King Viewbook

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forward

thin

“ 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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d

n 53

of

KNOW

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&

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 studentcentered 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.

passionate pursuit in the

LEDGE understanding

&

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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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Individual Moral Character, Collective Well-being

King’s 4 virtues

1 2 3 4 integrity

Understanding and living by our values with authenticity.

kindness 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,

Intentional consideration and compassion for others.

knowing that both are the foundation

perseverance

of our success. We hold ourselves to

excellence with a focus on

the same high standards we have

growth and improvement.

for our students: to be persistent in pursuit of what is better and right while staying open to new learning opportunities.

Relentlessly pursuing

respect

Treating every person with dignity and civility through honoring ourselves and others in our words and actions.

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education is not just learning

what’s right.

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It is learning what’s right for YOU.

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..

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e believe that a strong and healthy

At King, our teachers are generous with their

student is one who understands that learning

time, getting to know their students as learners

takes a fearless approach and is confident

and as people. By detailing and tracking each

enough to go for it. This is why we have created

child’s strengths and challenges, teachers have

an academic environment that is rigorous and

information to help focus their work and to

caring – King’s small classes, dynamic and

share with one another. This process exemplifies

dedicated teachers, and deep understanding of

King’s commitment to helping each student find

the ways students learn ensure that every child

his or her own path to success.

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 MultiVariable 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.

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our faculty is in the mix

with those who matter MOST.

T

he 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.

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.”

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global education

MAKES a WORLD of difference.

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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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rapidly 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.

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embark

diversity of ethnicities, religions, languages,

Our Global Education Program begins in the

cultures, and their history. The program also

Lower School where our students are introduced

introduces anthropological aspects of various

to a variety of world cultures through hands-

societies and discusses eco-friendly forms of

on projects, cultural diversity initiatives, global

energy and other environmental issues.

citizenship awareness, and exposure to the

engage

learning of their first world language in PreK.

In the Upper School, King students take a

They also explore the environmental richness

multidisciplinary approach to examining and

of our planet, and develop an appreciation and

understanding challenges facing the modern

respect for its beauty and for nature.

world. Through an intensive study of global

explore

problems – environmental, socioeconomic,

At the Middle School, students deepen their

diplomatic, and intellectual – students learn how

global understanding of human geography

to critically assess and respond to the common

by gaining comprehensive knowledge of the

interests and issues they face as global citizens.

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the same

what makes us is that we are all UNIQUE.

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Mix-It-Up Lunch

Diversity Dialogues

D

iversity is a core value at King.

Be it gender, race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomics, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, or talent, our many differences

Faculty & Staff Diversity Council

Make a Connection At 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.

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

Multicultural Fair

Speaker Series

Multicultural Families Events

Parent Diversity Council

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.

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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if you create a

culture of service,

service becomes your life,

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e champion the development

activities address causes from homelessness

of each individual’s talents, character, and

and hunger to literacy and the environment.

self-confidence by offering our students the

King’s Parents Support Community Service

opportunity to help others through service

fortifies these efforts across all divisions, and

learning and community engagement. Students,

also oversees additional initiatives including

teachers, and parents all bring their time, energy,

King’s Uniform Exchange. A theme, such as

and ideas to a variety of volunteer projects.

sustainability, gives shape to our program, with

The Lower School’s Service Learning Program

featured speakers and recommended readings

includes volunteering at senior centers, cooking

for the entire community.

for a soup kitchen, and connecting with students

At King, service is not a mandate – it is simply

at an inner-city preschool. In Middle School,

part of our mission to build a respectful,

each grade partners with an organization, giving

compassionate environment. We believe that an

students an opportunity to build relationships

emphasis on participation and leadership today

as well as a sense of social responsibility. By

will give us more to celebrate tomorrow.

Upper School, a variety of student-run clubs and 16

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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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,

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and skillful than they thought.

t King, it is not ‘either-or’– it is ‘and.’

take part in two performances. Choir, Band, and

This means all of our students are exposed

the Studio Ensemble enhance our MS Program.

to many forms of creative expression and

The Upper School’s requirement includes

encouraged to pursue an artistic passion or

performance participation and coursework –

discover a new one.

such as Music Theory, Technical Theater, or

King’s Performing Arts Program develops self-

Public Speaking – so by the time they graduate,

confidence and creativity. In Lower School, early exploration of music and movement ties into core study and culminates with a Grade 5

all students will have significant experience with the Performing Arts. King’s stunning Performing Arts Center is an enviable setting

musical theater production; additionally,

for these creative pursuits.

LS students have the opportunity to participate

Our Visual Arts Program is designed to help

in the King Children’s Orchestra and the King

young people view the world through the eyes

Children’s Choir. By Middle School, all students

of an artist and tap into their own creativity. All

develop musicianship skills with units on music

projects emphasize process as much as product,

theory, composition, singing, and dancing, and

which is why even our most tentative artists are 19

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, 20

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.

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.

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Vikings!

we are ALL

K

ing’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 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 Sports Baseball Basketball Cross Country Field Hockey Football Golf Lacrosse

Ice Hockey Soccer Softball Squash Tennis Volleyball

Individual offerings Skiing Crew Snowboarding Equestrian Swimming Fencing Sailing 25

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AT KING, there are 700 paths MORE THAN

to

SUCCESS 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.

