What a Difference a Day Makes

GRADES 9 TO 12

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A DAY MAKES

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EVERY KO DAY IS DESIGNED JUST FOR DAY STUDENTS. 100% DAY STUDENTS, 100% OF THE TIME. Kids thrive at KO because they are the center of everything we do. Strong friendships are forged through the shared experiences of wading into Trout Brook to analyze its water quality, earning the privilege to grab a snack in Blue Back Square, and creating strong partnerships locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

As a day school, Kingswood Oxford creates and fosters an inclusive community that includes the most important people in each student’s life—teachers, advisors, coaches, friends, and family. This balanced approach of support gives every student the widest possible range of resources to ensure academic success and emotional health. Teachers and advisors know their students well and are always ready to meet VSHFL¿F QHHGV 6WXGHQWV EHQH¿W IURP GHJUHHV RI GDLO\ SHUVSHFWLYH and just the right amount of guidance. As families cheer from the VLGHOLQHV DQG DSSODXG IURP VHDWV LQ WKH WKHDWHU \RX ZRQ¶W ¿QG WKHP stepping on the increasingly independent toes of adolescents; rather, they help create the inclusive family that makes KO KO.

EVERY DAY AT KO IS A CHANCE TO DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW—ABOUT YOURSELF, THOSE AROUND YOU, AND THE WORLD. IT’S A CLEAN SLATE AND ALSO A BUILDING BLOCK ON WHICH TO STRENGTHEN CONNECTIONS, PRACTICE NEW SKILLS, AND MOVE THE NEEDLE TOWARD INDIVIDUAL GOALS.

KO values and meets each student’s academic, social, athletic, and creative needs.

Recognizing the importance of families as partners in learning helps teachers know their students better.

Honoring the value of family time ensures students thrive in all their meaningful relationships.

KO tees up each day to serve the unique needs of students ZKR DUULYH E\ DQG DUH KRPH in the evening—allowing our Wyverns to make the most of both school and family time.

RI UHVRXUFHV IRU programs, schedules, and facilities are designed for day students—to make rich and meaningful connections with one another.

Teachers make every day a new day, with fresh perspectives and surprising ways to learn.

Every student is empowered to make “a difference a day,” putting the needs of someone HOVH ¿UVW GHPRQVWUDWLQJ understanding and growth, trying something new. Small gestures and accomplishments can be big milestones.

ANISSA

Junior

Dancer Swimmer Leader of Business Club Musician Self-Advocate Community Builder

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES

A Snapshot of a Typical Day: Anissa

12:15 12:45 2:00 3:00 3:30 5:30 8:00

Algebra 2 Honors Class Advisory Group Chemistry Class Outlook Choral Ensemble Free time to hang with friends or meet with a teacher Lunch VQV Seminar AP English Class Classes done for the day Volleyball Practice Head home in time for dinner with family Prep for US History essay assignment, study for Chemistry quiz, practice orchestra piece, create agenda for Business Club meeting. ®

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At KO, I’ve learned that I can push myself way farther than I ever thought, whether it’s in academics or stepping out of my comfort zone in an extracurricular, such as music or arts or even in sports. I never thought I would be successful at running track, part

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8:00 9:15 9:45 10:45 11:45

of the swim team, or able to play

volleyball. KO has helped me explore a whole new me. I’ve realized that I can do a lot more than I thought I could— that I’m bigger than my fears.

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GREAT TEACHER? WHETHER DISCOVERING NUANCED CONNECTIONS in a STEM project or exploring the UN’s sustainable goals in the interdisciplinary Global Cities course, KO’s Upper School students are valued as individual learners with unique personal stories. Teachers and students forge essential bonds based on mutual respect and trust— bonds that elevate students as they try harder, jump boldly into new WHUULWRU\ DQG GHYHORS WKH FRQ¿GHQFH WKDW VLJQDOV IXWXUH VXFFHVV

As a dedicated community of educators, teachers at Kingswood Oxford are collaborators in each student’s academic experience.

They understand their students well and always know how much to challenge and support them. Teachers listen more than they talk— differentiating instruction according to each student’s strengths and always helping them advance to their own next level.

