{"id":2060,"date":"2024-08-13T03:23:04","date_gmt":"2024-08-13T03:23:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bedfordacademynh.com\/?page_id=2060"},"modified":"2026-08-03T00:25:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T00:25:50","slug":"upper-school","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/upper-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Upper School"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<main class=\"wp-block-group bfa-admissions-page bfa-division-page bfa-upper-school-page\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\n<section class=\"gb-container gb-container-usfound01 bfa-division-section bfa-division-foundations\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-usfound02 bfa-division-two-col\">\n\n<div class=\"bfa-division-copy\">\n\t<h2 class=\"bfa-section-heading bfa-upper-hero-title\">Prepared for What <span class=\"bfa-section-heading-accent\">Comes Next<\/span><\/h2>\n\t<p class=\"ba-section-intro\">Our Upper School serves students in Grades 1 through 6, providing a personalized learning environment where curiosity becomes capability. Students tackle meaningful projects, apply academic concepts to real challenges, and build the confidence to lead. Through hands-on experiences and whole-child development, they are prepared for success in middle school and beyond.<\/p>\n\t<div class=\"bfa-division-feature-list\">\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-division-feature-row\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><div><h3>Personalized Pathways<\/h3><p>Every student learns differently. We provide individualized instruction that challenges, supports, and inspires growth while helping every learner reach the next level.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-division-feature-row\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><div><h3>Bringing Learning to Life<\/h3><p>Learning extends beyond textbooks through robotics, entrepreneurship, engineering, flight simulation, design challenges, and real-world projects that turn ideas into meaningful experiences.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-division-feature-row\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><div><h3>Developing the Whole Child<\/h3><p>Students develop character, leadership, creativity, wellness, artistic expression, and social-emotional skills, becoming confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"bfa-division-feature-image\">\n\t<img data-opt-id=759522586  fetchpriority=\"high\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/490638351_9220492271395130_1082418218349892642_n.jpg?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Upper School students working with robotics at Bedford Academy\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 42%\">\n<\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section class=\"gb-container gb-container-uspath01 bfa-3e-comparison bfa-3e-tabs-comparison bfa-upper-3e-section\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-uspath02 bfa-3e-comparison-header\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading bfa-section-heading bfa-3e-comparison-title\">The Upper School <span class=\"bfa-section-heading-accent\">Experience<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bfa-3e-comparison-intro wp-block-paragraph\">Upper School students build confidence, independence, and real-world skills through academics, hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, and meaningful experiences.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"bfa-3e-tab-shell\">\n\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-tablist\" role=\"tablist\" aria-label=\"Upper School Explore Empower Excel pathways\">\n\t\t<button class=\"bfa-3e-tab is-active\" id=\"us-3e-tab-explore\" type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-controls=\"us-3e-panel-explore\" data-bfa-3e-tab=\"explore\">Explore<\/button>\n\t\t<button class=\"bfa-3e-tab\" id=\"us-3e-tab-empower\" type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"us-3e-panel-empower\" data-bfa-3e-tab=\"empower\" tabindex=\"-1\">Empower<\/button>\n\t\t<button class=\"bfa-3e-tab\" id=\"us-3e-tab-excel\" type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"us-3e-panel-excel\" data-bfa-3e-tab=\"excel\" tabindex=\"-1\">Excel<\/button>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-panels\">\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-panel is-active\" id=\"us-3e-panel-explore\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"us-3e-tab-explore\" data-bfa-3e-panel=\"explore\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"bfa-3e-mobile-panel-title bfa-3e-mobile-panel-title-explore\">Explore<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<article class=\"bfa-3e-image-card bfa-3e-image-card-left\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"bfa-3e-editable-image wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-opt-id=733407934  fetchpriority=\"high\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/475465325_2607908466081895_8466255135091203466_n-1-e1750033121498.jpg?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Upper School students exploring hands-on learning\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 42%\"><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-image-overlay\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"bfa-3e-overlay-kicker\">HANDS-ON DISCOVERY<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Ideas Become Experiences<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Students connect classroom concepts through research, experimentation, discussion, and project-based learning.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-proof-stack\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-proof-column bfa-upper-3e-blurb-card\" aria-label=\"Explore narrative\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-upper-3e-blurb\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Discover New Interests<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Students explore robotics, flight simulation, entrepreneurship, guest speakers, design challenges, and hands-on projects that connect learning to the real world.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-proof-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"bfa-3e-editable-image wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-opt-id=13026819  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Experiment.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Upper School robotics exploration\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%\"><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<aside class=\"bfa-3e-image-card bfa-3e-image-card-right\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"bfa-3e-editable-image wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-opt-id=60121372  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/SEEScienceCenter.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Upper School students learning beyond the classroom\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%\"><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-image-overlay\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"bfa-3e-overlay-kicker\">REAL-WORLD CONNECTIONS<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Learning Extends Beyond the Page<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Field experiences and applied projects help students see how their learning connects to the world around them.