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“ When we look to the future, we see a world that values grit
and determination, creativity and expression, compassion and
courage, and a global sensibility and understanding. With a
deep and intentional educational program, King challenges our
students to develop all this and more, with best practices behind
all that we do. It’s our duty to earn the confidence of every child
and every family, every day.” – TOM MAIN, Head of School
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KNOWLEDGE&of
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KNOWLEDGE&
At King Low Heywood Thomas, we believe a great education requires
a curiosity about the world, your community, and yourself. Our School
brings together many different students with a common desire to know,
and be known – and we deliver on both. King’s program is student-
centered yet comprehensive, rigorous without being overwhelming, and
as innovative as it is preparatory. We are guided by our Mission and our
four core virtues of Integrity, Kindness, Perseverance, and Respect.
understanding
passionatei n t h e
pursuit
Our personalized approach to
education means that every student
is seen, and appropriately stretched
and challenged. It is not changing
the curriculum for every child, but it
is the recognition by faculty that we
all learn differently. We encourage
our students to embrace a “growth
mindset” where they see their
strengths and weaknesses and are
not afraid of either one. The result:
a community of engaged, resilient,
lifelong learners who believe in
themselves and each other. King’s forward-thinking philosophy
informs all that we do and ensures
that we never stagnate. Our
campus is always expanding and
improving, and we are proud of
our latest enhancements including
a beautifully remodeled Upper
School building, new Visual Arts
Center and Performing Arts Center,
as well as recent renovations to
create state-of-the-art space for our
growing Computer Science program
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integrityUnderstanding and
living by our values
with authenticity.
kindnessIntentional consideration
and compassion for others.
perseveranceRelentlessly pursuing
excellence with a focus on
growth and improvement.
respectTreating every person with
dignity and civility through
honoring ourselves and
others in our words
and actions.
Individual Moral Character,
Collective Well-being
King’s 4 virtues
and recent S.T.E.A.M (science,
technology, engineering, arts, and
math) initiatives. We invest as much
in our faculty as we do our facilities,
knowing that both are the foundation
of our success. We hold ourselves to
the same high standards we have
for our students: to be persistent
in pursuit of what is better and
right while staying open to new
learning opportunities.
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education is not just learning what’s right. It is learning what’s right for YOU.
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We believe that a strong and healthy
student is one who understands that learning
takes a fearless approach and is confident
enough to go for it. This is why we have created
an academic environment that is rigorous and
caring – King’s small classes, dynamic and
dedicated teachers, and deep understanding of
the ways students learn ensure that every child
is suitably challenged and successful.
Our signature approach to teaching is rooted in
emerging research about how the brain works,
but simply put: it’s good practice. When our
students are able to access material in a way that
makes the most sense to them, their education
becomes more meaningful. If you take Multi-
Variable Calculus – and King is the only school
in the area to offer this full-time advanced
course – we can be sure it is a good fit for you,
not just your resume.
At King, our teachers are generous with their
time, getting to know their students as learners
and as people. By detailing and tracking each
child’s strengths and challenges, teachers have
information to help focus their work and to
share with one another. This process exemplifies
King’s commitment to helping each student find
his or her own path to success.
Young people who come of age in an environment
that helps them find the best in themselves become
adults with the capacity to find the best in others..
education is not just learning what’s right. It is learning what’s right for YOU.
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peter newcomb | US History and Associate Director of College Counseling
Mr. Newcomb sought to answer the essential question “How does geography impact the
rise of a civilization?” by visiting the Amazon Basin and peaks of the Andes. Being able
to explore Peru’s dramatic landscape firsthand enriched his lesson plans and enabled
him to share new perspectives on the Incan culture with his students. “They can go on
their own exploration of the country, even while remaining in Stamford.”
our faculty is in the mix with those who matter MOST.
The student-teacher relationship is
the cornerstone of King’s academic culture.
Our faculty members are experts in their fields,
and most have advanced degrees; still, they are
teachers of children before they are teachers
of content. This approach is apparent in every
interaction, and keeps students engaged and
enthusiastic about learning.
