Our high school is based on a shared community belief that all students are entitled to a school environment that supports their intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs, empowering them to create an enduring life path. The CSD academic environment is characterized by the following components:

• Individual student attention and low student to teacher ratios contribute to optimal student success and strong relationships
• Students are involved in critical school community decision making-their voices are expected, heard, and acted upon.
• A comprehensive advisory program with small groups of 12 students and one mentor begin in grade 9 and continue through graduation. The advisor guides each student in planning and assessing academic and social progress with a focus on college preparation. The advisory program works closely with guidance counselors, family, and school staff to ensure individual student needs are met, provides stability over time, and creates a culture where students learn to truly know themselves and are truly known by others
• Integration of all learning is a high priority. The arts, sciences, humanities, technology and physical education share leading roles
• A matrix of essential components that students demonstrate as a prerequisite for graduation. These components are outlined in each students Individual Learning Plan and many are accrued in a Portfolio of Achievement 
• Innovative curricula and methods produce student graduates that are published authors and experts in some aspect of the arts and/or core disciplines. Students have unique opportunities for practicums and internships in affiliation with Davidson College professors and other community leaders 
• Unlike the elementary and middle school programs, the CSD high school will use traditional grades on report cards for the purpose of college admissions. However, true to our philosophy, mastery of specific concepts in each course will be the ultimate gauge ensuring academic competence
• The Honors Program is integrated within the curriculum through specialized projects for individual courses. For example, students may choose to involve themselves in publishable Biosphere research while enrolled in Biology 1
• Professional development, collaboration and good will are school-wide values. CSD faculty co-author a comprehensive publication showcasing our model school curriculum