Primary School At a Glance

Academic Highlights

Our comprehensive Primary School program exposes our students — beginning in Kindergarten — to a balanced variety of subjects and perspectives. Mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, physical education, and technology are complemented by dance, drama, arts, library, choral and instrumental music, health and wellness, and world languages. All academic subjects are overseen by the Director of Studies.

Spaces

Our world-class facilities range from the expected — dynamic classrooms, library, computer and science laboratories, art studio, music room, indoor/outdoor play spaces — to the otherworldly-log cabin, Imagination Playground, archeological dig site, butterfly garden. Our multidivisional campus also offers our Primary School girls access to the Middle and Upper School’s first-class science, arts and athletic facilities.

Technology

Students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 have access to classroom iPads, while students in Grades 3-5 utilize classroom Chromebooks on a 1:1 basis. Additional state-of-the-art technologies in our classrooms, computer lab and library — interactive whiteboards, wireless connectivity and more — expose student to myriad platforms, equipment and software.

Enrichment Activities & Community Service

Kent Place offers numerous opportunities for students to extend their learning and personal growth beyond the school day. These include school-wide community service initiatives, activities like Hummingbirds, Honor Choir, Tap Ensemble, Kaleidoscopes, Mileage Club, and more.

Enrollment & Ratio

K–5 Enrollment
Approximately 175 students

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Approximately 7:1

After-School Enrichment

From Chinese language to musical theater, our outstanding after-school enrichment programs — taught by Kent Place faculty — extend personal and intellectual development long beyond the closing bell. Other optional activities include arts and crafts, chess, math lab, music lessons, sports clinics and more.

Extended Care

Kent Place Kids gives busy families a hand, offering supervised free play, special activities and homework help from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on school days.

Dress Code

Our “Uniform with Choice” policy for the Primary and Middle Schools establishes consistency in dress, while allowing students to express creativity and individuality.

Dining Hall

Starting in first grade: tasty, nutritious food — with nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian options — served in a warm, communal, allergy-aware setting.
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