Upper School

Skyuka Hall’s Upper School curriculum is intentionally designed to prepare students for life beyond high school—whether that path leads to college, career, or other post-secondary endeavors. We focus not only on academic readiness but also on the development of essential life skills that empower our students to become confident, capable, and independent adults.

Our students build strong foundations in academic disciplines while also developing critical skills in self-advocacy, self-awareness, and self-confidence. Each student is supported through a deeply individualized learning journey that includes comprehensive college counseling, guiding both students and their families through every step of the college exploration and application process.

At the core of our curriculum is a balance between conceptual rigor, engaging project-based learning, and integrated skill development. Our teachers strive to ensure that learning remains fresh, relevant, and meaningful by continuously updating course content and instructional strategies. As students move through the program, they gain insight into their own learning styles, equipping them to take ownership of their education and advocate effectively for their needs.

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of the Upper School experience. We believe that students learn best by doing—through creating, problem-solving, collaborating, and applying their knowledge in practical, hands-on ways. This experiential approach deepens understanding and makes learning both impactful and enduring.

In their senior year, students take on a capstone Senior Project that allows them to delve deeply into an area of personal significance. This culminating experience is designed to foster independence, research skills, and real-world application as they prepare to transition out of high school.

We also incorporate a dedicated Social Emotional Learning (SEL) course as part of the curriculum. Through SEL, students build self-awareness, executive functioning skills, and durable life skills—tools that are essential for navigating the complexities of adulthood, relationships, and responsibilities beyond the classroom.

At Skyuka Hall, our curriculum does more than prepare students for academic success—it prepares them for life. Through a personalized, holistic, and experience-rich approach, we help each student discover who they are and where they want to go.

Skyuka Hall is proud to partner with Chattanooga State to offer Upper School students the opportunity to earn college credit prior to graduation. Eligible students may apply to enroll in a variety of courses offered through Chattanooga State, many of which are available online and offer flexible scheduling to accommodate individual learning needs and interests.

Students participating in Dual Enrollment are mentored and supported by both the Director of Academics and the Guidance Counselor. Together, they help guide students through the application process, select appropriate courses, and create a personalized academic plan that is both challenging and aligned with the student’s future goals.

These courses give students valuable exposure to college-level work in areas of personal interest, providing them with a deeper understanding of their academic strengths and helping them make informed decisions about life after high school.

Four English credits are required for graduation:

English I, English II, English III, and English IV

At Skyuka Hall, the Fine Arts program encourages creativity, self-expression, and skill development across a variety of artistic disciplines. One Fine Arts credit is required for graduation.

Students may choose from the following Fine Arts course offerings:

• Art I
• Art II
• Band
• Chorus
• Computer Aided Design
• Graphic Design
• Mixed Media
• Introduction to Painting
• Music
• Music Production and Sound Engineering
• Harmony and Stagecraft
• Photography

These courses provide opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop technical skills, and engage in meaningful artistic experiences.

Two Foreign Language credits are required for graduation:

Spanish I and Spanish II
 

The upper school higher level math courses could be Advanced Mathematical Concepts, PreCalculus, and SAILS Dual Credit Math Class

.5 Personal Finance credits are required for graduation

1.5 Physical Education and Wellness credits are required for graduation

Three Science credits are required for graduation:

Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and one Laboratory component
 

Three Social Sciences credits are required for graduation.  These credits can be chosen from:

U.S. History & Geography, World History & Geography, U.S. Government & Civics, or Economics 
 

We understand the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math for today’s learners.  Skyuka recognizes that by adding the art component to the STEM program so we can help enhance students’ critical thinking skills by giving students creative ways to be innovative problem solvers. This class emphasizes collaboration, problem solving, communication, research, critical thinking, and creativity.  Students work together in teams and use research skills and materials to solve a problem or build a solution.

Read more about our STEAM program here.

Elective offerings vary by year, largely determined by student interest 

At Skyuka Hall, we recognize the importance of the ACT for students pursuing higher education. We also understand that standardized testing can be a source of stress, which is why we offer a supportive, personalized approach to ACT preparation.

ACT Prep is offered through a dedicated, non-credit-bearing course focused exclusively on equipping students with the skills and strategies needed to succeed on the exam. Instructors guide students through each section of the test, providing targeted instruction and practice designed to build confidence and competence in all subject areas.

Since the 2019–2020 school year, Skyuka Hall has served as an official ACT Test Site exclusively for our students. Hosting the exam on campus in a familiar and supportive environment helps reduce test anxiety and allows students to perform at their best.

Families receive individualized counseling on all aspects of ACT readiness—including when and how often to take the exam, whether testing accommodations are appropriate, and how to navigate the college admissions process. Our team ensures that both students and families feel fully supported from preparation through post-test planning.