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 our Private Stamford 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
Grade 8 students at King School role-played as delegates to a United Nations Committee and debated global issues with one another as part of a Model UN simulation in their History class. Under the guidance of Middle School faculty Kenneth Lewis, the activity marked the end of a yearlong study of American foreign policy and the role that the United States plays in the world today.
Middle School students celebrated their perseverance through an unprecedented school year at Middle School Prize Day and the Grade 8 Moving Up Ceremony. "Middle School is a time of growth and change, and neither is easy. To grow, you must stretch and contort and push yourself to new heights," said Head of Middle School Josh Deitch. "Never be afraid to follow your heart. All of us here are so proud of you. We are all behind you. Wherever you go, know that you have a home and a family here in the Middle School," he said.
Middle School students rehearsed for six weeks to prepare for an exciting three-day Broadway performance aptly named The Show Must Go On! Despite the many challenges that the students faced this year with social distancing measures still in place, these young performers were able to create a virtual experience to bring the musicals to life. The show featured a combination of live solo, duet and trio performances accompanied by prerecorded full-cast and small group acts.
Grade 6 celebrated the 51st anniversary of Earth Day this year with an academic module titled, Restore our Earth. The curriculum included the history of Earth Day, which was first celebrated in 1970 in response to a massive oil spill off the coast of California. The students learned that the day has since been celebrated annually to raise awareness of environmental issues and to support environmental protections.
Grade 8 students at King School are determined to prepare for Upper School next year. Due to social distancing guidelines, the school pivoted from its annual Shadow Day activities where middle school students are paired with upper school students to experience a day-in-the-life of the Upper School. Alternatively, middle school and upper school staff teamed up to coordinate a visit for upper school students to speak with middle school advisories about the moving up experience.
As part of the STEM Boat Competition, Grade 6 students carefully eased their boats into a container of water to see if their work would sink or float. Students were challenged to design and engineer a boat that is less dense than water at room temperature to ensure that it is buoyant. They aimed to keep their cost and materials low because the boat with the lowest density wins!
King hosted its sixth annual El Sistema Residency, in which talented musicians from King's Middle and Upper Schools collaborated in intensive music workshops with visiting students of various El Sistema USA programs, including Stamford's own Project Music.
The residency's overarching focus is to inspire a deeper connection between communities of different socioeconomic backgrounds by using music as a vehicle to give voice to diverse cultural identities and amplify lived experiences.
In celebration of Women's History Month, middle school advisories organized an appreciation for women by acknowledging the wonderful contributions made by women at King School. The advisors identified a woman at King, referred to as a celebrant, that they would like to get to know better and prepared questions for an interview with her. Information about the celebrant is then featured on a dedicated bulletin board.
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.