v i e w b ook
KingswoodOxford
your life. your world.
Mission Statement Kingswood Oxford inspires students to excel and to lead lives of integrity and involvement by nourishing their talents in a community of teachers, friends and families.
VISION The educational program of Kingswood Oxford School will become the pre-eminent program in the region and will serve as an example and guide for best practices of 21st century education, both in the Greater Hartford area and nationally. Our overarching goal is to empower young people to achieve success in college and in their lives while instilling in them the moral, ethical and intellectual insights that allow them to become constructive and impactful leaders of their communities. The educational program is
Core Values Demonstrate honesty, integrity and respect Learn with passion and perseverance Embrace intellectual curiosity Care beyond self Take personal responsibility Work hard, take risks, become involved
recognized to be much more than academics and includes the overall school experience, encompassing curriculum and teaching relevant to the 21st century; a parent-studentschool partnership; extracurricular and athletic opportunities, which provide collaborative and leadership experiences; and exposure to the global environment. The product of the School’s program will be self-confident graduates equipped to succeed in life in the 21st century.
Motto “Vincit qui se vincit” “One conquers by conquering oneself”
welcome At Kingswood Oxford School (KO), we provide a multifaceted education that actively prepares students to be global thinkers, communicators and leaders ready for the challenges, complexities and opportunities of the 21st century. At the heart of our vigorous academic program are excellent teachers, coaches and advisors who challenge and motivate students to excel and to master the content and skills necessary for college and far beyond. As an independent day school, we foster a strong partnership among faculty, parents and students, which nurtures intellectually curious, independent thinkers and lifelong learners. Our graduates are prepared to act, to contribute and to advocate for themselves and others as they become the next generation of ethical citizens and leaders in a constantly evolving world.
Dennis Bisgaard Head of School
Honoring the Past Kingswood Oxford School, located in West Hartford, Conn., is a coeducational, college preparatory day school serving students in grades 6-12. It was formed by the merger in 1969 of two long-standing day schools: Oxford School for girls (1909) and
Kingswood School for boys (1916). Founders Mary Martin and George Nicholson sought to provide their students with the advantages of a rigorous independent school education while allowing them the benefits of family life.
Shaping the Future The new Chase · Tallwood Science Math Technology Center that opened in 2009 represents KO’s commitment to the essential disciplines of science, math and technology within the context of a 21st century liberal arts education.
“I have come to realize that my ideas are important. Teachers encourage me every day to bring my ideas to the table.” Chibu Ndibe ’10
At KO, we pride ourselves on integrating a century-long tradition of excellence with ongoing program and facility enhancements. Our program constantly evolves to meet the needs of modern learners as we prepare students today for the challenges of tomorrow. To aptly prepare our students, we:
provide an environment that inspires Students and their parents choose KO because our expectations are high, academic achievement is universally valued and the relationship among students, teachers and advisors is unsurpassed. Among our students, it is cool to be smart, engaged and committed to a life of learning, service and achievement in an environment where their contributions are valued. The feeling of safety that is derived from knowing others and feeling known within our community of learners is essential. Here students can challenge assumptions, engage in class discussions, approach teachers for extra help or enrichment and participate in extracurricular activities that pique their interests.
surround students with remarkable faculty About 500 students from more than 50 towns in the Greater Hartford area have the benefit of learning from our talented teaching faculty. Forty-two out of 70 teachers have taught at KO for 10 years or more, with several bringing along their experience at other schools. The teachers care deeply about a KO education and are completely invested in the success of each child. In addition, several teachers at KO have also excelled in previous endeavors as lawyers, historians, actors, artists, writers and entrepreneurs. Fortunately, they have chosen to commit themselves to the lives of children and to apply their expertise in the classroom. In addition to teaching, the faculty also advise, coach, mentor a club and/or produce performances, allowing them to forge deeper relationships with our students.
offer a 21st century curriculum Active learning in a vigorous program provides our students with a broader understanding of what they have to offer themselves and their communities. We strive for constant curricular renewal as we consider the ever-evolving expectations our students will face in college and beyond. In recent years, new course offerings have included Astronomy, Music Technology, Forensic Science, American Law, Chinese, and Engineering and Robotics.
