The Upper School addresses the needs of the whole student not only in the classroom and on the playing fields but also through a wide variety of clubs. Clubs enable students to pursue specific areas of interest outside of the classroom and 
help develop 21st century skills such as the ability to communicate, work with others, create, and innovate. Clubs are open to all Upper School students and enable them to experience the arts, spiritual growth, fellowship, intellectual stimulation, and academic achievement. The students at the Upper School are encouraged to join a club of choice at any time and are even given the opportunity to start a club if they have a particular area of interest. The clubs as well as the activities associated with the clubs are dependent on the needs of the Upper School student body with new clubs forming every year.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Established in 1921, the National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. Juniors and Seniors are tapped into NHS in the spring of each year and must not only demonstrate strength in the above characteristics but also hold a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or up.
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION CLUB
The Environmental Action Club proposes and implements projects around the Glenn Campus that foster environmental awareness and implement sustainable practices. For example, we have built and will plant an organic herb garden to provide SAGE with high quality herbs for school lunches. The EAC serves as an adjunct to the Environment Prefect and the committee but it operates as an independent organization focused on shorter term projects than the prefect committee.
THE BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP CLUB
The mission of the Business and Entrepreneurship Club is to provide a forum for students to learn about best business practices by inviting business leaders to speak, by visiting places of business, and by being involved in investment games and business plan preparation. The club meets weekly throughout the school year and is open to all students who wish to learn more about the nature of business.
LATIN HONOR SOCIETY
A student who has had two years of high school Latin with an A average for all four semesters is eligible for The Latin Honor Society. The certificate awarded to an inductee reads “ne plus ultra,” Latin for “the highest attainable point.” The ceremony inducting the honorees is serious and moving, as befitting their hard work.
SPANISH LANGUAGE HONOR SOCIETY
The Spanish Language Honor Society honors those students in level 3 or above of Spanish who have maintained an A in all preceding semesters of their foreign language study. These students serve as role models for their peers and demonstrate exceptional interest in foreign language study and respect for various cultures. They offer tutoring for other students in our school and organize other cultural events throughout the year.
FRENCH LANGUAGE HONOR SOCIETY
The French Language Honor Society honors those students in level 3 or above of French who have maintained an A in all preceding semesters of their foreign language study. These students serve as role models for their peers and demonstrate exceptional interest in foreign language study and respect for various cultures. They offer tutoring for other students in our school and organize other cultural events throughout the year.
POETRY CLUB
The Poetry Club is for students who enjoy writing, reading, and studying poetry. In the meetings members will read, write, share, and discuss poetry in a supportive and encouraging environment. This club is open to Upper School student writers of all styles and levels.
MUSTANG BIBLE STUDY
Mount Vernon Presbyterian school has a history of innovation in academics and preparing students to be college ready. In the continuous effort to add to our repertoire, Mount Vernon now also presents Mustang Bible Study. The purpose of this group is to create a place for students to connect and grow with each other in their Christian walk. A support group helps students to have a stronger foundation outside of school and the home. Based on the love the school promotes, members of the Spiritual Life Prefect Committee Noah Fried and Emily Fredendal started this group. “It’s great for kids to just get together and talk about God,” said an excited David Eun, Spiritual Life Prefect. This group will meet during seventh period on Tuesdays every week starting the week after spring break 2012. As the school continues to grow, the morals it instills will grow stronger…and this is just the first step.
MOUNT VERNON SONGWRITER CIRCLE
This club is open to any Upper School songwriter interested in honing his or her craft. The goal of the Songwriter Circle is to learn about creating lyrics, melodies, and original music. Club members will discover the secrets of commercial and artistic song forms. Members will also write songs and help others polish and improve, too.
UKULELE CLUB
Ukulele Club is for students who have an interest in stringed instruments. The ukulele is an instrument that is easy to learn, but hard to master, making it a great instrument to play casually or professionally. The club is open to all 9th-12th graders.
OUTDOORS CLUB
The purpose of the Outdoor Club is to increase appreciation of the natural environment through outdoor recreation, study and service activities. Activities will reflect club member interests and the educational objectives of the school. Range of club activities may include introduction to fly fishing, instruction in Skeet and Trap, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, canoeing, hiking, birding, trail building, building a wild life habitat at MVPS, and conservation activities.
ROCK CLIMBING CLUB
New Route- the MVPS rock climbing club is a fun way to hang out with Mount Vernon students once a month and rock climb. Students learn the knots and techniques of rock climbing. The club is open to all 9-12 grade students regardless of skill level. Fees are required to participate in the rock climbing activities.
SPANISH CLUB
In the Spanish Club students gather to practice their Spanish, participate in and create Hispanic related celebrations and events involving music, food, film or other cultural aspects. It is open to any interested student in the Upper School.
FRENCH CLUB
In the French Club students gather to practice their French, participate in and create French-related celebrations and events involving music, food, film or other cultural aspects. It is open to any interested student in the Upper School and not limited to French students.
PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB
The photography club consists of all levels of photographers. The club will examine a variety of media including film, black and white, digital, etc. There is a dark room under construction down at the lower school that will enable the club to work with film and developing pictures.
CHESS CLUB
The chess club is a group of students committed to playing chess and continuing to learn more about the game. The students are provided an atmosphere where students can just come in to relax and enjoy the game of chess. The Chess Club’s goal is to build awareness of chess within the Mount Vernon community.
MODEL UNITED NATIONS
Model U.N. (United Nations) is an academic club aimed at exposing students to international issues, the parliamentary process, oratorical skills such as debate and public speaking, and functioning as a group to accomplish tasks. This group will practice weekly compete in two to three competitions throughout the school year.
FINE ARTS CLUB
The Art Club meets every Monday after school and is available for both Middle and Upper School students. The club provides students and faculty alike with the opportunity to gain experience in drawing, painting, and ceramics. Various areas of expression are offered allowing students and faculty a variety of project opportunities depending on their interest.
SERVICE CLUB
Mount Vernon’s Service Club serves as a way for MVPS students to volunteer in the Atlanta Metro community. Beyond fulfilling students’ required service hours each semester, the Service Club provides ongoing opportunities to give back to our surrounding community.
ULTIMATE FRISBEE CLUB
The Ultimate Frisbee Club provides an opportunity for students of all skill levels the opportunity to compete in friendly “pick-up” games after school several times each month. This is a great venue for students to get to know new people, engage in light competitive activity, and to perhaps hone their skill as a player. The club is open to any student grades 9 – 12.
FILM CLUB
The Film Club is a club that encourages students who are passionate about film and cinema to watch, discuss and gain a better understanding of the business of filmmaking together. The club is open to any student grades 9-12.
LACROSSE CLUB
The Lacrosse Club is a club that is open to all 9th through 12th graders interested in Lacrosse. Students get together to work on individual skills and play scrimmage games with one another.
Contact Dean of Upper School, Krista Parker, with questions regarding MV clubs KParker@mountvernonschool.org
