Upper School
The Power of Possibility
At King, our students bring a unique blend of interests and talents to the educational experience. No two journeys are the same. Our schedule allows the flexibility for students to pursue passions and explore new interests. King students have access to a wide range of offerings that allow them customize their studies while deepening their identities as scholars.
King offers a four-year college counseling program. Starting in Grade 9, students are paired with an experienced counselor who guides the college preparatory journey. Students work with their counselors, teachers, and families to shape their curricular and co-curricular strategies, prepare for standardized tests, identify the right list of colleges, complete applications and make the right selection.
King's Upper School emphasizes self-knowledge, expansive learning, and courageous thinking — the very qualities that lead to happy and healthy lives filled with possibility.
Inquiry-based learning can be found throughout the Upper School.
The Advanced Science Program for Independent Research and Engineering (ASPIRE) places students in internships at the most prestigious labs in the country. Our Leadership program provides students with opportunities to interact with school administrators to make improvements to the King community. We have ongoing assessment and instruction meetings for faculty in which we focus on teaching practices and student assessments that bolster our inquiry-based approach in real time. The Upper School is rich with clubs, including the Math Team, Model UN, and the Odyssey of the Mind, all of which emphasize inquiry and research. Our interdisciplinary electives further extend the possibilities available to our students.
Everything in the inquiry-based approach to learning in the King Upper School cultivates curiosity and fosters self-discovery.
At King, we emphasize that an excellent education takes students where they want to go. We also believe that courage and compassion are essential components in the search for purpose, a key element of a King education. Our students support one another as they begin to bring their ambitions into sharper focus and work to achieve their goals, cheered on by the whole community.Marnie Sadlowsky, Head of Upper School
Learn More
Upper School in Action
Senior Project Presentations marked the culmination of a month-long period of independent study for the Class of 2025. The final assignment tasked each student with stepping away from traditional classes to pursue self-designed projects that reflected their passions, curiosity, and long-term goals. The final showcase highlighted a wide range of topics, from physical fitness and culinary exploration to artistic creation and historical research, demonstrating the senior class's wide range of interests and readiness to take on future challenges.
Seven King School seniors became the first graduating class to earn the new Performing Arts Distinction, a specialized diploma track that honors four years of focused training, creative exploration, and a deep commitment to music and theater. The program showcases student-led capstone projects that highlight each artist’s unique voice, while also preparing those pursuing college-level performing arts. Faculty praise the distinction for fostering both creative and personal growth, calling it a transformative experience on and off the stage.
Alumni, current, and former faculty and staff gathered under the North Field Tent this week to celebrate the retirement of three beloved faculty members — Dr. Gilles Chosson, Christos Galanopoulos, and Dr. Tom Zoubek — whose combined 68 years of service have left a profound mark on the school. The event included heartfelt and humorous tributes, recognizing the trio's remarkable leadership, innovative programs, and lasting impact on students' lives. From spearheading the Global Education program and shaping academic departments to inspiring students in classrooms and on stage, each educator was honored for a legacy defined by passion, scholarship, and mentorship. Their influence will continue to echo throughout the King community for generations to come.
King School celebrated the graduation of 97 seniors at its 2025 Commencement, honoring their academic achievement, personal growth, and leadership. The ceremony highlighted the class’s resilience, community spirit, and thoughtful engagement with the world. Speakers reflected on themes of connection, intention, and purpose, encouraging graduates to lead with empathy, curiosity, and courage as they begin their next chapter.
King took center stage at the 2025 High School Halo Awards, earning 15 nominations and bringing home two major wins. Held at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, the statewide celebration honored student excellence in acting, singing, and technical theater. Among the highlights: Zach Louizos ’25 won Best Leading Male Role in a Classical Musical for his portrayal of Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables,” and Anaiya Shah ’27 was named Best Chorus Member for her standout ensemble work. The evening also featured a fabulous performance by seniors Isabella Kolenberg, Maria Sharavarnyk, and Zach, who performed to a packed and enthusiastic audience. King’s presence at the Halo Awards was a celebration of the school’s thriving Performing Arts program and its commitment to creative expression, collaboration, and excellence.
Just days before graduation, the King School community gathered to celebrate Upper School Prize Day. With energy, pride, and well-earned applause, students were recognized for their exceptional achievements in academics, athletics, arts, leadership, and service. From academic prizes and community leadership awards to music, math, and global studies honors, the event spotlighted the values that define King: intellectual curiosity, integrity, and commitment to others. As seniors prepare to take their next steps, Prize Day offers a joyful reflection on the impact and accomplishments of a remarkable group of students.
Advanced Art 2 students turned the upper school mezzanine into a gallery of social impact. Their exhibition, “Illuminating the Unsung: A Visual and Reflective Tribute,” showcases mixed-media tributes to overlooked changemakers from history, each piece the result of deep research, reflection, and creative risk-taking. Inspired by a national fellowship awarded to teacher Corina Alvarezdelugo, the unit fused art and advocacy, inviting students to use visual storytelling as a tool for justice, empathy, and personal growth.
In honor of National Nurses Month, King students and parents are joining forces to support healthcare workers and those impacted by cancer through service, creativity, and community connection. From decorating care packages to crafting pinwheels for Stamford Hospital’s Hope in Motion Walk, King Cares and the Health and Wellness Club are making a heartfelt impact close to home.
Jaipal Dohil ’25 has earned one of the nation’s most prestigious academic honors: a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship. From over 1.3 million applicants, Jaipal’s achievement highlights his academic excellence and the personal drive, integrity, and community spirit that have defined his 12-year journey at King.