AT HOME IN THE WORLD play your part in a global family We live our mission as a day school by forming a unique partnership among faculty, parents and students. All of our students return home each night and our parents play an active role in the school community. Faculty members work closely and collaboratively with students and their parents with the common goal of helping each student realize his or her potential.
“We recognize that we live in an incredibly complicated world where the influence young people have on each other has increased exponentially, but young men and women need the advice and counsel of their parents.”
Students are carefully matched with a faculty advisor. Advisors
Harper Follansbee, Middle School English Teacher
encourage the exploration of new interests and aid in navigating obstacles should they arise.
global awareness
broaden your perspective
Our curriculum and extracurricular activities inspire students to forge connections with the Greater Hartford community and the world at large. Local community service initiatives, the efforts of Team Tobatí in Paraguay and the June Term program are just a few examples of the many opportunities students have to gain a global perspective while living the day-school experience. Our Signature Programs serve as a bridge, bringing the world to our students or our students to the world. From the annual Warren Baird English Symposium, which brings prominent authors to campus for an unparalleled experience of readings, master classes and question-and-answer sessions, to Team Tobatí, an extensive service project that has significantly improved the education and health care available to families
in the impoverished community of Tobatí, Paraguay, these programs allow our students to explore, to learn and to appreciate fresh viewpoints.
respect differences We also recognize that a 21st century learning environment should reflect today’s society. In a coed environment, students have the opportunity to exchange a broad range of viewpoints, to learn to appreciate varying leadership styles, values and lifestyles, and to develop the confidence to express their opinions among peers of both sexes. We are committed to providing our students with the skills they will need to collaborate with others, particularly those who have life experiences different from their own.
the academic journey take ownership of your success At KO, we realize that our graduates will be confronted with an array of challenges, including fast-paced technological innovations, expanding globalization and an explosion of digital information and media images. Our program navigates the expanse of a liberal arts education while encouraging academic exploration via a broad selection of electives, sports and extracurricular activities. Students are expected to master core subjects and to become increasingly responsible for their own learning.
The Harkness discussion method encourages active, student-driven learning by casting the teacher in the role of the observer while the class selects key topics to examine. Students prepare for Harkness discussions by mining the text for insights and evidence and then collaboratively manage the flow of the conversation so that everyone participates. Through the Harkness method, students learn how to listen effectively and how to build on the new ideas that arise from the intellectual synergy of the class.
learn 21st century skills
develop independence
Our curriculum grounds students in core content but asks them to apply essential skills, such as oral and written communication, collaboration, information and technology literacy, creativity, and self-advocacy, to increasingly sophisticated intellectual challenges. Teachers employ a variety of strategies to maximize the advantages of small class settings.
The curriculum begins with a solid preparation in reading, writing and computation. We teach our students to discuss, analyze, collaborate and communicate effectively so that they can navigate their academic journeys with increasing independence. They become proficient at developing strategies that take advantage of individual strengths and styles. Technology enhances traditional methods of teaching so that our students are superbly equipped with the skills necessary to advance with confidence.
“A singular strength of a KO education is our students honing effective thinking, speaking and writing skills across the curriculum through repeated practice, developing not only their own set of particular skills but also their own particular voice.” Ron Monroe, Director of the Upper School
critical thinking present ideas Students learn to be astute readers and accomplished writers. Reading widely and writing regularly ensure that students gain confidence in expressing themselves in clear and convincing terms, whether on paper or in group discussions. We foster in students the intellectual curiosity to consider what they have read, the intellectual power to evaluate and organize their ideas, and the courage to share those ideas. Our students are asked to present their ideas across all academic disciplines, from a research paper in history to an explication of a poem in Spanish to a lab report in science. They are pushed to find their “voice” and to develop an appreciation for the power of words.
