Upper School
Preparing grades 9-12 with essential skills for college and beyond
Linder’s Upper School is flexible and student-centered—designed to launch confident, college-ready graduates into the world. We intentionally blend academic rigor with real-world purpose. Students pursue a personalized path: they choose a major, dive into internships, and develop life skills like time management and self-direction. With local university partnerships, high-achieving learners are challenged and inspired.
Choose your own major
Whether it’s Math & Engineering, Fine Arts, Science, or Humanities, students at Linder get to dive deep into what excites them most—while meeting the state of Virginia’s graduation requirements.
This strength-based model empowers students to shine in their areas of passion and ability—it’s about building confidence, motivation, and purpose. When students engage in areas where they naturally shine, they become more independent, more invested, and better prepared to turn passion into possibility—in college and beyond.
Scaffolding for independence
At Linder, students don’t just follow a schedule—they learn to own it. With built-in mentorship meetings, structured study halls, and independent work periods, our model mirrors college life while providing the scaffolding and guardrails students still need to grow.
Regular one-on-one check-ins with advisors help students reflect, set goals, and build self-awareness—skills essential for academic and personal success. For students with executive functioning challenges, this isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative. They develop time management, planning, organization, and self-advocacy skills in a low-stress environment where mistakes are part of the learning process.
The result? They enter college fluent in these habits and with a mindset that leads to success.
A smarter schedule—without the firehose
Linder’s block schedule replaces the traditional “fire hose” model of education with a more sustainable, student-centered approach. Instead of 8 short classes per day, students have 3-4 longer blocks—allowing for deeper focus, fewer transitions, and more engaging, hands-on project-based work. Semester-long courses offer flexibility—students can take Part I then Part II, or switch subjects entirely.
Built-in breaks create space for students. Whether they choose an early-morning swim, mid-morning study session, or afternoon art project, students have the space to experiment with what’s best for them. They learn to regulate, reset, and refocus.
For neurodiverse and 2E learners, this structure reduces stress, supports self-regulation, and teaches students how to manage their time—preparing them for college and life with more confidence and less burnout.
Advanced academics, reimagined
At Linder, we make a deliberate decision not to offer Advanced Placement (AP) classes. That may seem surprising—especially for a school that serves many high-achieving learners. But here’s why we believe it’s the right choice.
AP courses are built around preparing for one high-stakes test. That often means rushing through content, memorizing facts, and teaching to the test. Research shows students retain less and engage less deeply when learning is reduced to test prep—and that’s the opposite of what we want.
We’re here to spark curiosity, not cram for exams.
Instead of APs, we offer something more meaningful: college-level courses taught through direct partnerships with universities. Our students get the challenge they’re ready for—and earn real college credit, not just a score.
This approach honors what we care about most: deep learning, independent thinking, and a lasting love of discovery.
We don’t do AP. We do better.
Movement & wellness
At Linder, we recognize that young people need physical movement and mental breaks to stay healthy and focused. That’s why every day, we build in time for physical activity and mental breaks.
Students can reset with a midday run, climb the indoor rock wall, lift weights, or take a dance class in our studio. Showers and break spaces make it easy to recharge and return to class ready to focus.
Off-campus partnerships with Sport Rock and Northern Virginia Fencing & Archery offer exciting alternatives.
Students learn to manage their energy and take ownership of their well being. These are skills that will last a lifetime!
Internships & real-world learning
Every Linder High School student completes a professional one-week internship each year—real exposure to workplaces ranging from labs and tech firms to creative studios and nonprofits.
We also partner with local universities and non-profits to offer hands-on research opportunities and community-based service projects. These experiences help students apply what they’re learning, build real-world skills, and gain clarity about their future goals.
College planning
At Linder, college planning is a team effort. Starting in 10th grade, students and their families meet regularly with a dedicated counselor to explore best-fit options—whether that’s college or a specialized program.
We guide every step: course selection, building college lists, essay writing, interview prep, and navigating applications. We also advise on testing timelines, scholarships, and how to talk about learning differences in a way that reflects strength and self-awareness.
When it comes to selecting a college, our focus is on fit over prestige—making sure each student lands where they’ll thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.