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MY TEACHER DIDN’T GIVE ME THE ANSWER. HE GUIDED ME WITH QUESTIONS TO HELP ME THINK ABOUT THE TOPIC DIFFERENTLY. — McKenzie, senior

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KO teachers prepare students for the wide range of academic and social challenges they will ¿QG LQ WKH QH[W JUDGH RU FROOHJH KO offers a robust and varied curriculum including 17 AP classes and numerous honors level classes. ®

KO partners with the Global Online Academy giving students unlimited opportunities to explore new territory in courses like Medical Problem Solving, Global Entrepreneurship, and Cyber Security.

KO teachers engage in interdisciplinary courses that approach a single topic from different perspectives. Students question assumptions, think more deeply, and understand more broadly, in classes like: - The Happiness Class (English & psychology) - Know Yourself (English & psychology) - Global Cities & Cultural Landscapes (history, politics, & anthropology) - Literature of Climate Change (English & science) KO’s signature Team Tobati Service Learning in Paraguay provides students opportunities to apply KO’s value of “care beyond self” with a global focus.

KO’s humanities classrooms support student-led discussions using the Harkness method.

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GREAT WRITER? WRITING IS ALL ABOUT COMMUNICATION. It connects us— allowing us to tell and preserve our stories and understand the stories of others. At KO, we know that writing must be mastered as a skill before it can become art, and that takes practice.

Because the world demands that we write across all areas of life, writing practice happens across all areas of our curriculum. Students don’t just write English compositions. They write lab reports and math problems and history research papers—always perfecting both style and content ZKLOH FXOWLYDWLQJ WKHLU LQGHSHQGHQW YRLFHV :ULWLQJ EHFRPHV PRUH UH¿QHG well-researched, and complex. By the time they graduate, KO students DUH FRQ¿GHQW FRPPXQLFDWRUV DQG NQRZ WKDW D EODQN SDJH LV VRPHWKLQJ to be relished.

“

I LEARNED TO LOVE WRITING AT KO AND WAS INSPIRED TO PURSUE IT IN COLLEGE. MY TEACHER WAS SO PASSIONATE ABOUT THE SUBJECT MATTER AND MADE LITERATURE ACCESSIBLE. — Katherine ’14, Boston University Class ’18, B.S. Journalism, Public Relations/Journalism Professional

”

The annual Baird Symposium Writer Series hosts world renowned writers-in-residence to lead workshops and engage in deep-diving dialogue.

The Senior Thesis is a culminating research and writing project that draws on literary texts, academic scholarship, and the student’s own insights.

KO students are multiple award winners in several annual writing contests including the National Cum Laude Society’s National Thesis Competition.

Co-curricular writing opportunities allow KO students to further develop their written voice such as the KO News, Epic, Power of Women, and Gwendolyn Brooks poetry contest.

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GREAT

SUREOHP VROYHU" SCIENCE, MATH, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY ARE NATIONAL AND LOCAL PRIORITIES. Similarly, here at KO, WKH VSLULW RI LQQRYDWLRQ DQG GLVFRYHU\ LV YLEUDQW LQ RXU /((' FHUWL¿HG Chase•Tallwood Science Math Technology Center. Students learn real-world concepts, then apply them with hands-on experiments.

The Center provides state-of-the-art classroom and laboratory space WKDW HQFRXUDJHV RXU VWXGHQWV WR H[SORUH HQHUJ\ HI¿FLHQW GHVLJQV build model roller coasters, and experiment with chemical concepts.

Advanced technology enables KO to offer expanded technical courses such as computer science, game theory, marine biology in a laboratory with saltwater aquariums built into the walls, chemistry, physics, earth science, and math. Students have access to the sustainable greenhouse to observe and learn about plant species and environments.

Co-curricular activities such as esports and robotics allow students to pursue their passions beyond the classroom. Student-driven clubs HQKDQFH WKH 67(0 H[SHULHQFH VXFK DV &RPSXWHU FOXE %LRORJ\ club, Aviation club, and the Mathematics club.