solve problems Creating solutions to problems is an act of imagination and perseverance. The ability to apply new knowledge to different settings and situations becomes an integral part of a student’s education. Problem solving requires the analytical ability and the willingness to see beyond the literal. Students work with teachers and peers to construct new frames in approaching questions. We ask students to navigate challenges having no scripted solutions. Questions are shaped with only a glimpse of the possible outcomes and results. We expect our students to think beyond collections of rules, facts, formulas or habits of computation and guide them as they figure out for themselves why and how the world around them works.
the capstone experience finalize your plans for the future The junior and senior years at KO combine to form a critical element in the preparation of students for success in college and beyond. Students are expected to apply the skills and knowledge that they have acquired throughout their schooling, to advocate for themselves, to leverage the many available resources on campus and to display an ability to synthesize their ideas. Classroom conversations become increasingly sophisticated, and the level of involvement in the overall program increases.
master the power of words
lead with confidence The older students in the community are asked to assume leadership roles to mentor the younger Wyverns and set a positive example for their peers. Prefects and Seniors Advisors are assigned to freshman and Upper Prep (6th grade) advisee groups to aid their transition to the Upper and Middle School, respectively. Other opportunities to lead exist in the arts, athletics and other extracurricular programs.
think globally Students are strongly encouraged to engage in at least one of the many global offerings. Team TobatĂ, June Term, hosting an exchange student and distance learning with students in the Macchi School in Paraguay represent just a few of the opportunities available to broaden the students’ awareness of the world around them.
The Senior Thesis project represents the culmination of the long-range objectives of our writing program. It requires students to use all of their acquired skills in an independent research project. An assigned thesis advisor works with a small group of students to cover topic selection, methods of research and technical procedures while the student is pursuing his or her independent research and writing.
experience college level material Advanced Placement (AP) Exams measure what students have learned after participation in rigorous college-level courses. Qualifying AP Exam results are accepted by 90 percent of U.S. colleges and universities for credit, advanced placement or both. Research shows that students who score a 3 or higher typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to graduate in four years than those who do not participate.
find your match Professional college advising services for juniors and seniors are complemented by our collegiate athletic advisor, who works with students who aspire to play collegiate athletics.
Ninety-seven percent of our seniors in 2010 took at least one AP exam. Fifty-three percent of the KO seniors who took at least one AP were recognized by the College Board as AP Scholars, and 62 percent of the AP Scholars earned the higher honor of being named “AP Scholar with Distinction” or “AP Scholar with Honor” for their exemplary performance.
intellectual curiosity
artistic endeavors ignite your creative spark The arts involve students in the timeless study of human culture in tandem with an opportunity for contemporary self-expression. Our creative arts program provides an avenue for personal discovery and active exploration of culture and a means to facilitate ease in public presentation. From displaying artwork in our gallery to directing a stage production, we engage and challenge students to develop a strong creative initiative.
build a foundation Middle School students explore the creative arts through courses in media arts, music, theater and visual arts. The emphasis is on participation, process and problem solving. Sixth- and 7th-graders study a range of quarter-long courses during a rotating “arts block.� By 8th grade, course selections expand to include electives in film as well as painting, printmaking, sculpture and media arts. Music study includes chorus, concert and jazz bands, music technology and string ensemble.
choose your path Upper School visual arts students work in a variety of media and learn how to question the problem set before them and how to critique their work to identify what is working and what is not. Electives in this area include traditional and mixed media, sculpture, honors portfolio prep and AP Art History. Performing arts electives include acting, public speaking, playwriting and technical theater. Musical groups include a concert choir, advanced choral ensembles, a concert band, jazz ensembles and a string ensemble.
“Our facilities – a first-rate theater setup, creative arts studios, two fully equipped Mac computer labs – give us the physical capabilities to think big. Technology allows us to explore avenues for creative collaborative endeavor and to visibly investigate ideas.” Patricia Rosoff, Creative Arts Department Chair
creativity & self-expression compose in a digital era Our advanced technology offers access to high-tech arts disciplines, including video and audio design, digital photography and music technology. Several digital music composition courses are offered in our 11-workstation music technology lab, providing the opportunities for advanced students of music as well as for less experienced musicians who want to indulge their creative side.
