Middle School

From life-saving medical research to futuristic engineering prototypes, King School’s Research and Innovation Night spotlighted the bold curiosity and real-world impact of student work. Projects ranged from AI-powered cancer prediction tools to carbon nanotube water filters, all developed by students through the ASPIRE program and Innovation Lab. The evening offered a hands-on look at how inquiry-based learning and student-driven exploration are fueling breakthrough ideas — and preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and changemakers.

More than 180 students took center stage during King’s tenth annual El Sistema Residency, a weekend that blended creativity, collaboration, and musical discovery. Over the course of just a weekend, they worked side-by-side with professional musicians and guest artist Pete Francis P’31 to compose original music, experiment with improvisation, and explore new forms of self-expression. From spontaneous solos to group compositions, the residency offered students a chance to lead, connect, and grow — showcasing the power of music to build connection, confidence, and joy.

Middle school students took charge at this week’s student-led spring conferences, sharing their academic growth and goals with parents and advisors. To prepare, students reflected on their progress over the past three weeks, detailing strengths and areas for improvement in slide presentations. With a focus on executive function skills, such as time management and study strategies, they shared goals for continued growth. The experience was a growing opportunity and many shared feelings of empowerment and pride in their educational journey.

Students netted valuable team points in two recent challenges as the Founders’ Cup continues to build excitement in the Middle School. Players tested their knowledge on February 26, as they answered questions about world capitals, landforms, country borders, and cultural geography in a Geography Bee. Collaboration and teamwork were key to success the following day during a lively Puzzle Relay that tasked student groups with completing intricate puzzles piece by piece. As anticipation grows for the grand finale on Field Day, school spirit and camaraderie remain at the heart of the competition while students work toward a chance to raise the coveted trophy under their team's banner.

Throughout Black History Month, students from all divisions came together to celebrate Black culture and excellence through a variety of engaging events. The month-long celebration highlighted the significance of community, empowerment, and cultural appreciation while creating an opportunity for important discussions on the complexities of identity and heritage within the Black community. Black changemakers were recognized through lively trivia games and research presentations. The culminating event, an upbeat presentation from Step Afrika!, provided a nuanced insight into the African American stepping art form that encouraged participation from all students, making it a truly inclusive and memorable celebration.

Step into a world where learning leaps off the page and into action! At King, students bring learning to life. Whether it’s kindergarten students mastering language through word games, Grade 5 students turning their classrooms into interactive museums, middle school students partnering with architects to design real models, or upper school students debating the impact of AI, hands-on learning is at the heart of every lesson. This winter photo tour captures the magic of hands-on learning at King, where curiosity sparks creativity, and every lesson is an adventure!

History came to life for middle and upper school students through immersive experiences that deepened their understanding of the experience of Jews and Gentiles during the Holocaust.

In the Upper School, the Jewish Students Affinity Group (JSAG) hosted a presentation and a Q&A session with art teacher Ran LaPolla and her mother, Willy van Koten, whose family risked their lives to hide Jewish families during the Holocaust. Middle school advisory groups used the artificial intelligence program ChatGPT to hold virtual conversations with AI-generated characters depicting youth in Nazi-occupied Poland.

Both discussions highlighted resilience, moral courage, compassion, and the importance of standing against injustice.

The annual Grade 8 cultural exchange program between King School and the Greenwich Japanese School (GJS) continues to build connections and global understanding. Following King students' visit to GJS in December, this year’s program concluded on Thursday, January 9, with King students welcoming their GJS peers for a full day of events and activities. The exchange provides real-world insights into global citizenship, leaving students and educators inspired by the connections forged across cultural boundaries.

This year’s first-semester R.E.A.D.Y. Projects highlighted the diverse interests of Grade 8 students, featuring topics ranging from ancient architecture, the unique theremin instrument, curly hairstyles throughout history, and more. Led by Computer Science and Digital Applications teacher Sue Laramie, the initiative encourages students to delve deeply into research and refine their project creation skills in two distinct phases. Students presented their findings to family and friends on December 6, showcasing creative outputs, including podcasts, models, and crafted products, and their commitment to thoughtful inquiry and craftsmanship.