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MY EXPERIENCE IN KO’S MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE COURSES NOT ONLY PROVIDED ME WITH A FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE BASE FROM WHICH I CONTINUE TO DRAW EVEN AS A MEDICAL STUDENT, BUT ALSO INSTILLED IN ME AN APPRECIATION FOR A RATIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC MANNER OF THINKING. — Robert ’15, University of Rochester ’19, B.A. Chemistry, Quinnipiac University Medical Student

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KO STUDENT WKULYH"

THRIVING AT KO IS IN THE DETAILS. It starts with the powerful relationships that align personal goals with meaningful benchmarks. Teachers always know how each student is progressing and oversee a learning environment that embraces difference.

It continues with an advisory program that creates a team of peers, teachers, and families who help students advance long-term objectives as well as navigate social interactions on our campus. We know it’s often the in-between moments that shape a path to success.

Character development is not an after-thought; it’s an ever-present thought—woven into the fabric of our core values and supported by sequential social-emotional programs that help kids adjust. KO students H[SORUH HQGOHVV SRVVLELOLWLHV WR ¿QG QHZ LQWHUHVWV DQG VWUHQJWKV 7KH\ are also good neighbors—proud to be a part of and proactively serving their local communities. KO students make an impact in ways they never LPDJLQHG DQG GHPRQVWUDWH WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI JURZLQJ FRQ¿GHQFH compassion, independence, and self-advocacy.

A comprehensive advisory program includes frequent small peer group meetings, where students explore current events, social-emotional wellness, and academic best practices.

Every student has an advisor who communicates regularly with teachers, coaches, and KO adults—providing valuable perspective and context for advisee families.

Developmentally appropriate JRDOV LQ ¿YH FDWHJRULHV KHOS students grow their academic and social aptitudes, ZKLOH IXO¿OOLQJ .2¶V PLVVLRQ and core values: - Self-awareness - Making connections - Self-advocacy - Time management - Organizational skills Twice a year, students lead conferences with their advisors and parents/guardians, keeping goals current and assuring continual progress.

Advisors work with the same group of students for two-year grade rotations fostering strong relationships during distinct phases of their high school journey.

JACK

Senior

Fishing club member Student Ambassador Athlete Loyal friend Friendship Circle Buddy Program for disabled peers Firm believer of do-overs and doing better next time

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES

8:00 Human Anatomy and Physiology Class 9:00 Shield and Dragon Tour Guide meeting 10:00 Free Block—Prep for English Harkness 11:15 Physics Class 12:15 Lunch 12:45 (QJOLVK 7KH $PHULFDQ 'UHDP 2:00 Jazz Combo 3:00 Classes done 3:30 Sports—Practice for Saturday’s big game 5:45 Catch up with friends 6:00 Head home 8:00 Precalculus homework, AP Political Science debate prep, email physics professor, work on study guide, plan Fishing Club meeting, make notes for assembly announcement about upcoming senior game. ®

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Personally, I’m always striving to get better—better than the last time—and the teachers here really help because they want me to succeed. I can go to my advisor with almost any question— social life, schoolwork, sports, after-school activities, organizing my time. Scheduled advisee time is a time to ask questions, but also to have a break in the middle of the day—to hang

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A Snapshot of a Typical Day: Jack

out with friends and a trusted adult,

take a deep breath, and reset for the rest of the day. We get to know each other a little more personally which is helpful and also really fun.

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COMMUNITY VWURQJ"

BUILDING A STRONG COMMUNITY starts with people sharing common values and working together in pursuit of both collective and LQGLYLGXDO JRDOV $ VWURQJ FRPPXQLW\ DI¿UPV WKDW HYHU\ PHPEHU LV important, belongs, and contributes to the common good. As KO’s motto attests, one conquers by conquering oneself—by strengthening individuals, we strengthen the whole. We lift each other up, elevate each other’s voices, and celebrate our differences. We welcome parents, guardians, and families into our fold—knowing that they enrich our shared experience and animate the inclusive partnerships WKDW GH¿QH XV

At the same time that we focus on personal growth, we reach outside of our community, lending our combined strength to support those around us and around the world. Service gives our hard work meaning and demonstrates what it means to ‘care beyond self.’