Arts courses that utilize digital technology include Guitar Skills, Keyboard Skills, Music Technology, Composition and Music Production, Music for Media, Digital Video Production, Projects in Photography and Media Arts and Independent Studio Seminar, an advanced course that focuses on how one communicates ideas without specifying medium.
WIN THE WYVERN WAY strengthen your competitive spirit Our athletic program serves all skill levels. Offerings range from highly competitive interscholastic teams to intramural programs. Each season, our students participate in athletics or an approved alternative. They develop in sports they already know or try something new. Involvement in athletics teaches the importance of fitness and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. Through this experience, students learn life lessons including goal setting, preparation, resilience, sportsmanship and teamwork.
“What I love most about coaching is developing relationships with our students – watching them improve and gain confidence in themselves.” Garth Adams, Director of Athletics
team up for success Since 2000, our varsity boys’ and girls’ teams have won the “Wyvern Way” – a combined 22 New England or Western New England championship titles in their class or division and 53 top-eight rankings, which qualified them for New England championship postseason competition.
benefit from your teacher-coach Because our students are coached by our teachers, strong bonds that last long after graduation are created. The teachercoach model that characterizes Wyvern athletics connects the learning that occurs in the classroom with the learning that occurs in athletic venues. Teacher-coaches serve as role models, demonstrating their commitment to a sport that is rooted in their love and knowledge of the game and their desire to share that passion with each participant.
Upper School Athletics
Middle School Athletics Boys
Girls
Fall Cross Country Cross Country Football Field Hockey Soccer Soccer Winter Basketball Basketball Intramural Ice Hockey Intramural Ice Hockey Squash* Squash* Swimming & Diving Swimming & Diving Spring Baseball Lacrosse Lacrosse Softball Tennis* Tennis* Track & Field* Track & Field* *Forms 1 and 2 only
Boys
Girls
Fall Cross Country Cross Country Football Field Hockey Soccer Soccer Volleyball Winter Basketball Basketball Ice Hockey Ice Hockey Skiing (coed) Skiing (coed) Squash Squash Swimming & Diving Swimming & Diving Spring Baseball Golf Golf Lacrosse Lacrosse Softball Tennis Tennis Track & Field Track & Field Upper School approved alternatives to the athletic requirement with form and frequency restrictions include community service, dance, independent proposal, musicianship, robotics, sports team manager, tech crew, weight training and conditioning, and the winter musical production.
collaboration
A CULTURE OF involvement broaden your range of experiences Through participation, students develop a heightened sense of their own talents, develop leadership skills and engage in the community experience. KO is big enough to offer a broad range of extracurricular options yet small enough to facilitate easy access to those opportunities in an intensely personal and comfortable environment.
“Through careful scheduling, the School allows students to have access to all aspects of the KO community. Take, for example, any given Tuesday. I have a full school day, go to my varsity sport, then play rehearsal and then Forensic Union… all with no conflict.” Caroline Adams ’10
care beyond self Unique service-learning initiatives allow our students to partner with communities, local and afar. The current generation of students truly believes in its ability to enact change. These service programs nurture this optimism and prepare students to recognize the invaluable role they can play in improving the quality of life for others. Ask anyone in the KO community about Global Youth Service Day, the annual Team Tobatí experience in Paraguay or the pen pals in Tanzania project, and there is an immediate groundswell of pride. Through these programs and many other local, national and international service offerings, our students are empowered to effect change, no matter the distance.