King’s teachers are committed to not only their
students, but to one another, as well, working
together to unify academics within and across
each division, and providing support, mentorship,
and camaraderie.
The culture of growth and renewal at King runs
deep. Faculty members attend and present at
national and regional conferences and workshops,
pursue graduate programs, and are eligible for
summer sabbaticals — because we know when
King’s teachers have the latest information and
feel stimulated, our students will, too.
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global education MAKES a WORLD
of difference.
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Arapidly changing world demands a depth
and breadth of understanding, and King’s Global
Studies Program emphasizes cultural literacy and
connection. From a young age, King students learn
to respect differences and to be catalysts for positive
change here at home and around the world. Each
year, King offers a variety of cultural and language
immersion trips and our students have proven savvy
global citizens and impressive ambassadors of our
community. It is experiential learning at its finest,
whether traveling roads lined with trees planted by
Napoleon, climbing the Acropolis, or working in an
orphanage with Rwandan children. The world may be
getting smaller, but the hearts and minds of King’s
students continue to grow.
We are pleased to offer a Global Studies Distinction,
which is noted on the transcript and diploma, to Upper
School students seeking a deeper experience through
required coursework, clubs, travel, and a capstone
project. Our Model UN Club continues to thrive and
recently attended the international conference in
Beijing. Electives like Cultural Anthropology, The
Good, The Bad, and the Ugly: A Study of Behavior
Under Pressure, and AP Comparative Governments
augment world language study and related courses
to enrich global understanding.
One’s academic experience at King is made all
the more meaningful with the added ability to
recognize, understand, appreciate,
and accept perspectives other than one’s own.
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embarkOur Global Education Program begins in the
Lower School where our students are introduced
to a variety of world cultures through hands-
on projects, cultural diversity initiatives, global
citizenship awareness, and exposure to the
learning of their first world language in PreK.
They also explore the environmental richness
of our planet, and develop an appreciation and
respect for its beauty and for nature.
exploreAt the Middle School, students deepen their
global understanding of human geography
by gaining comprehensive knowledge of the
diversity of ethnicities, religions, languages,
cultures, and their history. The program also
introduces anthropological aspects of various
societies and discusses eco-friendly forms of
energy and other environmental issues.
engageIn the Upper School, King students take a
multidisciplinary approach to examining and
understanding challenges facing the modern
world. Through an intensive study of global
problems – environmental, socioeconomic,
diplomatic, and intellectual – students learn how
to critically assess and respond to the common
interests and issues they face as global citizens.
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what makes us the same is that we are all UNIQUE.
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Diversity is a core value at King.
Be it gender, race, ethnicity, religion,
socioeconomics, sexual orientation, age,
physical ability, or talent, our many differences
combine in one community where each
person is valued. At King, we see character
development as part of our college preparatory
program, and lessons of mutual understanding
and social justice are seamlessly integrated
with traditional academics. Our students will
tell you that King’s campus climate is one that
constantly seeks inclusiveness, mutual respect,
appreciation, and understanding.
Make a ConnectionAt King, faculty, parents, and students
alike are encouraged to engage with one another and the world, challenge
assumptions, and affect change. Here are a few of the many different forums open
for discussion.
Diversity Dialogues
Mix-It-Up Lunch
Multicultural Fair
Speaker Series
Multicultural Families Events
Parent Diversity Council
Faculty & Staff Diversity
Council
KING VALUES a community in which each individual
strives for the wisdom and goodness found in a deep
understanding of equity, fairness, and inclusion. Rooted in
respect and personal responsibility, the School’s culture
offers a supportive and reflective environment that
embraces diversity as integral to educational excellence.
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We champion the development
of each individual’s talents, character, and
self-confidence by offering our students the
opportunity to help others through service
learning and community engagement. Students,
teachers, and parents all bring their time, energy,
and ideas to a variety of volunteer projects.
The Lower School’s Service Learning Program
includes volunteering at senior centers, cooking
for a soup kitchen, and connecting with students
at an inner-city preschool. In Middle School,
each grade partners with an organization, giving
students an opportunity to build relationships
as well as a sense of social responsibility. By
Upper School, a variety of student-run clubs and
activities address causes from homelessness
and hunger to literacy and the environment.
