Act Differently
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Welcome to the Middle School
Endless Self-Discovery
Students are told from a young age they need to focus their interests. By the time they reach adolescence -- precisely the time when they should be broadening their passions and talents -- they are instead becoming specialists.
Our children deserve schools that encourage self-discovery and build their confidence in exploring more things -- not picking one thing. King School sets a better standard by cultivating a student-centered environment in a private school where children thrive because they can become “both/and”: a rower and a robot-maker, a designer and a defenseman, a chemist and a choreographer.
A Better Standard for Middle School
When adolescents can delve into an expansive range of interests and topics, they are more likely to discover the multitude of their talents and passions, as well as identify opportunities for growth. Students who feel supported in keeping open minds ask, “What’s next?” and “Why not?” as they look to their futures. As a private middle school in Stamford, CT, King promotes this self-exploration and self-awareness, encouraging students to discover their academic, artistic, and athletic talents in ways that foster balance, growth, and overall wellness.
Learn more about Middle School: Grades 6-8
Together We Learn More
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“I’ve learned that anyone can make a difference, whether packing a lunch for someone, helping kids with homework, or running a 5K in support of other children.”
— Finleigh B., Middle School student
“I had to give a speech when I ran for student council. Having that extra confidence boost from being able to perform on stage was really helpful.”
— Gouri K., Middle School student
Meet our Community
Middle School in Action
Middle School students applied their creativity and resilience to maintain focus and learn in innovative ways during these unprecedented times. After almost a year of living in a "new normal," students from grades 6, 7, and 8 share their wisdom. "Be as respectful and kind as possible during times like these because we never know how deeply someone is hurting," said Siena Gambino '27.
"I think it is really interesting that we are learning about different people who were heroes before, during, and after the civil rights movement," states Middle School Co-President Anya Anderson '25. "We are trying to learn more about people who may not have been better known so that we can show greater respect for them," she adds.
Grade 6 student Alicia Leng and grade 8 student Olivia Asnes love to sing, but they also enjoy that choir includes non-singing activities. We also "learn how to read notes, find out if you are singing the correct pitch, and learn how music can impact the world," says Olivia.
A group of dedicated Upper School students joined Middle School students during their morning advisory time to share the civil rights activity created by the Upper School's human rights cohort.
Paddle tennis, basketball, field hockey, soccer, beach volleyball, creative movement, and more! Grade 7 student Jackson Dooley feels "the differentiation has been the best. There are so many sessions, that our choices and variety allow us to try new things and to still be with our classmates. It's great to still have Athletics during such difficult times."
Phoebe Lewis describes what she loves most about the King School Grade 6 history program as "learning so many new and exciting things about our world's past. Our class has open discussions and we work on fun projects with groups that make us understand the material in a better way. From our identity projects to being educated more about Africa, it was interesting and informative. We read about personal stories regarding immigrants to various countries and this allowed us to understand our lessons in an informative and meaningful way."
In preparation for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Middle School combined academic and advisory programming that explored issues of social justice and civil rights. Encouraging different perspectives, students debated Dr. King's impact on society during his lifetime and beyond.
Elizabeth Abbott '26 enthusiastically describes the joy of playing violin, sharing, "I love that we get to play during COVID times, and that I get to play an instrument I love, and have a passion for. Playing the violin is meaningful to me. The most challenging thing that I have learned when playing my violin is The Pirates of the Caribbean. It was both challenging and rewarding when it came together. What I look forward to learning in this program is how to play harder songs where we have to change strings faster, and especially for 8th and 16th notes."
Congratulations to the 42 seniors who have been accepted and have already committed to attend their first choice college or university!