Global Education

Upper school students took a look at democracy on a global level in October, unpacking the intricacies of electoral processes, governance, and sustainable development across diverse countries. Guided by Laura Bowe, King’s Director of Global Education, the Introduction to Global Studies class explored 2024 elections worldwide — examining fairness, transparency, and the impact of governance on citizens' lives. From studying electoral challenges in Venezuela to discussing AI's role in election security, students gained unique insights into how political frameworks shape communities. Guest speakers offered firsthand perspectives, helping students better understand the power and limits of democratic systems while gaining a fresh perspective on civic engagement prior to the U.S. presidential election.

King’s commitment to Global Education extends beyond the classroom. Yearly travel opportunities enrich middle and upper school students' knowledge and broaden their worldview. This summer, international experiences brought rising ninth graders to Costa Rica, where they immersed themselves in the local culture and environment and participated in service-learning activities supporting the Orphaned Starfish Foundation. Upper school students embraced art, history, and culture on the Global Art traversing across multiple European cities.

During King's Summer Institute programs, students honed their skills, explored new subjects, and, as importantly, had lots of fun. The program offered a dynamic learning experience for students of all ages. Fun Camp immersed Kindergarten to Grade 5 students in a world of creativity, physical challenges, and exploration through STEAM-based activities and engaging field trips. Students in middle and high school explored their passions and accelerated their academic journeys with specialized courses in mathematics, global studies, and beyond.

Continuing an annual tradition, Grade 8 students welcomed peers from The Greenwich Japanese School on Wednesday, January 10, as part of their Cultural Exchange Program. The meeting marked a decade of exchanges and provided a valuable opportunity for students to examine the similarities and differences between the two communities.

Members of the King School community and the Global Citizens Initiative (GCI) celebrated the organizations' long-standing partnership, during a special event on Wednesday, November 8. King was formally recognized as one of GCI's select partner schools during the celebration where faculty, students, and alumni spoke of the program's impact on fostering deep connections and a sense of global citizenship. The partnership reflects both organizations' commitment to developing global leaders and creating a meaningful global education experience.

Thank you to King upper school students Spencer Neckritz ’24, Grant Dietz ’24, Chase Phillips ’24, Rafe Reinstein ’24, Varun Bennabattula '26, AJ Mahadeva ’26, Kyle Kipnes ’24, and Nathan Trepanier ’24 for their insightful King Talk on Wednesday, October 4. The students spoke about their experience abroad this summer during the Global Education program’s Sustainability in Japan trip.

Students and chaperones Tom Castonguay, Karen Raidt, and Dr. Peter Yu are enjoying medieval villages, picturesque landscapes, and awe-inspiring scientific wonders in Switzerland and France during one of this year's study abroad opportunities.

King School’s Grade 8 played the role of delegates facing a United Nations Committee in an activity that marked the end of a yearlong study of American foreign policy and the United States’ role in the world today. Under the guidance of history teacher Kenneth Lewis, students debated global issues with one another as part of a Model U.N. simulation in their history class in mid-May.