King’s Parents Support Community Service
fortifies these efforts across all divisions, and
also oversees additional initiatives including
King’s Uniform Exchange. A theme, such as
sustainability, gives shape to our program, with
featured speakers and recommended readings
for the entire community.
At King, service is not a mandate – it is simply
part of our mission to build a respectful,
compassionate environment. We believe that an
emphasis on participation and leadership today
will give us more to celebrate tomorrow.
if you create a culture of service, service becomes your life, NOT a learning requirement.
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if you create a culture of service, service becomes your life, NOT a learning requirement.
Private School, Public Purpose
Each year, King hosts dozens of service-based
organizations at a Volunteer Fair from which
students come to understand specific needs,
make new contacts, and volunteer.
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the quarterback is the STAR on the stage.
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At King, it is not ‘either-or’– it is ‘and.’
This means all of our students are exposed
to many forms of creative expression and
encouraged to pursue an artistic passion or
discover a new one.
King’s Performing Arts Program develops self-
confidence and creativity. In Lower School,
early exploration of music and movement ties
into core study and culminates with a Grade 5
musical theater production; additionally,
LS students have the opportunity to participate
in the King Children’s Orchestra and the King
Children’s Choir. By Middle School, all students
develop musicianship skills with units on music
theory, composition, singing, and dancing, and
take part in two performances. Choir, Band, and
the Studio Ensemble enhance our MS Program.
The Upper School’s requirement includes
performance participation and coursework –
such as Music Theory, Technical Theater, or
Public Speaking – so by the time they graduate,
all students will have significant experience
with the Performing Arts. King’s stunning
Performing Arts Center is an enviable setting
for these creative pursuits.
Our Visual Arts Program is designed to help
young people view the world through the eyes
of an artist and tap into their own creativity. All
projects emphasize process as much as product,
which is why even our most tentative artists are
We expect our students to acquire the artistic tools and
vocabulary to make and discuss art, instilling the belief
that they can be creative thinkers and problem solvers.
Our hope is that students leave the studio having found
themselves to be more imaginative, enthusiastic,
and skillful than they thought.
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able to feel successful here. King’s halls and
walls are alive with art, and ongoing exhibitions
of student work reflect our colorful and talented
community. The Upper School building provides
a stunning showcase for creations of all kinds,
and the Performing Arts Center lobby doubles
as extraordinary exhibition space for students,
professional artists, and alumni.
Our Lower and Middle School art program
introduces and reinforces the basic techniques
of drawing, printmaking, design, sculpture,
and painting through a variety of methods, and
includes looking at art and artists from many
cultures around the world. In Upper School,
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the Study of Art course plus one more visual
arts course are required. Many students go on
to take additional art classes, and Advanced Art
students may develop their own curriculum and
create a completely unique body of work.
We want our students to experience the creative
exhilaration that comes from challenging
yourself, creating a perfect line with charcoal,
learning a demanding line of music, seeing
raw clay become finished pottery by your
own hand. The feeling of accomplishment
experienced through the arts is like none other.
Except maybe a touchdown.
Students are required to participate in at least one theater production over four years, as well as
to choose from an array of courses covering all aspects of the Performing Arts, from Beginning
Guitar and Technical Theater to AP Music Theory and Stage Combat in Shakespeare’s Plays.
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King’s Athletics Program is highly
competitive while remaining inclusive and
emphasizing sportsmanship. It is this successful
formula that has led to many Fairchester and
New England championships in sports including
Football, Boys’ Soccer, Volleyball, Ice Hockey,
Girls’ Basketball, Baseball, and Softball. We offer
Varsity and JV teams, and our no-cut philosophy
ensures that every student can participate and try
new sports while maintaining a quality program for
athletes at the top level.
The Athletics Program aims to build self-esteem,
instill confidence, and develop teamwork. This
allows the student who may not normally take
on a leadership role to do so, and succeed. The
majority of our coaches at King are also teachers
here, which creates opportunities for mentoring
and meaningful relationships in a variety of
contexts. It’s all part of our commitment to our
students, and to seeing them as the multifaceted
people that they are. No wonder nearly 70 percent
of our Upper School students pursue at least two
sports each year.
