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.
Global Education
Discovering a World of Learning
The flags of nearly 80 different countries are displayed throughout the King School campus. These flags represent our community’s many nationalities and underline our commitment to global education.
At King, we prepare students to become responsible global citizens. Our Global Education program provides them with the mindset, skills, and resources they need to engage actively and positively in the global community. Through an expansive and interdisciplinary PreK-12 curriculum, we strive to develop students' understanding of the world and their role in addressing ethical, cultural, socio-economic, political, scientific, ethnic, religious, and environmental issues.
Nurturing Global Competencies
Global Education programming is integrated into our school’s identity and equips our learners with the global competencies they will need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
In addition to developing essential hard skills like research, public speaking, media literacy, language proficiency, writing, and digital technology, students acquire valuable soft skills such as listening, flexibility, curiosity, collaboration, critical thinking, and leadership.
Meaningful Connections Through Inquiry and Exploration
Our Global Education learning is rooted in inquiry and exploration. In the Lower School, students engage in culturally responsive teaching and project-based learning. For example, our Grade 2 students explore geometry through a global lens by studying how shapes found in art and architecture around the world convey meaning and reinforce cultural identity. Inspired by their research, students shared their own stories as they created models of homes, paper weaving, or mosaics.
In the Middle School, guiding questions about identity and perspectives prompt students to examine their place in the world. For example, in Grade 8 history courses, students represent countries from around the world in a Model United Nations simulation, together seeking solutions to some of the world’s most complex problems. They also partner with the Greenwich Japanese School to build community and celebrate cultural traditions.
In the Upper School, our Global Studies distinction scholars embark on an intensive interdisciplinary course of study, culminating in a multimedia portfolio project that showcases their understanding. For example, some Grades 11 and 12 students conduct feasibility studies on sustainable practices at King or build up exchange programs with partner schools. Global distinction scholars may share their research with peers at an assembly or work cross-divisionally to bring their capstone work to younger learners.
Global Education Beyond the Classroom
King students have numerous opportunities for global engagement empowering them to make choices, direct the course of their engagement, and pursue their interests. Our strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations foster deep connections for a meaningful student experience.
Our middle and upper school global travel programs are rooted in our curriculum and enable students to connect their lives to the world around them. Students become international performing artists at the Fringe Festival in Scotland, engage with scientists at the CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Switzerland, experience classes and school life in Japan through an exchange with our partner school, or connect with culture and the environment as they also work with Orphaned Starfish Foundation in Costa Rica.
Shaping the Future Through Global Education
With more than 10 partner schools/organizations, ongoing professional development, and our involvement in global networks such as the Global Educator Benchmark Group, Global Citizens Initiative, and Independent Schools Experiential Education Network, we are actively shaping the future of global education.
At King School, we are committed to fostering a global mindset and preparing our students to make a positive impact on the world. We continue to create unparalleled opportunities for exchange and community engagement. We believe that together, we can empower the next generation of global leaders.
King Journeys
We invite you to explore the elements of a King School Global Education below:
- Certificate of Distinction in Global Studies
- Exchange Programs Abroad and at King
- Leadership Opportunities
- Interdisciplinary Learning
- Global Citizen's Initiative
- Global Events
- World Languages
- Global Education Benchmark Group
Certificate of Distinction in Global Studies
Exchange Programs Abroad and at King
Leadership Opportunities
Interdisciplinary Learning
Global Citizen's Initiative
Global Events
World Languages
Global Education Benchmark Group
Global Education in Action
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.
King School hosted a tent at the India Cultural Center's (ICC) HoliFest 2023. More than ten King families attended Holi, a Hindu festival welcoming spring and celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Gorgeous pastels saturated Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich on Saturday, May 6, as crowds turned out to commemorate the Hindu festival by throwing colored powders into the air.