“

WE ALL FACE CHALLENGES, BUT AT KO, YOU FIND YOUR PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT YOU AND ARE WILLING TO STAND

BY YOU, AND YOU THINK, ‘IF THEY’RE GOING TO DO IT WITH ME, THEN I CAN DO IT.’ — Brady, senior

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:H RIIHU PRUH WKDQ FOXE and co-curricular activities each year. There is always something new to try and always a way to explore an interest in depth outside the classroom.

Embodying an ethos that encourages everyone to play, act, and sing, to support students as they push themselves with low-stress to high-stakes options.

Community partnerships extend learning and service beyond the campus with initiatives like: - The Witness Stones Project seeks to recognize and honor the contributions of the enslaved people who helped build local communities.

- The Human Rights Asylum explores current refugee asylum cases with University of Connecticut Law fellows.

Leadership opportunities enliven every day on and off campus and through The Margaret E. and Henry R. Roberts Center for Leadership.

- Our Lunch and Lead Program, is a student-led group that selects individuals to visit campus during lunch to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, and goal setting.

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ARTIST

D JUHDW FUHDWRU" THE ARTS AT KO ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF EVERY DAY. Both visual and performing arts inform how we express ourselves, how ZH DSSUHFLDWH HDFK RWKHU KRZ ZH VWUHWFK DQG GHYHORS FRQ¿GHQFH DQG how we solve problems. It allows our Wyverns to develop themselves more broadly.

Artists learn to go beyond drawing a bicycle with precision. Arts serve DV D YHKLFOH IRU VWXGHQWV WR ¿QG WKH FRXUDJH WR WU\ VRPHWKLQJ QHZ WR collaborate, and to create something bigger than themselves. Through WKH DUWV VWXGHQWV GLJ GHHS WR GHYHORS D SRLQW RI YLHZ DQG ¿QG D meaningful way to share a part of themselves. Whether through the visual, digital, or performing arts, KO students’ ability to express themself is as wide as their imagination.

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MY EXPERIENCE WITH MUSICAL THEATER AT KO HAS BEEN MY FAVORITE EXPERIENCE HERE. BEING ABLE TO WORK WITH PEOPLE FROM BROADWAY, PEOPLE FROM NATIONAL TOURS, SOME OF THE BEST DANCERS IN CONNECTICUT, PROFESSIONAL BALLERINAS… I FEEL SO LUCKY TO HAVE HAD THESE OPPORTUNITIES ALL IN ONE SPOT. — Faith, senior

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Two major theatrical productions are staged each year—a musical and dramatic play.

Additional black box theater performances broaden opportunities for participation and audience appreciation.

Multiple Halo awards include best musical, best choreography, best musical duo, best running crew, and best theater program in the state of Connecticut that raises the bar.

Broadway at KO features workshops, critiques, and masterclasses with leading Broadway actors and dancers.

The Composer Colloquy Visiting Artist Series brings an internationally recognized composer to KO each year to meet and work with students.

Music curriculum includes instrumental, vocal, and digital instruction.

Theater curriculum includes acting, dance, public speaking, and stagecraft/ set design.

Visual arts curriculum includes painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, media arts, photography, DQG ¿OPPDNLQJ

The Choreographer Showcase pairs KO dance students with local professional choreographers to workshop and perform original works.

The Afterschool Art Studio option expands the potential for creativity.

Co-curricular opportunities include the literary magazine, student newspaper, and yearbook.

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ATHLETE D JUHDW WHDPPDWH"

THE VALUE OF SPORTS AND PLAYING ON A TEAM EXTENDS FAR BEYOND CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS AT KO. Students here love to win, and they also appreciate their deep friendships with teammates and the shared commitment to achieving something bigger than themselves. Some KO athletes are elite players— looking to take their game to the next level and play competitively LQ FROOHJH 2WKHUV DUH WU\LQJ D VSRUW IRU WKH ¿UVW WLPH DQG UHOLVK WKH opportunity to learn a new skill and be on a team. At KO, we support our athletes in reaching their fullest potential while also maintaining a OLIHORQJ ORYH RI VSRUWV DQG ¿WQHVV

5HJDUGOHVV RI SULRU H[SHULHQFH .2 :\YHUQV JURZ RQ DQG RII WKH ¿HOG Our athletes are team players, creative problem solvers, persistent in the face of adversity and gracious in victory. A KO athletic experience helps develop skills that will win championships and also prepare our players for future success.