WE ARE ALLVikings!
We like to win games, but we take more pride in the
sportsmanship and school spirit we bring to every athletic
endeavor. At King, we understand that winning only has
value when coupled with respect and consideration for
our opponents, and for each other.
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King has Varsity squads in 15 different sports,
and 35 interscholastic teams at the Varsity
and JV levels. We are part of the Fairchester
Athletic Association of independent schools
in Fairfield County, Conn., and Westchester
County, N.Y., and the Western New England
Preparatory School Association. We
encourage our students in all of their athletic
pursuits. Our flexibility and commitment to
the individual has enabled us to work with
students to support their success in other
sports such as crew, equestrian, fencing,
sailing, skiing, snowboarding, and swimming.
Many students go on to pursue these and
other sports at the top collegiate level.
TEAM SPORTSBaseballBasketballCross CountryField HockeyFootballGolfLacrosse
Ice HockeySoccerSoftballSquashTennisVolleyball
INDIVIDUAL OFFERINGS CrewEquestrianFencingSailing
Skiing SnowboardingSwimming
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AT KING,
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We are known for our highly responsive way of teaching – and the result
is a rigorous education where a student’s mind is stretched and their
sense of self stays intact. It’s a model we believe in, and we see the
benefits in each graduate.
SUCCESS
AT KING,
to
there areM O R E T H A N
700 paths
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Learning happens in little and
big ways every day, and always
with a focus on the person within
the pupil: a math teacher offers
manipulatives to help a child better
understand spatial reasoning; a
conversation over lunch and sticky
notes empowers the reluctant writer
to organize a term paper; the Middle
School musician is encouraged
to portray the periodic table as a
symphony. By blending knowledge
of each student with current
research in innovative instruction,
King provides a truly personalized
approach to education.
Across all divisions, King’s
curriculum challenges the intellect
and promotes communication and
problem solving skills; an awareness
of the complexities of our ever-
changing world; and an appreciation
of and responsibility for others.
We believe that to teach our students
to be flexible in changing times, we
need to be nimble, too, and we are
always evaluating and responding
to the latest educational research
within a traditional curriculum.
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Some schools simply deliver course
material; at King, we make sure our
students really understand it. When
you internalize something, you can
make connections across content
areas, and this leads to new insights
and a desire for more knowledge.
Our goal is for students to leave King
not only prepared, but also inspired
for higher education.
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preparing the next generation of digital natives.
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King’s Computer Science and Digital
Applications programs are growing rapidly.
Students at all grade levels are exposed to
the latest technologies and courses – coding,
podcasting, animation, robotics, web design,
mobile app development, and more. Our
course offerings clearly demonstrate King’s
commitment to innovation and progress; what
is less obvious is our faculty’s concurrent
focus on what all this rapid change means to
education and how to ensure that our students
receive what they need – programmatically and
personally – to succeed. This ties in directly with
our overall strategic plan – prioritizing not only
what we teach, but how we teach it.
Our youngest students learn basic digital literacy
and skills with exposure to laptops, iPads, and
other computer equipment in their classroom,
the library, music, and art. In Grades 3-5, we
introduce more advanced applications and
software, promoting sophisticated, complex,
and creative uses of digital and engineering
tools. In Middle School, as we expand our
course selection and build internet research
skills, we also ask our students to start thinking
about their digital footprints – responsible use
and the power of social media. By Upper School,
opportunities abound, from AP Computer
Programming to 3D Printing and state and
national engineering competitions.
As this fast-moving field continues to evolve
and new technologies emerge, it is impossible
to predict what the future holds, yet one thing
is certain: King, as in all we do, will keep pace
with change.
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Putting the TEAM into STEAM!King’s Lower School Media Studio is a place to build Science,
Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics skills –
though our students will tell you it’s just awesome. With a green
screen, animation stations, instrumental keyboards, and more, it is
like a playground for your brain. Studio activities range from
building a robot to creating a documentary on the solar
system, but the goal is always the same: collaboration, because
at King we know that true success requires it.
