• Head of School: Joel Weiss
• Head of Upper School: Peggy Smith
• School Hours: 8:00 a.m –3:00 p.m. Students may remain on campus after school hours for sports or drama activities.
• Upper School Tuition: $23,415
• School Calendar:  We follow a traditional school calendar with the exception of taking off the week of Thanksgiving, and two two-week vacations during the winter holiday and in the spring.
• Upper School Philosophy: Our Upper School program follows an approach to teaching and learning which takes into account the unique developmental characteristics and needs of young adolescent students.  Our primary goals are: 1) to prepare students for high school through a varied and rigorous academic program; 2) to expose students to a wide array of educational experiences and to encourage them to take risks and try new things; and, 3) to instill in each student a high degree of self-knowledge and self-confidence.  While we focus deliberately on the academic growth of students, we pay close attention to their social and emotional development as well.  Class size ranges from 11-18 students, which is conducive to forming close, comfortable, dynamic working relationships between students and teachers.
• Upper School Structure: The Upper School academic program is departmentalized; students work with a different teacher in each of the academic areas.  A deliberate effort is made to integrate the curriculum as much as possible, allowing students to make connections among areas of study.  The daily schedule is flexible to allow for varied learning experiences.  Classes in mathematics and Spanish meet in one 90-minute "block" class period and three 45-minute class periods per week.  English, social studies, and science classes meet in two 90-minute blocks and one 45-minute class period per week.

Curriculum:

Sixth Graders pursue a course of study composed of classes in English, world geography (with a focus on physical and cultural geography), world cultures and religions, Spanish, mathematics, science, music, art, computer skills, drama, physical education, and seminar (a weekly class which focuses on the physical/social/emotional aspects of young adolescent development).

Seventh Graders are offered classes in English, world history, Spanish, pre-algebra (standard or advanced), science, music, studio art, video production and digital imaging, drama, physical education, and seminar (see above).  Seventh graders also participate in the Q.E.D. program pursuing an individualized project which matches students with community mentors in an area of interest beyond the Crane curriculum.

Eighth Grade classes include English, American history, global ethics, Spanish, algebra (standard or advanced), science, music, studio art, video production and digital imaging, drama, physical education, and seminar (see above).  Eighth Grade students also make an oral presentation to the Crane community in Assembly as part of the requirements for graduation.

Advisory Program: The cornerstone of the Upper School program, Advisory matches each student with a faculty advisor who serves as counselor and advocate for the student and the first point of communication between home and school.  Students meet with their advisors on a regular basis.

Sports: Crane is a member of the Christian Athletic League and participates interscholastically in soccer, volleyball, basketball, and track.  Any Upper School student may participate on one of Crane's teams according to his or her experience and ability.  Track, flag football, golf, and the Crane Surf Club are also offerings available to Upper School students.

Trip Week: This is a time to expand upon the curriculum in a real-world environment, as well as to strengthen old and new peer relationships in each class.  Sixth Graders spend a week on Catalina Island, Seventh Graders participate in a wilderness trip in Yosemite, and Eighth Graders travel to Costa Rica.

Service Learning: Every student in grades Six, Seven, and Eight is involved in a service learning project for a portion of the year.  Service learning takes place during the school day and is usually done in the context of the advisory program.  In the past, projects have included tutoring elementary students in the local schools, providing assistance to volunteers at the Unity Shoppe, and working with residents at the Friendship Center.

Student Council: Each fall, the students elect a student government made up of four executive officers and a number of class representatives.  The Council plans and arranges social events and school activities, addresses matters of daily school life, and serves as a conduit between students and faculty/administration.

Lunch: Children bring their own lunches Tuesday through Thursday.  Candy, gum, and sodas are not permitted.  Hot lunch is provided for a nominal charge each Monday and Friday.

Parents for Crane (PFC): All parents are automatically members of this invaluable support group for Crane.  There are many opportunities to participate in the life of the school.  Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, September through May, at 8:00 a.m.