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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

Across all divisions, King’s

manipulatives to help a child better

curriculum challenges the intellect

understand spatial reasoning; a

and promotes communication and

conversation over lunch and sticky

problem solving skills; an awareness

notes empowers the reluctant writer

of the complexities of our ever-

to organize a term paper; the Middle

changing world; and an appreciation

School musician is encouraged

of and responsibility for others.

to portray the periodic table as a

We believe that to teach our students

symphony. By blending knowledge

to be flexible in changing times, we

of each student with current

need to be nimble, too, and we are

research in innovative instruction,

always evaluating and responding

King provides a truly personalized

to the latest educational research

approach to education.

within a traditional curriculum.

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Some schools simply deliver course

areas, and this leads to new insights

material; at King, we make sure our

and a desire for more knowledge.

students really understand it. When

Our goal is for students to leave King

you internalize something, you can

not only prepared, but also inspired

make connections across content

for higher education.

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preparing the next generation

of digital natives.

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K

ing’s Computer Science and Digital

the library, music, and art. In Grades 3-5, we

Applications programs are growing rapidly.

introduce more advanced applications and

Students at all grade levels are exposed to

software, promoting sophisticated, complex,

the latest technologies and courses – coding,

and creative uses of digital and engineering

podcasting, animation, robotics, web design,

tools. In Middle School, as we expand our

mobile app development, and more. Our

course selection and build internet research

course offerings clearly demonstrate King’s

skills, we also ask our students to start thinking

commitment to innovation and progress; what

about their digital footprints – responsible use

is less obvious is our faculty’s concurrent

and the power of social media. By Upper School,

focus on what all this rapid change means to

opportunities abound, from AP Computer

education and how to ensure that our students

Programming to 3D Printing and state and

receive what they need – programmatically and

national engineering competitions.

personally – to succeed. This ties in directly with

As this fast-moving field continues to evolve

our overall strategic plan – prioritizing not only what we teach, but how we teach it.

and new technologies emerge, it is impossible to predict what the future holds, yet one thing

Our youngest students learn basic digital literacy

is certain: King, as in all we do, will keep pace

and skills with exposure to laptops, iPads, and

with change.

other computer equipment in their classroom, 33

favorite part

My of school is the nice people and good friends

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.

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... and sports and spelling.

B

lower school

eginning in our youngest grades,

Small classes, creative faculty, and a student-

King offers a warm and supportive place

centered philosophy combine to create unique

to learn. At the heart of the PreK-Grade 5

learning opportunities, lively discussions, and

Lower School is an interactive, experiential

cross-curricular connections. Centers and group

curriculum that builds on children’s natural

work are a key part of our Lower School model.

curiosity. They become scientists, writers, artists,

The majority of our project-based work is done

and mathematicians who explore, entertain,

here at school so we can see up close how our

question, and collaborate. At the same time,

students consolidate information and, most

our teachers are curious, too – coming to

importantly, so they feel ownership of a

understand how each child learns best and

job well done.

adjusting their approach to maximize each student’s experience.

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lower school

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

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.

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i believe in myself because

my teachers believe in me. middle school 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

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they are learning at King.

t 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.

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middle school

The world is becoming increasingly

With a strong Middle School Program and

interdisciplinary, collaborative, and connected

teachers to match, King students develop a

and at King we have designed our program

capacity for problem solving, critical thinking,

accordingly. Our teachers apply a hands-on

and a global view. Young people learn best when

methodology and personal interest approach

they are actively involved in their education and

to help students progress through complicated

the assessment of their work and behavior, and

course work and concepts, laying the

our student-led conferences provide a unique

groundwork for future learning at King

opportunity for self-advocacy and thoughtful

and beyond.

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.

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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 the of

opposite

a pressure

cooker?

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King is giving my child a rigorous education, but they’re doing it in a way that really

honors who he is.

upper school

K

ing’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 41

upper school 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.

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.

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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 43

we make sure you get into

the best college – FOR YOU.

T

he College Counseling Program at

We offer a Junior Class college tour, which

King prepares our students for a meaningful

takes place the first week of school and gives

college search experience that will help them

our students exposure to the many options that

identify institutions that best fit their aspirations,

await: urban, suburban, rural, small liberal arts

interests, academic strengths, and personalities.

colleges, large universities, state universities, Ivy

Almost 100 representatives from colleges

League (or Most Competitive Plus colleges), and

across the country visit King each year.

art or music schools.

In Grade 10, students are assigned to a college

Like everything else at King, the college

counselor who will see them through the

counseling process is student-centered, and

application process. The vertical model creates

part of why we start early is to allow for a holistic

a more cohesive experience, and is also more

approach. Our goal is helping you find the right

compatible with today’s college recruiting and

match, where you will be stimulated, valued,

search environment. Each counselor works with

and successful.

students to frame and plan their standardized testing, approach their search, focus their lists, submit applications, and make their decisions.

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Our college matriculation list may be found on our web site.

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Approved Remove tray and no cell phone.

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Knowledge Journey. for the

onward with KING 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.

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Our Mission King is dedicated to preparing its students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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

Design: CEH Design, Bethel, CT – www.cehdesign.com Text: Jennifer Gottlieb, Northampton, MA – www.jngcommunications.com

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.

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1450 Newfield Avenue | Stamford, CT 06905 | (203) 322-3496 | www.klht.org

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