Physical Education

Physical education is an integral part of the total education process. The goal of physical education at Kent Place is to develop physically-educated individuals who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. The KPS Physical Education curriculum references the standards and guidelines as described by the, Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE).

Physical activity includes any movement that substantially increases energy expenditure and produces contraction of skeletal muscle. Programs including athletics, recess and intramural sports involve physical activity, but serve a different purpose.

Physical education provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to establish and sustain physical activity as a key component of their lifestyle throughout their lifetime. The KPS physical education curriculum provides students with essential skills and knowledge through a broad and thorough curriculum that is sequential, innovative and age appropriate.

Did You Know...

  • A quarter of Upper School students participate in Zero Period, a voluntary morning exercise class held at 7:30 that focuses on preparing the body to learn in the academic classroom.
  • This year, some 70% of Primary School students in Grades 1-5 participate in the Feelin' Good Mileage Club; last year they walked a total of 761 miles.
  • The Middle School program offers three distinct components: (1) Grade 6 PE consists of traditional sports units followed by an international sports series including cricket, badminton, and rugby. Students also participate in the President's Fitness Challenge; (2) Grades 7 and 8 athletics comprise three or four sports each season; (3) Grades 7 and 8 physical education consists of a variety of units including football, tennis, yoga, rock climbing, rollerblading, volleyball, and badminton.
  • Using pedometer technology, the sixth-grade PE group took 14,898,000 steps — the equivalent of walking 7,449 miles — as part of the Steps Across America unit. 

View Our Course Offerings

Primary School
Middle School
Upper School

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Meet the Department

List of 4 members.

  • Mrs. Michelle Stevenson 

    Department Chair / Physical Education / Athletics / Coach
    Boston College - B.S.
    Northeastern University - M.S.
    Bio

  • Mrs. Elisabeth A Benthien 

    Physical Education Teacher/Coach (Field Hockey, Swimming, Spring Track)
    Montclair State College - B.S.
    Montclair State University - M.S.
    Bio

  • Ms. Sheila Dunne 

    Physical Education/Coach (Field Hockey, Volleyball, Spring Track)
    Kean University - B.A.
    Montclair State University - M.A.
    Bio

  • Mr. Philip Wolstenholme 

    MS Physical Education
    Kean University - B.A.
    Bio
Kent Place School is an all-girls K through 12 independent college preparatory day school with a coeducational Preschool, located in Summit, NJ.

  • TEST WHAT'S "EXPECTED."

    That's our mantra in robotics. Try crazy things, be free with your ideas, and see what happens. If you're going to build the future, you'll need to be a pioneer. –Emma, seventh grade

  • LEAN INTO DIFFICULTY.

    When it comes to academics, it pays to challenge yourself. I'm in the Bioethics Symposium, presenting research on the ethics of genetically-enhanced intelligence. At times it's daunting—research, deadlines, time management—but it's also a whole new way of thinking. Very independent and "you-driven." –Isabella, sophomore

  • OWN YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE

    It's one of the "conversation norms" we have at Kent Place, and it's always resonated with me. Everyone has a different and equally valid perspective to bring to the table—so put yourself out there. –Mary, senior

  • DON’T THINK YOU’RE GOING TO GET A LABEL.

    There are no jocks here at Kent Place, no science geeks, no theater nerds. Last month a varsity athlete went to sing at the Vatican. Everyone here has some unique quality — and they’re amazing at what they do. –Claire, senior

  • REACH BEYOND WHAT YOU THINK YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH.

    You'll face plenty of challenges, but push through them. Brilliant women use their resources: their teachers, our studios and library and, of course, each other. If you're stuck, collaboration can almost always get you across the finish line. –Suzanne Carreno-Powers, Math Teacher and STEM Coordinator

  • GET READY FOR RIGOROUS WORK.

    And multiple extracurricular activities. Busy days, and a few late nights. But through it all, don’t lose your sense of fun. –Alessandra, junior

  • MAKE CONNECTIONS.

    KPS alumnae are amazing. I met one alumna after a math and science panel who works in retail architecture. That made me think about a cool way to combine two of my interests — math and fashion. –Amber, junior

  • YOUR TIME AT KPS IS GOING TO OPEN UP OPTIONS YOU HADN'T EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT.

    And when it's time to choose, you're going to know yourself so well, you'll pick the college that's the best fit for you—academically, socially, personally. So don't get tunnel vision. This is your process. Just know that you'll be ready! –Jennifer Simpson, Director of College Advising

  • SOLVING PROBLEMS IS A JOURNEY, ENJOY THE RIDE!

    In the Middle School we do a Science Expo—either two or four people work on a science project for a couple of months and then present it to the entire class. We go into some in-depth projects and it’s incredible what we learn along the way, and how willing our teachers are to help us through the tough parts. –Toni Ann, eighth grade

  • SPEAK YOUR MIND.

    Every girl here learns from an early age how to speak up and speak to adults. You never feel silly raising your hand, and you’re given lots of opportunities to speak publicly. I’m never shy about saying what’s on my mind. –Vittoria, fourth grade

  • ETHICS WILL CHANGE YOUR ENTIRE OUTLOOK.

    Right away, we tackled questions of "right versus right." We're learning to look at every issue from both sides, which helps with everything from homework to friendships. –Elizabeth, eighth grade