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/aside>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-panel\" id=\"us-3e-panel-empower\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"us-3e-tab-empower\" data-bfa-3e-panel=\"empower\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"bfa-3e-mobile-panel-title bfa-3e-mobile-panel-title-empower\">Empower<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<article class=\"bfa-3e-image-card bfa-3e-image-card-left\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"bfa-3e-editable-image wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-opt-id=2130152939  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/077-lego-robot-girls-presenting.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Upper School robotics and teamwork\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\"><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-image-overlay\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"bfa-3e-overlay-kicker\">LEADERSHIP IN ACTION<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Take Ownership<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Older students build confidence by collaborating, presenting ideas, solving problems, and leading with purpose.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-proof-stack\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-proof-column bfa-upper-3e-blurb-card\" aria-label=\"Empower narrative\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-upper-3e-blurb\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Take Ownership<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Students build independence by presenting ideas, collaborating with classmates, leading projects, and solving meaningful problems.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-proof-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"bfa-3e-editable-image wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-opt-id=1992875750  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_7723.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Upper School students performing together during a school activity\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:52% 38%\"><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<aside class=\"bfa-3e-image-card bfa-3e-image-card-right\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"bfa-3e-editable-image wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-opt-id=892267884  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/475573589_2607904862748922_8712493808467069766_n-1.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Upper School students building community\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%\"><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-image-overlay\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"bfa-3e-overlay-kicker\">CONFIDENCE &amp; COLLABORATION<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Students Learn to Lead<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Through meaningful responsibilities and collaborative work, students strengthen independence and develop their voices.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/aside>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-panel\" id=\"us-3e-panel-excel\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"us-3e-tab-excel\" data-bfa-3e-panel=\"excel\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"bfa-3e-mobile-panel-title bfa-3e-mobile-panel-title-excel\">Excel<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<article class=\"bfa-3e-image-card bfa-3e-image-card-left\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"bfa-3e-editable-image wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-opt-id=1201727086  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2E400249-2B6D-4A5D-8CF6-F39E6D1C40C2-scaled-e1785709314581.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Upper School student demonstrating hands-on learning with a lung model\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:48% 38%\"><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-image-overlay\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"bfa-3e-overlay-kicker\">FUTURE-READY LEARNING<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Preparation With Purpose<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Academic challenge and authentic experiences help students build the skills and habits needed for future learning.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-proof-stack\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-proof-column bfa-upper-3e-blurb-card\" aria-label=\"Excel narrative\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-upper-3e-blurb\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Ready for What Comes Next<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Students strengthen the confidence, academic foundation, and problem-solving skills needed for middle school and beyond.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-proof-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"bfa-3e-editable-image wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-opt-id=1778331380  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/024-robotics-table-demo-group.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Upper School project-based learning\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\"><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<aside class=\"bfa-3e-image-card bfa-3e-image-card-right\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"bfa-3e-editable-image wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-opt-id=1427566186  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Group1.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Upper School science learning at Bedford Academy\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 48%\"><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-3e-image-overlay\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"bfa-3e-overlay-kicker\">ACADEMIC CONFIDENCE<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Ready for the Next Stage<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Students leave Upper School with stronger study habits, confidence, and the ability to approach complex problems thoughtfully.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/aside>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n\n<section class=\"gb-container gb-container-ussig01 bfa-division-section bfa-upper-signature\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-ussig02 bfa-division-inner\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading bfa-section-heading\">Signature <span class=\"bfa-section-heading-accent\">Experiences<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ba-section-intro wp-block-paragraph\">Upper School students take part in distinctive learning experiences that connect classroom concepts to the real world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bfa-signature-experience\" data-bfa-signature-root>\n\t<div class=\"bfa-signature-feature\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n\t\t<img data-opt-id=612511646  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/FirstRoboticsComp.