Upper School

The King Debate Team secured a resounding victory at the January 2025 Connecticut Debate Association (CDA) tournament on January 11. Ryan Jakubowski ’26 and Steven Blanco ’26 were crowned champions, marking a significant milestone in their two-year journey of steady advancement in competitive debate. So far, eight King debaters have qualified for the state finals, and with two more qualifying tournaments ahead, the team is optimistic that even more students will secure their spots at the state level.

French 300 Honors students recently completed the immersive unit “Chez soi,” or “at home,” exploring the francophone world’s rich cultural and architectural diversity. Through research and creative projects, students compared housing styles from mud-brick homes in Mali to island-inspired designs in Martinique, delving into the cultural significance of historic French castles. The unit sharpened their language skills and deepened their understanding of how environments shape lifestyles, offering a unique perspective on the global diversity within the French-speaking world.

Energy and curiosity filled the Upper School Library Learning Commons on Thursday, December 5, as King School hosted its Upper School Program Night. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of parents and students eager to uncover the exceptional opportunities that await at King’s Upper School.

Attendees were immersed in a variety of unique offerings, engaging directly with current students and faculty to explore programs designed to help upper school students pursue their passions. 

ASPIRE students excelled at the International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE) in Washington, D.C., where they showcased innovative projects and networked with global researchers. Parker Hayashi '25 won top awards for his algorithmic device that predicts the occurrence of lung cancer in humans, while Dillon Maltese '26 was awarded for his voice-controlled robotic surgical assistant. Other students gained professional insights sowing the seeds for potential mentor and internship opportunities, reinforcing the ASPIRE program’s role in fostering future STEM leaders. Supported by King School’s Advanced Mathematics and Science Study Program fund, the program continues to prepare students for success in global scientific research.

King School students are diving headfirst into the business and finance world, managing a $10,000 investment portfolio and learning entrepreneurial strategies through the school’s Business, Investment, and Women in Business Clubs. These student-driven initiatives blend classroom learning with real-world challenges, preparing young leaders for future success in entrepreneurship and finance.

King students brought the opulent world of 1920s Long Island to life with a vibrant production of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” blending drama, glamor, and the sparkling decadence of the Jazz Age. The school’s largest-ever production of 31 performers, 11 musicians, and a dedicated crew brought Fitzgerald’s iconic characters and timeless themes of ambition, love, and betrayal to life. Through compelling performances, students deepened their understanding of the novel’s rich, layered story, connecting classroom learning with the dazzling world of Gatsby’s lavish parties and tragic longing.

Sixteen King School students recently showcased their diplomatic skills at the 2024 Brown University Simulation of the United Nations (BUSUN). Tackling topics such as AI ethics, human rights, and global arms trafficking, King’s delegates immersed themselves in the high-stakes environment. Repeating her success from last year’s event, Senior Kate Persily earned the prestigious Best Delegate award for her portrayal of Jackie Kennedy in a reenactment of Greece’s 1973 student uprising. Congratulations to Kate and all who participated in this rigorous event.

Six upper school students enjoyed an insightful and empowering experience at the 2024 Girls Advancing in STEM (GAINS) conference. The event, held at Carnegie Mellon University, provided students with hands-on exposure to a variety of STEM fields through exclusive campus tours, insightful panel discussions with professors and graduate students, and visits to innovative facilities like the Duolingo headquarters and the Allegheny Observatory. Students also had the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and fellow aspiring scientists, strengthening their passion for STEM and expanding their understanding of potential future careers.