My favorite part of school is the nice people and good friends ... AND sports AND spelling.
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Beginning in our youngest grades,
King offers a warm and supportive place
to learn. At the heart of the PreK-Grade 5
Lower School is an interactive, experiential
curriculum that builds on children’s natural
curiosity. They become scientists, writers, artists,
and mathematicians who explore, entertain,
question, and collaborate. At the same time,
our teachers are curious, too – coming to
understand how each child learns best and
adjusting their approach to maximize each
student’s experience.
Small classes, creative faculty, and a student-
centered philosophy combine to create unique
learning opportunities, lively discussions, and
cross-curricular connections. Centers and group
work are a key part of our Lower School model.
The majority of our project-based work is done
here at school so we can see up close how our
students consolidate information and, most
importantly, so they feel ownership of a
job well done.
lower school
My favorite part of school is the nice people and good friends ... AND sports AND spelling.
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Our teachers understand that learning happens
at different rates, and are skilled when it comes
to giving students an appropriate level of
challenge – one kindergartener may be doing an
independent language arts project while another
enjoys his or her first chapter book. We are
constantly reevaluating the needs of our students
to meet them where they are… and then push
them a little further.
At King, we work closely with parents to provide
our students with a solid base of support, and we
welcome your involvement in LS life. Together, we
can foster the social, emotional, and intellectual
growth of each student – and have fun doing it.
GOALS OF THE LOWER SCHOOL PROGRAM:
• Foster a love of learning
• Develop and enhance academic skills
• Apply and integrate intellectual processes
• Recognize and support various learning styles
• Develop physical and artistic expression
• Promote individual, social, and emotional development
• Instill values of good citizenship and social responsibility
lower school
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At an age of many transitions,
young people feel more connected to their
school and invested in their education when
they discover the talents that motivate
them, academic subjects that engage
them, activities that delight them, and
teachers who understand them. Our Middle
School Program is designed with young
adolescents in mind, and we challenge our
students to become more independent
while providing appropriate support and
encouragement.
Often an entire unit is built around
a central question, and subsequent
lessons become a student-driven quest
for answers. Discussions, dissections,
group work, independent study… it all
combines to create a rich and textured
learning environment where students are
encouraged to reach beyond their academic
comfort zone.
i believe in myself becausemy teachers believe in me.
My favorite part of the day is the dinner table
conversation with my kids. That’s when it becomes
crystal clear how excited they are about what
they are learning at King.
middle school
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The world is becoming increasingly
interdisciplinary, collaborative, and connected
and at King we have designed our program
accordingly. Our teachers apply a hands-on
methodology and personal interest approach
to help students progress through complicated
course work and concepts, laying the
groundwork for future learning at King
and beyond.
With a strong Middle School Program and
teachers to match, King students develop a
capacity for problem solving, critical thinking,
and a global view. Young people learn best when
they are actively involved in their education and
the assessment of their work and behavior, and
our student-led conferences provide a unique
opportunity for self-advocacy and thoughtful
goal setting. At an age when self-consciousness
often sets in, our students are encouraged to not
only find their voice, but to use it.
middle school
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GOALS OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM:
• Create opportunities for active learning and varied expression
• Solidify academic skills
• Lay foundation for Upper School success
• Develop lifelong learners
• Develop the whole child
• Instill values of good citizenship and social responsibility
• Offer a physically and emotionally safe environment
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what’s theopposite of
a pressure cooker?
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King’s Academic Program is
demanding – but as one student said, it’s the
kind of demanding that is motivating, not scary.
We provide a range of traditional and elective
courses, including Honors and Advanced
Placement and beyond, which emphasize
writing skills, analytical thinking, problem
solving, self-expression, and sound judgment
informed by compassion and a clear sense
of ethics. When your goal is to get into a top
college, it is easy to view your classmates as
competition. But at King, classmates are not
your competition – they are your community,
where everyone is able to thrive and find
success.
We are pleased to offer distinctions in both
World Language and Global Studies, an
opportunity for students to delve deeper
into a discipline with additional course work
and cultural immersion. In keeping with our
commitment to a personalized education, we
make Independent Study options available
King is giving my child a rigorous education,
but they’re doing it in a way that really
honors who he is.
upper school
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to all, either in addition to a full course load
or to round out a student’s academics; this
includes work on a topic of one’s own design
under the direction of a mentor.