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"FIRST LEGO League Robotics at Bedford Academy\" data-bfa-signature-image>\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-signature-feature-copy\">\n\t\t\t<p data-bfa-signature-label>STEM<\/p>\n\t\t\t<h3 data-bfa-signature-title>FIRST LEGO League Robotics<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<span data-bfa-signature-text>Students explore engineering, coding, innovation projects, teamwork, presentations, and competition.<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"bfa-signature-grid\" role=\"list\" aria-label=\"Upper School signature experiences\">\n\t\t<button class=\"bfa-signature-card is-active\" type=\"button\" data-label=\"STEM\" data-title=\"FIRST LEGO League Robotics\" data-text=\"Students explore engineering, coding, innovation projects, teamwork, presentations, and competition.\" data-image=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/FirstRoboticsComp.jpg\" role=\"listitem\"><img data-opt-id=612511646  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/FirstRoboticsComp.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\"><span>FIRST LEGO League Robotics<\/span><\/button>\n\t\t<button class=\"bfa-signature-card\" type=\"button\" data-label=\"ENTREPRENEURSHIP\" data-title=\"Entrepreneurship Studio\" data-text=\"Students develop an idea, build a product, create branding and marketing materials, and sell to real customers.\" data-image=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/041-tablet-learning-girl-smiling.jpg\" role=\"listitem\"><img data-opt-id=1328153213  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/041-tablet-learning-girl-smiling.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\"><span>Entrepreneurship Studio<\/span><\/button>\n\t\t<button class=\"bfa-signature-card\" type=\"button\" data-label=\"PHYSICS\" data-title=\"Flight &amp; Physics\" data-text=\"Students use flight simulation to explore force, lift, motion, navigation, and aerodynamics.\" data-image=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Aviation.jpg\" role=\"listitem\"><img data-opt-id=263810164  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Aviation.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\"><span>Flight &amp; Physics<\/span><\/button>\n\t\t<button class=\"bfa-signature-card\" type=\"button\" data-label=\"DESIGN\" data-title=\"Carpentry &amp; Design\" data-text=\"Students design and build projects while learning measurement, craftsmanship, planning, and problem solving.\" data-image=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_3337-scaled.jpg\" role=\"listitem\"><img data-opt-id=1760290430  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_3337-scaled.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\"><span>Carpentry &amp; Design<\/span><\/button>\n\t\t<button class=\"bfa-signature-card\" type=\"button\" data-label=\"FINANCIAL LITERACY\" data-title=\"Stock Market Game\" data-text=\"Students learn investing, budgeting, and economic decision-making by managing portfolios and participating in market-based challenges.\" data-image=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Group-Macbook-Image-1-scaled.jpg\" role=\"listitem\"><img data-opt-id=981541840  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Group-Macbook-Image-1-scaled.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\"><span>Stock Market Game<\/span><\/button>\n\t\t<button class=\"bfa-signature-card\" type=\"button\" data-label=\"REAL-WORLD LEARNING\" data-title=\"Guest Speakers &amp; Field Experiences\" data-text=\"Students connect classroom learning with real careers, community partners, museums, STEM facilities, and hands-on field experiences.\" data-image=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/046-farm-visit-girl-petting-sheep.jpg\" role=\"listitem\"><img data-opt-id=250206107  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/046-farm-visit-girl-petting-sheep.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\"><span>Guest Speakers &amp; Field Experiences<\/span><\/button>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section class=\"gb-container gb-container-usdiff01 bfa-about-section bfa-about-difference bfa-division-difference bfa-upper-difference-section\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-usdiff02 bfa-about-difference-inner\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading bfa-section-heading\">The Upper School <span class=\"bfa-section-heading-accent\">Difference<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ba-section-intro wp-block-paragraph\">Upper School students are challenged through personalized pathways, hands-on projects, leadership opportunities, and real-world experiences that help them grow as confident, capable learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bfa-about-difference-proof bfa-upper-difference-proof\" data-bfa-difference-root>\n\t<div class=\"bfa-about-difference-stats\" role=\"tablist\" aria-label=\"Upper School proof points\">\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-about-difference-group bfa-about-difference-group-stem\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"bfa-about-difference-group-label\">STEM &amp; INNOVATION<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-about-difference-group-grid\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"bfa-about-difference-stat is-active\" type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-controls=\"upper-difference-robotics-honoree\" data-bfa-difference=\"robotics-honoree\"><strong>FIRST<\/strong><span>Robotics School<\/span><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"bfa-about-difference-stat\" type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"upper-difference-first-awards\" data-bfa-difference=\"first-awards\" tabindex=\"-1\"><strong>3x<\/strong><span>Global Awards<\/span><\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-about-difference-group bfa-about-difference-group-personal\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"bfa-about-difference-group-label\">PERSONALIZED LEARNING<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-about-difference-group-grid\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"bfa-about-difference-stat\" type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"upper-difference-class-size\" data-bfa-difference=\"class-size\" tabindex=\"-1\"><strong>15<\/strong><span>Student Maximum Class Size<\/span><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"bfa-about-difference-stat\" type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"upper-difference-teacher-ratio\" data-bfa-difference=\"teacher-ratio\" tabindex=\"-1\"><strong>1:4<\/strong><span>Teacher Ratio<\/span><\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-about-difference-group