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MY TEAM IS MY FAMILY. EVERYONE IS SUPPORTIVE AND KIND. WE SPEND A TON OF TIME TOGETHER, WHETHER TRAVELING TO AND FROM GAMES, IN PRACTICE, OR FOR TEAM GATHERINGS. AND WE PUSH EACH OTHER TO BE THE BEST ATHLETES AND BEST PEOPLE WE CAN BE. — Chelsea, junior

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KO Teams compete in the Founders League, Fairchester League (ice hockey and boys lacrosse), and Evergreen League (football).

RI .2 JUDGXDWHV SOD\ FROOHJLDWH sports in Division I, II, or III. Strength & conditioning, yoga, and ¿WQHVV DOLJQV PLQG DQG ERG\ WR strengthen mental health.

86 LQWHUVFKRODVWLF WHDPV LQFOXGLQJ varsity teams, provide athletes multiple opportunities to excel.

We take pride in consistent league and NEPSAC awards.

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

Co-curricular programs allow Wyverns to excel each season in their own way.

Cross Country Esports Field Hockey Football Soccer Volleyball

Basketball Ice Hockey Squash Swimming & Diving

Baseball Golf Lacrosse Softball Tennis Track & Field

School spirit comes alive through our student community supporting each other each season especially at special events such as Hewett Day and the KITs.

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GRADUATE VXFFHVVIXO"

KO GRADUATES LEARN TO NAVIGATE THE ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL COMPLEXITIES OF THE WORLD. Their true strength lies in their ability to manage situations WKH\ KDYHQ¶W SUHYLRXVO\ HQFRXQWHUHG $V FRQ¿GHQW self-aware learners, our graduates know they can rise to any challenge. As loyal friends, they can boldly stand up for what is right and lift up the voices of others. As strong leaders, they listen, empower others, and get things done. As people of good character, they model a code of behavior that is grounded in kindness, respect, and compassion. KO students leave KO better than they found it and are ready to make their mark in the world.

A PERSONALIZED FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE COUNSELING CURRICULUM HELPS STUDENTS KNOW THEMSELVES. The college search process at KO stretches students beyond writing and submitting applications.

6WXGHQWV UHÀHFW RQ ZKDW WKH\ ORYH WR GR DQG KRZ they learn best. KO’s college counselors work KDQG LQ KDQG ZLWK VWXGHQW DGYLVRUV LQ WK DQG WK grade to facilitate this process of self-discovery before embarking on the formal journey in their junior year.

College counseling classes help ignite thought and guide the college search and application process.

Regular meetings with a college counselor—both individually and with families—promote open communication.

Students learn to collaboratively develop a list of potential colleges and universities with their families.

Students take the PSAT and the Pre-ACT and work with their counselor to establish a standardized testing plan.

Students have the opportunity to FRQQHFW ZLWK FROOHJH representatives who visit KO each year.

Admission professionals and guest speakers host workshops to share insights and advice.

RI .2 VWXGHQWV PDWULFXODWH WR D four-year college or university.

© Peapod Design, New Canaan, CT

OUR MISSION Kingswood Oxford inspires students to excel and to lead lives of integrity and involvement by nourishing their talents in a community of teachers, friends, and families.

OUR CORE VALUES Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and respect Learn with passion and perseverance Embrace intellectual curiosity Care beyond self Take personal responsibility Work hard, take risks, become involved

Vincit Qui Se Vincit One Conquers By Conquering Oneself

170 Kingswood Road | West Hartford, CT 06119-1430 860.727.5000 | admissions@kingswoodoxford.org Kingswood Oxford School admits students of any race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition, national and ethnic origin, or any other categories protected by Connecticut or federal law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of these characteristics in the administration RI LWV HGXFDWLRQDO SROLFLHV DGPLVVLRQV SROLFLHV VFKRODUVKLS DQG ¿QDQFLDO DVVLVWDQFH SURJUDPV DQG DWKOHWLF DQG other school-administered programs.