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High School

The Summit Preparatory High School program, in Springfield, MO, is aimed at preparing students for success in college and beyond. Graduates of The Summit’s High School program demonstrate important 21st century skills, including critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, communication, collaboration, character, and citizenship. Our progressive, inquiry-based model focuses on student-led, project-based learning through a challenging, integrated curriculum with opportunities for experiential learning and community engagement. Summit high school students participate in college preparatory courses enriched by a collaborative learning environment with teachers who are experts in their fields. Our high school faculty have over 50 years of combined experience in education and hold advanced degrees in teaching, STEM Education, American History, and mathematics as well as degrees in English, business, art, music, Spanish, and physical education. In high school, faculty serve as facilitators as students take responsibility and initiative for their own research, writing, and presentations. 

Through our unique and challenging program, small class sizes, and personalized guidance counseling, we meet the needs of each student and provide a well-rounded approach to education. A critical component of progressive and independent secondary school education includes civic engagement. In addition to leadership opportunities with The Summit’s Student Council, high school students participate in job shadow experiences, internships, and service learning. Springfield community partnerships such as Cox Hospital’s Medical Explorers, GO CAPS (Greater Ozarks Centers for Advanced Professional Studies), and the Springfield Leadership Academy allow students to gain career insight and valuable experiences while building connections with local businesses for future talent.

Progressive Education Goals for High School Students

  • Discover the joy in being a lifelong learner
  • Be strong communicators, collaborators, critical thinkers, and creative problem solvers
  • Understand and value a growth mindset
  • Appreciate the strength in the exchange of diverse perspectives
  • Be advocates for themselves and others
  • Ground arguments in evidence-based research
  • Use the skills to find and build knowledge and put theory into practice

College and Career Preparation

High School students may choose to register in the Soar Program, which provides flexibility regarding where high school credits are earned. Soar students earn credits toward their high school diploma by taking approved courses on and off our campus at local colleges, universities, and other accredited organizations. These students work with The Summit Guidance Counselor and their faculty mentor to develop a Guided Learning Plan toward graduation and establish a communication plan to monitor student progress and assess learning.

For more information regarding College and Career planning, visit The Summit’s College Counseling Page.

Strategic Planning: Upper School Initiative

The Summit’s 2020 Strategic Plan identified areas of focus to evolve and enrich programming for grades 6-12:

  • Integrate and grow mission-driven classroom and auxiliary program offerings with innovative curriculum
  • Strengthen and support the Upper School program for increased collaboration and enhanced programming to meet student needs and enrollment growth
  • Enhance community and belonging within the school among students, faculty, administration, families, trustees, and other supporters

Use the link below to read more about The Summit’s Upper School Initiative 2021.

High School Snapshots

High School Quick Facts (9th Grade - 12th Grade)

Grade Levels

9th-12th

class size

Capped at 18 

Class times

8:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Faculty

10

Dress Code

School spirit wear with denim or khaki/navy bottoms

credits needed

28

ACT Average

28.5

Graduation Rate

100%

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Total Credits: 28 -- Mathematics (4), Science (4), English (4), Social Studies (4), Foreign Language (2), Fine Art (1), Practical Art (1), Physical Education (1), Personal Finance (0.5), Health & Wellness (0.5), Electives (6)

Grade Point Average

Grade Point Average (GPA)

GPA is computed using only core academic classes taught at The Summit and based on a 4.0 scale. Integrated Arts classes (Physical Education, Music, Art, Performing Arts), Service Learning and/or Internship, and courses taken outside of The Summit are graded as Pass/Fail. The Summit does not use weighted grades for any classes including dual credit or dual enrollment. All classes are taught at an honors level; "non-honors" tracks are not available.

PSAT, ACT, SAT

PSAT, ACT, SAT

All high school students take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) annually, in preparation for taking the ACT and/or SAT when applying for college. The average ACT test score for Summit high school students is 28.5.

Contact Us

Looking to schedule a tour, ask a question, or request more information? Fill out our contact form to get in touch with us.

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