“Kingswood Oxford’s philosophy and commitment to our community have inspired me to create my own community service project: Sam’s Race for a Place (which benefits the Ronald McDonald House). Kingswood Oxford has encouraged me to reach out to the community, and I feel I am a better person because of my involvement.” Samantha Udolf ’12
cross-cultural understanding co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities include: Middle School Acting for Video Cantabile (7th- & 8th-grade choir) Community Service Concert Band F2B (boys’ a cappella group) Forensic Science Jazz Band Mock Trial Octopipers (girls’ a cappella group) Public Speaking Robotics String Orchestra Student Government The Voice (literary magazine) Upper Prep Choraliers Wyvern Ambassadors (student hosts)
Upper School Community Service Concert Band Concert Choir Crimson 7 (boys’ a cappella group) Dance epic (literary magazine) Forensic Science Forensic Union (debate and public speaking) Gay Straight Alliance Global Awareness Organization Improvisation Workshop Jazz Ensemble KO News Math Club Model U.N.
Outlook (select choir) Oxfordians (girls’ a cappella group) Peer Mentors Peggotty Investment Club Retrospect (yearbook) Robotics Shield & Dragon (student hosts) Senior Advisors Senior Prefects String Orchestra Student Government Team Tobatí Tech Crew Theater Productions Voce Novissima (girls’ select choir) United Students
bound for college determine your place after ko A primary reason families choose KO is the professional college-advising process. The mission of the college advisors is to know each student and to partner with each family to navigate its unique college search and identify the finest institutions relative to academic and extracurricular interests.
leverage the ko difference College admission deans seek KO students because they engage in a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, including a powerful Advanced Placement program and the Senior Thesis. Representatives from 100 colleges and universities from the United States and abroad who visit KO annually cite academic readiness, self-awareness, leadership and broad extracurricular involvement as core attributes of our students. Our students confidently rise to high expectations and demonstrate proficiency with core 21st century skills.
contribute immediately Few graduates realize the true value of the KO experience until they spend a semester at college and, on average, earn a 3.0 GPA. More revealing than the statistics are the stories of their experiences. A recent graduate’s freshman year at Yale included a professor proclaiming that her paper set the standard for writing expectations in the class. Another graduate’s play was selected as a winner in a national playwrights’ festival while he was a freshman at Johns Hopkins.
partner with your college advisor The college-advising process indirectly begins when a student enrolls at KO. Together with his or her faculty advisors, the student builds an academic and extracurricular program that reflects breadth of interests and depth of commitment. The student carefully considers personal, educational and extracurricular interests, goals and passions. It is the collective responsibility of the college advisor and the family to consider the student’s abilities, accomplishments and contributions to the school community. This provides a mutual understanding that leads to a list of institutions that merit consideration. Annual events and programs presented by experts in the field include college fairs, a mock admission seminar, parent information breakfasts, financial aid and college nights, and an athletic recruiting seminar.
utilize technology Students employ the power of Naviance, a comprehensive Web-based system that allows students and their college advisors complete coordination of the process, including conducting preliminary research, identifying viable scholarship opportunities, developing a unique college list and submitting applications.
adaptability KO graduates, more than 80 percent of whom have been accepted to Barron’s “Most Competitive” and “Highly Competitive” schools in the past six years, report a high level of academic readiness and personal satisfaction with the schools they choose. Below is a sampling of schools that have admitted our students during the past six years: Amherst Bates Baylor Bentley Boston College Boston University Bowdoin Brown Bryn Mawr Bucknell Carnegie Mellon Colby Colgate Columbia Cornell Dartmouth Dickinson Duke
Elon Emory Fordham Franklin & Marshall Furman George Washington Georgetown Gettysburg Hamilton Harvard Haverford Holy Cross Johns Hopkins Kenyon Lafayette Lehigh Macalester Massachusetts College of Art
McGill Middlebury Mount Holyoke Muhlenberg New York University Northeastern Northwestern Notre Dame Oberlin Princeton Rice Skidmore Swarthmore Trinity Tufts Tulane Union U.S. Military Academy
University of Chicago University of Connecticut University of Michigan University of Pennsylvania University of Virginia Vanderbilt Vassar Villanova Wake Forest Washington and Lee Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley Wesleyan Williams Yale
Recent National Merit Recognition Class of 2010 3 Finalists, 1 Semifinalist, 8 Commended Students, 1 National Achievement Semifinalist, 1 National Hispanic Recognition Scholar Class of 2009 1 Finalist, 12 Commended Students Class of 2008 1 Finalist, 6 Commended Students
WYVERNS FOREVER cultivate your lifelong network of friends The KO mascot is the Wyvern, and the “Wyvern Nation” connotes the palpable spirit of the community. It reminds students that they are a part of something larger than themselves and instills confidence in knowing that they are supported in all endeavors. The KO journey fosters a lifelong connection to the School and provides an invaluable network of generations of Wyverns. We complement annual campus events for alumni with Web technologies to preserve the bond among graduates as they increasingly relocate to points across the globe. Our Wyvern Nation Network Web initiative is a repository of business contacts, and our presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube enhances the global reach of Wyvern Nation.
