Middle School | Grades 6-8

Welcome to the Middle School

Society sometimes mistakenly tells us that middle school is a place to endure, a place to tread water until high school starts. We couldn’t disagree more: Our Middle School is not a stopping point between here and there — nor a place where girls need to walk softly and try their best to disappear. It’s a stimulating, supportive space where young girls step to the front of the room, dance to center stage, run furiously to the goal line and stand out in the crowd — uniquely happy just being themselves.

"WHAT IF there were a middle school community where each girl loved going to school each day? What if, surrounded by friends and teachers who valued and respected her, she could become her best self?

Kent Place is a place that understands the remarkable strengths of girls and has designed with intent and care a program and community to bring out the best in them. While the world around us labels the middle school years for girls with words like "turbulent," "fraught," and "volatile," the sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade girls at Kent Place — emerging leaders and scholars, citizens, and activists — prove that in the right environment, middle school can indeed be a time to flourish.
 
"What if?" is, in so many ways, the mantra of the middle school girl. Who will I be? How do my experiences shape my identity? Who am I in relation to others, and how can I make an impact on the world around me? With teachers whose instructional excellence is matched only by their dedication and a robust program that is designed to enrich and stimulate young minds, Kent Place Middle School girls have endless opportunities to answer these "what if?" questions. I hope you, too, will take some time to explore this extraordinary community and come see for yourself the magic and power at our core. -Kooheli Chatterji
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