bfa-about-difference-group-academic\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"bfa-about-difference-group-label\">ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-about-difference-group-grid\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"bfa-about-difference-stat\" type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"upper-difference-growth\" data-bfa-difference=\"growth\" tabindex=\"-1\"><strong>1.7<\/strong><span>GRADE LEVELS ABOVE<\/span><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"bfa-about-difference-stat\" type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"upper-difference-mensa\" data-bfa-difference=\"mensa\" tabindex=\"-1\"><strong>1:2<\/strong><span>Mensa Eligible<\/span><\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"bfa-about-difference-detail-wrap\">\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-about-difference-detail is-active bfa-upper-difference-blurb\" id=\"upper-difference-robotics-honoree\" role=\"tabpanel\" data-bfa-difference-panel=\"robotics-honoree\">\n\t\t\t<p>Bedford Academy was one of only 15 schools worldwide recognized as a FIRST Robotics School Honoree for excellence in STEM education, innovation, and student achievement. This distinction reflects our commitment to providing meaningful engineering and robotics experiences beginning in the elementary years.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-about-difference-detail bfa-upper-difference-blurb\" id=\"upper-difference-first-awards\" role=\"tabpanel\" data-bfa-difference-panel=\"first-awards\" hidden>\n\t\t\t<p>Our robotics teams have earned multiple FIRST Challenge awards by demonstrating creativity, innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving. These experiences help students apply classroom learning to authentic engineering challenges.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-about-difference-detail bfa-upper-difference-blurb\" id=\"upper-difference-class-size\" role=\"tabpanel\" data-bfa-difference-panel=\"class-size\" hidden>\n\t\t\t<p>Small class sizes allow teachers to truly know each student, provide individualized instruction, and create meaningful relationships that support academic confidence and progress.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-about-difference-detail bfa-upper-difference-blurb\" id=\"upper-difference-teacher-ratio\" role=\"tabpanel\" data-bfa-difference-panel=\"teacher-ratio\" hidden>\n\t\t\t<p>With approximately one educator for every four students, Bedford Academy provides personalized support, frequent feedback, and meaningful opportunities for every child to participate and succeed.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-about-difference-detail bfa-upper-difference-blurb\" id=\"upper-difference-growth\" role=\"tabpanel\" data-bfa-difference-panel=\"growth\" hidden>\n\t\t\t<p>Bedford Academy students consistently perform an average of 1.7 grade levels above their enrolled grade on standardized assessments. For example, a student entering first grade typically performs at approximately a 2.7 grade level, reflecting the impact of personalized instruction, small class sizes, and high academic expectations.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-about-difference-detail bfa-upper-difference-blurb\" id=\"upper-difference-mensa\" role=\"tabpanel\" data-bfa-difference-panel=\"mensa\" hidden>\n\t\t\t<p>Approximately one out of every two Bedford Academy students qualifies for Mensa eligibility, reflecting the school&#8217;s strong academic environment and commitment to helping students reach their full intellectual potential.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section class=\"gb-container gb-container-usday01 bfa-division-section bfa-upper-community-section\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-usday02 bfa-division-inner\">\n\n<div class=\"bfa-upper-community\">\n\t<figure class=\"bfa-upper-community-image\">\n\t\t<img data-opt-id=1169629730  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlq3ljvwoutk.i.optimole.com\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:98\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/484326732_1055325503282155_2909238769141782905_n.jpg\"  data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Bedford Academy students and families sharing a community moment\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:52% 45%\">\n\t<\/figure>\n\t<div class=\"bfa-upper-community-copy\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"bfa-section-heading\">More Than a School, <span class=\"bfa-section-heading-accent\">A Community<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t<p>At Bedford Academy, education is built on meaningful relationships. Families are welcomed into the life of the school and become active partners in each child&#8217;s educational journey.<\/p>\n\t\t<div class=\"bfa-upper-community-list\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-upper-community-row\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"bfa-upper-community-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Families Are Part of the Journey<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>At Bedford Academy, parents are more than observers. They are valued members of our school community. Through regular communication, shared celebrations, and a strong partnership with teachers, families remain actively involved in their child&#8217;s educational journey from the first day of school through graduation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bfa-upper-community-row\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"bfa-upper-community-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3>An Active Parent Association<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Our Parent Association brings families together through traditions that make Bedford Academy special. From the annual Trunk or Treat and Holiday Craft Day to the Last Day of School Carnival and other community events, parents help create experiences that strengthen friendships, build school spirit, and make lasting memories for our students.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<p class=\"bfa-upper-community-closing\">At Bedford Academy, education is more than what happens in the classroom. It is a community built together.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<\/div><\/main>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prepared for What Comes Next Our Upper School serves students in Grades 1 through 6, providing a personalized learning environment &#8230; <a title=\"Upper School\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/upper-school\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Upper School\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"nf_dc_page":"","_gspb_post_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2060","page","type-page","status-publish"],"campaignId":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2060","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2060"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2060\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4261,"href":"https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2060\/revisions\/4261"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bedfordacademy.org\/staging\/4853\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2060"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}