Passion for Discovery Balanced life

Unlock Your Ability and Passions

When you enter the Upper School, you feel a vibrant energy that can only come from a group that celebrates contribution. The Crystal community is invested in you. Who you are and what you bring to Crystal is valued and appreciated here.

Harmony, Balance, Tradition and Innovation
The Upper School incorporates a blend of tradition and innovation, creating an environment that caters to your evolving needs at each level. The curriculum is cooperative, encouraging a deep exploration of subject matter and providing a learning experience that sparks curiosity, innovation, and inspiration. With a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, you have ample opportunities to discover new interests and grow existing ones.

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    Clubs in the Upper School
“And” not “Or”
This is an opportunity to excel academically and grow personally in a supportive community. Pursue your passions without sacrificing your education. Your educational journey is of “and” not “or.”

At the Core
Academic excellence is the foundation of Crystal, and we work tirelessly to ensure you have every opportunity to succeed. However, we understand that academics are only a part of the equation. You should be able to pursue your passions without sacrificing your education. Your journey at Crystal is of “and” not “or.” Striving for balance in all areas of your life is one of our primary objectives. This includes participating in extracurricular activities and taking care of well-being.

At the Core
Your years at Crystal are an opportunity to excel academically and grow personally. By cultivating a culture of kindness, inclusivity, and diversity, we have built a community that looks after one another—one that looks after you.
  • Meet More Students Meet More Students
    “The teachers at Crystal are absolutely amazing, being fully supportive whenever you need it. Whether it be office hours, after school, or reaching out at any other time, they’re always available to help”.
    Henry W, Class of ’25

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    It’s your journey Set the Pace

    Choose an academic path that excites you, offers leadership opportunities, and allows you to pursue creative avenues. With small class sizes and supportive advisors, you can establish strong connections with passionate educators and fellow students.
    CHOOSE YOUR ACADEMIC PATH
 
 

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  • Faculty Student Relationship

    Transformativeteaching

    Educators at Crystal provide a supportive atmosphere to challenge you academically and empower you to explore new ideas, think critically, and develop a lifelong passion for discovery.
    Meet your guides

Challenged & Championed

 
 

Explore the Crystal Campus

Picturesque and contemporary learning spaces embody the spirit of Crystal.
Launch Middle School Athletics Field
 
 

Our Upper School Leadership

List of 9 members.

  • Photo of Dot Kowal

    Dot Kowal 

    Head of Upper School
  • Photo of Julia Rubin

    Julia Rubin 

    US Director of Teaching and Learning
  • Photo of Sarah Schorn

    Sarah Schorn 

    US Director of Student Equity and Engagement
  • Photo of Alexis Nemer

    Alexis Nemer 

    US Director of Academic Support
  • Photo of Tracy Lum

    Tracy Lum 

    US Director of Student Counseling
  • Photo of Bobby Long

    Bobby Long 

    Director of Athletics
  • Photo of Jennifer Carleton

    Jennifer Carleton 

    Director of College Counseling
  • Photo of Alexis Richardson Pagnia

    Alexis Richardson Pagnia 

    Assoc. Dir. of College Counseling, Director of Crystal FIRST
  • Photo of Shabnam Yunis

    Shabnam Yunis 

    US Program Manager

Upper School - Journey Onward

Upper School FAQs

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  • How can I determine if Crystal is a suitable match for me?

    If you are a student who thrives in a nurturing environment that celebrates scholarly distinction, Crystal offers an unparalleled experience.

    The school's curriculum program demonstrates its commitment to empowering learners by encouraging them to explore their passions and potential. In addition to academic pursuits, the school offers a range of athletic programs (Cross Country, Volleyball, Football, Sailing, etc.) and extracurricular activities (Clubs: Debate, Crü, Game Analytics, Pre-Med, etc.) to ensure a well-rounded experience that promotes personal growth. 

    The school believes in preparing students for life, building lasting relationships, and engaging with a diverse community. If these values resonate with you and you're eager to be part of a school that promises transformative teaching and learning, then Crystal could be your perfect choice.

  • How do students strive for academic excellence and life balance?

    Intellectually challenging and inspiring, Crystal's unique academic programs ensure that you develop holistically while a wide range of extracurricular activities and sports complement your growth.

    This balanced approach is critical to your success, as it encourages academic prowess and emotional, social, and physical development. The Crystal community prioritizes kindness and inclusion, creating a safe and engaging space for personal growth and the exploration of passions.

  • What kinds of students thrive at Crystal?

    If you are a curious, motivated individual excited about being part of a lively learning community, Crystal is the perfect choice for you.

    We are committed to nurturing the interests and talents of our students both in and out of the classroom, including athletics, arts, and leadership. At Crystal, you are encouraged to challenge yourself and discover your full potential.

  • Why are Sports just as important as Arts at Crystal?

    Engaging in sports teaches teamwork, discipline, and resilience—qualities that are essential for personal and academic success. Similarly, the arts foster creativity, self-expression, and emotional intelligence.

    Crystal believes in nurturing all aspects of a student's personality, understanding that the skills gained through sports and arts are complementary and integral to holistic development. 

    Whether you're scoring a goal on the field or painting a masterpiece, each experience enriches your learning journey, contributing to your growth as a balanced and versatile individual. Crystal's commitment to both sports and arts underscores the belief that a diverse range of experiences is key to preparing students for a dynamic and ever-changing world.

This is the start of Your Journey

Contact

Admission Questions:  admission@crystal.org

Middle School

10 Davis Drive, Belmont, CA 94002
650-645-1000

Upper School

400 Uplands Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010
650-342-4175
Nondiscriminatory Policy: Crystal Springs Uplands School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Website Accessibility Statement: Crystal Springs Uplands School is committed to making this website accessible to visitors with disabilities and is continually working to increase its accessibility and usability. We are on a regular basis seeking opportunities to bring all areas of the site up to the same level of overall web accessibility. If for any reason, you cannot access any of the material on our website, please email webadmin@csus.org and we will work to resolve the problem as soon as possible.