Academics in Action - MS

We encourage students to take ownership of their learning. Daily, faculty support students’ unique interests within the framework of class instruction by offering assignments that allow for student choice. As part of that process, students often pursue academic interests that extend beyond the explicitly stated curriculum.

Exciting MS Opportunities

List of 10 items.

  • FIRST® LEGO® League

    Kent Place School will be continuing to offer a FIRST® LEGO® League team for students in grades 6-8. This team meets weekly in the fall and is comprised of twenty motivated and team-oriented students interested in taking their STEM skills to the next level. Our meetings culminate with the FIRST® LEGO® League qualifying tournament in December. Teams compete in the areas of Robotics, with students building and programming robots to complete various tasks. Students also complete a project that requires them to identify and research a problem, then create an innovative solution in an assigned area.  

  • Girls Angle

    Girls Angle is a unique collaborative math contest created by Girls Angle Math Club. KPS students participate annually.

  • Math Electives

    All sixth-grade students are enrolled in Thinking Outside the Box, a one trimester course that challenges students with a series of non-routine and open-ended problem-solving tasks from across the core Middle School content.

    All seventh-grade students have the opportunity to be enrolled in Math Expeditions, a one trimester course that explores number theory, geometry, algebra and probability seeking mathematical treasures.

  • Math Lab

    The Math Lab is open before school each morning for students who wish to work with a faculty member on problem solving and mathematical topics.

  • MathCounts

    MathCounts is a Middle School mathematics competition that is open to all middle school students throughout the country. Students involved with MathCounts prepare for the competitions that are held in late January and early February.

  • Middle School Electives

    Seventh- and eighth-grade students have the opportunity to choose from an extensive offering of trimester elective courses that allow them to explore new interests and expand existing ones.

    Recent Electives Include:
    • 3D Design & Sculpture
    • Acting Workshop
    • 7th Grade Play
    • 8th Grade Play
    • Dance
    • Creative Writing
    • Engineering Marvels
    • Ethics I & II
    • It's News to Me
    • Let's Face It
    • Mathematical Expeditions
    • Money Matters
    • Open and Shut
    • Peer Mediation
    • Public Speaking
    • Robotics I & II
    • The Play's the Thing
    • Seminar for New Students
    • Soundings: Yearbook

  • MS Afterschool Enrichment Clubs

    Our outstanding afterschool enrichment program extends personal and intellectual development long beyond the closing bell.

    Recent programs include:
    • Scene Stealers
    • Anatomy for Kids
    • Making a Scene: Improv, Games, and Scenes!
    • Yoga
    • Kid Friendly Cooking 
    • Acting for Musicals
    • International Cooking Club
    • Mat Pilates with Small Equipment
    • Decorate a Cupcake or Two or Three
    • Artapalooza
    • The Stock Market Game
    • Scrabble Madness
    • Kitchen Chemistry
    • Let’s Make a Pizza
    • TGA Golf Enrichment
    • Creative Drama and Improv
     
     

  • NJ Middle School Consortium Competition

    The School Consortium of New Jersey is a non-profit organization comprised of 10 public and private middle schools. Its purpose is to provide unique, worth-while opportunities for students to share their talents, accomplishments and camaraderie. Events are planned throughout the year to promote student growth in academics, sports, social skills and creative arts.

  • Soundings: Middle School Yearbook

    Soundings is the Middle School yearbook and it is offered as an elective course for interested Grade 7 and 8 students. Students learn the publishing process, from writing and editing, to layout and photography as they produce this annual publication.

  • The Log: Middle School Literary Magazine

    The Log is the Middle School student-created literary magazine.
     

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
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