Private Preschool-Grade 12 Education Near Westport, CT

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.

This year’s first-semester R.E.A.D.Y. Projects highlighted the diverse interests of Grade 8 students, featuring topics ranging from ancient architecture, the unique theremin instrument, curly hairstyles throughout history, and more. Led by Computer Science and Digital Applications teacher Sue Laramie, the initiative encourages students to delve deeply into research and refine their project creation skills in two distinct phases. Students presented their findings to family and friends on December 6, showcasing creative outputs, including podcasts, models, and crafted products, and their commitment to thoughtful inquiry and craftsmanship.

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.

This fall, lower and middle school students deepened their understanding of civic responsibilities through lessons on government and U.S. history, coinciding with the upcoming presidential election. Grade 1 learned about their rights and responsibilities, engaging with local leaders like Mayor Caroline Simmons. Grade 3 explored the executive branch and debated voting rights for children, while middle school students tackled current political issues, researching candidates and creating public service announcements. These activities emphasize the importance of informed citizenship and respectful dialogue, equipping students with critical thinking and communication skills vital for participation in a democratic society.

Anaiya Shah ’27 is using her engineering talents to help fellow King School student Emma Lange ’27 return to basketball after a foot injury. After learning that Emma’s commercial insole lacked proper support, Anaiya used her CAD and 3D design skills to craft a tailored solution in the Innovation Lab. Through the refinement of multiple prototypes, the final insert has Emma feeling balanced and ready for the upcoming season — a testament to King’s hands-on, inquiry-based learning.