Our Advisory Program pairs each student with
a faculty member who serves as an advocate
and primary point person, as well as a “safety
net” to ensure no one falls through the
cracks. By Upper School, students choose an
Advisor and usually maintain that relationship
through their four years at King. Advisors
meet with small groups of advisees first thing
each morning, and once per rotation for a
longer stretch of time. Think of it like the
“home” in homeroom.
Many schools talk about graduation as a
culmination – at King we believe it marks
the beginning of your journey, and it is
our privilege to give our students what is
needed to move forward with confidence,
compassion, and a love of learning.
Examples of past
Independent Studies
include Aerospace
Engineering, Film
Production, Italian,
Greek, Russian,
Research in Biomass
Energy, and Writing
a Children’s Book
– topics as diverse
as King’s students
themselves.
upper school
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King offers Advanced Placement courses (and beyond) including but not limited to:
• AP English Language and Composition• AP English Literature• AP Calculus AB• AP Calculus BC• Multi-Variable Calculus• AP Statistics• AP Microeconomics• AP Macroeconomics• AP Spanish Literature• AP Spanish Language• AP French Language• AP Mandarin Chinese • AP U.S. History• AP European History• AP Comparative Government
and Politics• AP Chemistry• AP Biology• AP Physics 1• AP Physics 2• AP Physics C – Mechanics • AP Physics C – Electricity
and Magnetism• AP Computer Science• AP Music Theory
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The College Counseling Program at
King prepares our students for a meaningful
college search experience that will help them
identify institutions that best fit their aspirations,
interests, academic strengths, and personalities.
Almost 100 representatives from colleges
across the country visit King each year.
In Grade 10, students are assigned to a college
counselor who will see them through the
application process. The vertical model creates
a more cohesive experience, and is also more
compatible with today’s college recruiting and
search environment. Each counselor works with
students to frame and plan their standardized
testing, approach their search, focus their lists,
submit applications, and make their decisions.
We offer a Junior Class college tour, which
takes place the first week of school and gives
our students exposure to the many options that
await: urban, suburban, rural, small liberal arts
colleges, large universities, state universities, Ivy
League (or Most Competitive Plus colleges), and
art or music schools.
Like everything else at King, the college
counseling process is student-centered, and
part of why we start early is to allow for a holistic
approach. Our goal is helping you find the right
match, where you will be stimulated, valued,
and successful.
Our college matriculation list may be found on
our web site.
we make sure you get into the best college – FOR YOU.
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Approved
Remove tray and no cell phone.
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Come to campus and learn more about your future with King!
There is a lot to learn and experience.
Our Fall Open House provides prospective families with an overview
of the admission process, and campus tours are an opportunity to
see our School in action. To schedule your visit, please give us a call
at (203) 322-3496, Ext. 350.
King’s admission process is thorough and competitive, so we
recommend starting as soon as possible. The deadline for completed
applications is December 15.
We welcome your questions and look forward to your visit with us.
ONWARD
Knowledgef o r t h e
Journey.
with KING
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ONWARDwith KING
We provide an excellent, progressive education, grounded in the traditional
disciplines of the arts and sciences, committed to the nurturing of individual
potential, and designed to promote critical thinking and reasoned reflection.
Using rich and innovative methods, our Teachers facilitate each student’s
fullest academic and personal achievement. We champion the development
of character, self-confidence, and talent through challenging intellectual,
creative, athletic, leadership, and service opportunities.
King believes that individual accomplishment must go hand in
hand with respect for others. Our culture of respect fosters collaboration
as well as independence. We embrace human and cultural diversity.
We value responsible citizenship.
King graduates are well equipped to succeed in college and to pursue
lives of ongoing inquiry, learning, accomplishment, personal
fulfillment, and social responsibility.
Our MissionKing is dedicated to preparing its students
to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
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1450 Newfield Avenue | Stamford, CT 06905 | (203) 322-3496 | www.klht.org
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