School News

On September 5, Segalas Family Field buzzed with excitement as students, faculty, and staff gathered to ring in the new academic year. The ceremony, rich with tradition, celebrated the promise of fresh beginnings and the importance of making meaningful connections.

King Athletics is pleased to welcome Stefan Driehuizen, Mary Jean “MJ” McNamara, and Mike Trimboli. Each individual brings a wealth of experience with them and will be a valuable addition to the King community.

Beautiful weather set the stage for a joyful start to the 2024-25 academic year at King School as students, faculty, and staff reunited for a year focused on learning, growth, and forging connections. Head of School Carol Maoz and Division Heads provided insight into this year’s theme, “Making Connections,” during opening assemblies. The theme echoed throughout the week as students bonded with old and new friends in classrooms, on athletic fields, and during lunch gatherings.

The fall Vikings athletic season is off to a strong start, with athletes returning early for preseason training. Teams, including volleyball, football, soccer, field hockey, crew, and cross country, have shown impressive dedication, teamwork, and progress, setting the stage for a promising year. Highlights include notable preseason wins and solid team-building efforts. The annual Women of Will program empowered female athletes, and the Fall Athlete Celebration and family cookout helped foster connections within the King community. 

The lower school courtyard was filled with a sense of belonging and pride as over 120 members of the King School community came together for the second annual Families of Students of Color BBQ. The lively event fostered a sense of connection and inclusion, underscoring King’s commitment to building a strong sense of belonging for all families. Families enjoyed food, music, games, and socializing throughout the beautiful evening prior to the start of school.

King’s commitment to Global Education extends beyond the classroom. Yearly travel opportunities enrich middle and upper school students' knowledge and broaden their worldview. This summer, international experiences brought rising ninth graders to Costa Rica, where they immersed themselves in the local culture and environment and participated in service-learning activities supporting the Orphaned Starfish Foundation. Upper school students embraced art, history, and culture on the Global Art traversing across multiple European cities.

Students in King School clubs have remained connected this summer through projects supporting their communities. Members of the Health and Wellness Club and JFS Club recently ran activity stations at local events supporting the Bennett Cancer Center and Jewish Family Services. Meanwhile, The Frog Project focused on assembling new vivariums for their growing population of endangered red-banded dart frogs and creating a large 90-gallon vivarium for Jenkinson's Aquarium to help educate the public on the species.

King thespians are shining bright this summer after securing spots at prestigious theater programs. Earlier in the year, Bella Kolenberg ’25, Zach Louizos ’25, and Hathaway Liparidis ’26 worked with performing arts teachers to prepare audition materials including monologues and songs, leading to Zach's acceptance into the University of Michigan’s Musical Theater Workshop and Bella and Hathaway's acceptance into Broadway Evolved. Additionally, Zach performed alongside other King students and faculty in "Fiddler on the Roof" at Curtain Call’s Kweskin Theater in June.

During King's Summer Institute programs, students honed their skills, explored new subjects, and, as importantly, had lots of fun. The program offered a dynamic learning experience for students of all ages. Fun Camp immersed Kindergarten to Grade 5 students in a world of creativity, physical challenges, and exploration through STEAM-based activities and engaging field trips. Students in middle and high school explored their passions and accelerated their academic journeys with specialized courses in mathematics, global studies, and beyond.

Amid the applause of proud families, faculty, and staff, Grade 8 students celebrated the conclusion of middle school and the commencement of their high school journey at the Grade 8 Moving Up Ceremony on June 7.

The Lower School Moving Up Ceremony at King School celebrated the students' achievements and honored the Grade 5 Vikings' transition to Middle School. School leaders acknowledged the graduating class's dedication and accomplishments while praising the students' curiosity, collaboration, and willingness to learn. As the Grade 5 Vikings moved up, they reflected on the solid foundation they received at King and the supportive community they will carry with them.

At the annual Middle School Prize Day ceremony on June 6, students were celebrated for their impressive achievements across the division. Students received awards for significant academic growth, exceptional athletic performance, exemplary conduct, and leadership. The final Class Prizes were awarded to one student in each grade who best represented the school's core values.

33 Vikings were named All-League and All-New England this spring, including one Player-of-the-Year and one All-American! Please join us in congratulating these outstanding student-athletes for their tremendous accomplishments this spring! We also congratulate Varsity Squash Program Director Katline Cauwels who will be named the 2024 United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) National Coach of the Year!