initiative “Recently, I was able to assist my mentor, an attending physician, in a surgery to remove an appendix. Some of the things that were going on in that operating room, like the teamwork and trust necessary for a successful operation, were things I learned with Mr. Monroe on the alumna: hope jackson '99 Emory University ’03 George Washington University Medical School ’09 Field: General surgery
ready for my path in life I had always dreamed of being a pediatrician. As part of my community service requirement at KO, I shadowed a physician at UConn. The whole experience sparked my interest in the field. KO gave me the academic skills I needed to pursue this interest. When I studied pre-medicine in college, I was well prepared for the rigor of Emory’s program.
forever a team player Part of what makes KO stand out is the access to different aspects of life, such as the arts, community service and sports. Involvement was encouraged, and participation in all those activities prepared me to be the team player that I am today.
basketball court as a junior at KO.”
still connected to supportive teachers I will always value the sense of community at KO. I remain in touch with my KO teachers. The small classes were important in developing a student-mentor relationship. Teachers knew my strengths and weaknesses and brought out the best in me. I think I would not be in medical school today without the role teachers at KO played in my life.
up to any challenge KO teachers have high standards for students. They expect excellence and push students – lovingly – to get there. Students end up raising their own bar. When I left KO, my standards were excellence, hard work and teamwork.
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Kingswood/Outlook Synthetic turf - field hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball; J.V. baseball Trout Brook Varsity baseball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer
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Chase • Tallwood Science Math Technology Center Conklin Library Estes Family Building (Middle School) Collins Courtyard, Director of the Middle School, Oxford Hall, Means House, Research Center, Thomsom Terrace House 1 Nicholson Building Alumni Office, Business Office, Communications, Head of School, Information Technology, Office of Admission, Office of Institutional Advancement Roberts Center College Advising, Dean of Students, Juros Art Gallery, Roberts Theater Seaverns Hall Alumni Hall, Director of the Upper School, Sorenson, Tomasso Arena
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I invite you to call the Office of Admission to arrange your personalized visit to experience, firsthand, KO in action. We look forward to building a relationship with you. Jim O’Donnell, Director of Enrollment Management
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“The relationships that develop between students and teachers are genuine ones that make all students here feel like they are known, they are challenged and they are supported. The fact that we can form those relationships with parents as well is the true benefit of a day school.” Carolyn F. McKee, Dean of Students, Upper School
“KO opens students’ minds to the big ideas in classic subject areas and empowers them to fully engage in their own education. They discuss and debate, and they learn to communicate their arguments in writing across the disciplines.” Jane Repp, Director of the Middle School
“When you take the time to actually look inside of a teacher, you realize how much they know, how much they love that knowledge and how they yearn to educate students with that material. This quality in Kingswood Oxford teachers drives me to pursue my education relentlessly, in the hope that someday, I can view this knowledge with the same reverence that they do.” Bill Pratt ’10
KingswoodOxford Honoring the past. Shaping the future. 170 Kingswood Road, West Hartford, CT 06119-1430 t 860.727.5000 | f 860.236.3651 | admission@k-o.org | www.kingswoodoxford.org