Welcome to King School's Upper School, where your journey of possibility begins.

The start of high school marks a pivotal moment in students’ academic and future success. At King, we recognize the significance of these formative years and strive to create an environment that nurtures personal growth, academic excellence, and holistic development. 

Our commitment to students extends beyond the classroom, emphasizing a team approach to ease the transition from middle school, a diverse array of offerings to nurture and develop passions, a comprehensive four-year college counseling program, and an unwavering focus on developing skills, academic prowess, and overall wellness. 

At King, we believe in empowering students to thrive and succeed in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education and beyond.

Cultivate Inquiry and Exploration

King uses an inquiry-based approach to learning that leverages student curiosity. We encourage students to identify problems, ask complex questions, and seek solutions. In this process, students engage at the deepest level, draw from multiple disciplines, develop a range of skills, and establish a depth of knowledge. This process yields increased academic learning and student engagement.

With inquiry-based learning, our students apply 21st-century learning skills to their everyday classwork. They enhance their collaboration, communication, creativity, and digital literacy skills as they explore solutions to real-world problems.

There are endless possibilities to pursue passions and interests in the  Upper School.

Graduate With a Certificate of Distinction

The Upper School offers Certificates of Distinction to students who elect to complete additional requirements in particular areas of study beyond the broader graduation requirements. In an analogy to undergraduate study, the minimum graduation requirements comprise a sort of “major” in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, but the requirements for each Certificate of Distinction comprise an additional, focused “minor.”

Certificates of Distinction are entirely elective. They are only appropriate for students who prefer digging deeply into a focused area of study rather than continuing to explore broadly across the curriculum. 

The result is a wealth of knowledge, enhanced confidence, and refined skills, preparing students for the next stage of their academic journey and the broader world.

Distinctions are offered in Art and Design, Global Studies, Leadership, Performing Arts, STEM, and World Languages

At King, each student possesses a unique set of interests and questions about the world. For Wafa Nomani ’21, it was a desire to understand the medications her grandparents were taking. Bryce Heaton ’23 sought to deconstruct the essence of leadership. Luisa Simon ’23 was curious about the functionality of wind turbines, and Alexandra Oxenstierna ’23 wondered if art could serve as a tool to overcome obstacles. 

King has helped me pursue and explore new passions in numerous ways. Pursuing the global studies distinction, I did a research capstone project junior year that piqued my interest in the study of the world. With the competitive yet inclusive spirit of King athletics, I was able to compete in field hockey games and tournaments alongside close friends. King's wide variety of opportunities has allowed me to explore and find new interests in order to develop both academically and athletically.

Elizabeth ’23 of Greenwich, CT

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