanities
75%
of Faculty Hold Advanced Degrees
Academic Mastery With Meaning
85+ Courses Offered
16
Average Class Size
4
Types of Merit Scholarships Offered
Key goes beyond memorization, focusing on essential skills like critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Students analyze primary sources, engage in discussion and tackle projects that sharpen their problemsolving skills and ability to think on their feet.
Why
?
Key's Upper School ignites a passion for discovery!
Key doesn't just prepare students for college—it prepares them for life. With a vibrant academic culture rooted in intellectual curiosity, bold thinking and diverse perspectives, students develop the skills and mindset they’ll need to thrive in college—and beyond. Hallmarks of the program include a deep commitment to writing, critical thinking, interdisciplinary exploration, and real-world learning.
Interdisciplinary & Integrated Curriculum Ideas don't live in silos— neither should learning. At Key, students tackle big questions by weaving together knowledge from multiple disciplines. They explore topics from different angles, pull from diverse sources, and make meaningful connections that spark insight and innovation as they problem solve.
(Rewarding Excellence in Academics, Athletics, STEM, & the Arts)
40+ Activities & Clubs
College Prep With Purpose
23
Athletic Teams (80% of students play a sport)
90+
Hours of Education, Advising, Test Strategies, and College Advising Support
Arts. Athletics. Leadership. All In. At Key, students dive into every aspect of school life—on stage, on the field, in class, and in the community. With championship teams, vibrant arts and real leadership opportunities, they’re empowered to discover who they are and who they’re becoming.
College advising at Key is personal and strategic and it starts early. From ninth grade on, students and families work closely with our Director of College Advising to identify best-fit schools and chart a path that matches each student’s strengths, passions and goals.
In their first three years, Upper School students take Humanities courses exploring Ancient, Modern and American Civilizations through literature, history, philosophy, and the arts. Through seminarstyle discussions, analytical and creative writing and hands-on projects, students delve deeply into the big ideas that have shaped the human experience. The result? A richer understanding of the past and the tools to think critically about the present.
Integrated Science & Engineering Key’s approach to science starts with curiosity and leads to innovation. Through our Integrated Science curriculum, students explore biology, chemistry and physics as interconnected fields, gaining a systems-level understanding of the natural world. From analyzing ecosystems to building prototypes, students learn to think like scientists and act like engineers.
Outdoor Education At Key, learning goes beyond the classroom. Multi-day Outdoor Education trips that include camping, canoeing and rock climbing connect academics to the natural world. Whether studying ecosystems on the Chesapeake Bay islands or river chemistry in real time, students gain a deeper understanding, lasting memories and a stronger sense of place.