Upper School
Clariden's Upper School is an exciting time for students as they take on more complex projects and challenges. Students tackle real-world engineering challenges in STEAM class, utilizing technology such as CAD and 3D printing. Hands-on labs and projects occur in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. As an IB World School, grades 11 and 12 have the opportunity to take coursework in the Diploma Programme and graduate with an internationally recognized diploma. Students also have leadership opportunities as NHS Officers, Student Council Officers, and project team leaders. Global citizenship is better developed through Service Learning, International Travel, and Character Education. Many electives can be pursued, such as Robotics, Rocketry, Digital Art, and Dance. Juniors and Seniors take College Readiness where they prepare for the ACT and SAT tests, receive guidance on college applications, essay writing, and applying to summer programs and for scholarships. A wealth of extracurricular activities can also be pursued, such as Theater, Cross Country, Basketball, Odyssey of the Mind, and Robotics.
We are excited and proud that you are considering Clariden as your path in education. Here, our students unlock their genius and discover their best self.
Upper School Team
Barnes, Bittany
Brittany Barnes is proud to be a Clariden Cougar since 2023! She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Texas Woman’s University. This will be her eighth year as an educator, and she will continue to serve in Clariden’s middle school program. She and her husband and have two beautiful children of their own who are 9 months old and 2 years old. In her free time, she enjoys accompanying her children to activities such as swimming and gymnastics and being outdoors.
Fairbanks, Eileen
Eileen Fairbanks is a graduate of Houghton College, Houghton, New York with a BA in Mathematics and Minors in Business and History. She has been teaching for 35 years including 7 years at The Clariden School. She loves mathematics and strives to instill that passion for mathematics in the students. Pickleball is a new passion.
George, Charmaine
Charmaine Denison-George is a U.S.-based, Sierra Leonean-born English Language and Creative Writing educator. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing degree from Texas State University. In her free time, Charmaine enjoys writing short stories and poems, cooking, and hosting dinner parties.
Griffin, Alexander
Alex Griffin graduated in 2017 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Classical Archaeology and Minors in History and German. He also holds Master’s Degrees in Archaeology (2019) and Teaching (2022), from the University of Cincinnati and UNC respectively. His time as an archaeologist allowed him to work on a number of incredible excavations across the Aegean, and provided him with a global perspective on social studies education. Prior to joining Clariden in 2022, he completed his student teaching at Hillside High School in Durham, North Carolina. Today, Alex teaches a wide range of courses in the humanities and is the head coach of the Clariden basketball team.
Simmons, Marcus
Marcus holds a BA in Physics Education from Western Governors University and has completed engineering coursework at The University of Texas at Arlington. He has been teaching at Clariden since 2017, instructing both Middle and Upper School students in physics, math, engineering, robotics, and manufacturing. Marcus brings a diverse professional background in automation, manufacturing, and engineering design, with experience across industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, agriculture, and amusement parks. Additionally, he serves as the Technical Director of the Drama Club and the assistant basketball coach.
Westerfield, Rissa
Rissa Westerfield has been a Clariden educator for 8 years. She brings a love of science to students, especially dinosaurs and crocodiles! She received her Master of Science degree from Texas Tech University and is also a member of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. Her educational background and experience have given her the opportunity to partner with Crocodile Encounter to bring either a crocodile or alligator into the classroom each year. In addition to being an educator, Rissa has contributed to research in paleontology in museums such as the Perot Museum (formerly the Dallas Museum of Natural History), Dallas Historical Society, Shuler Museum of Paleontology (SMU), and the Smithsonian Institute. In her free time she loves spending time with her family, playing games, sewing, and traveling.