Individualized Opportunities

List of 12 items.

• Bioethics Project

  Offered to selected students in Grades 10-12, this intensive two-trimester course with a summer internship component and run by our Ethics Institute, pairs each participant with a biomedical ethics scholar as mentor. Students explore the complex ethical questions dealing with personal freedom, privacy, access to health care and fairness and research a topic regarding a biomedical ethical issue related to the broad topic chosen annually. Student research is presented publically at an annual Bioethics Symposium held at Kent Place. 

• Cumulative Humanities Project

  In the 11th grade year, each student is immersed in an independent, interdisciplinary academic research project. In their history and English classes, students have the opportunity to learn research skills that are unique to the study of both subjects: the selection, analysis and synthesis of both literary criticisms and historians’ interpretations. Because each student selects her own historical topic and related novel for this project, student interest and depth of study tends to be an exciting outcome.

• Learning Consultant

  Our learning consultant is an expert resource for any student who wants to understand her individual learning needs and understand learning strategies that optimize her learning.

• Research in Advanced Mathematics

  In this elective course offered to advanced mathematics students, students conduct research in a selected area of mathematics (e.g., game theory, graph theory & networks, combinatorics, number theory, college geometry). Students learn about the cycle of research in mathematics and develop the ability to initiate and carry out a unique longer term mathematical research project.

• Student Designed Research

  This elective course offered in the Science Department to students in grades 10-12 gives motivated students a chance to delve into the world of scientific inquiry. Students accepted into this program will learn how scientists study the natural world while investigating a topic of their choice; recent topics included heat impact on DNA, antibiotic resistant bacteria, and biodiesel. Emphasis is placed on scientific literature research, experimental design and implementation, data collection and data analysis.

• The Math Studio

  The Math Studio, staffed by KPS mathematics faculty, is a destination for students to seek guidance for their mathematical work across the curriculum. It is also a space of inspiration for creative work, study, instruction, experimentation and discussion. Students can use the Studio any period of the day, on their own or with a study group, to use learning materials, books, puzzles, games and other mathematical inspirations.

• The Writing Center

  The Writing Center, staffed by KPS English Department faculty, provides a positive environment in which individuals or groups of students may obtain help in all steps of the writing process across disciplines. Students may initiate conferences to accomplish specific goals, and teachers may recommend and require that students attend the Center.

• 9th Grade Orientation Seminar

  This seminar works to help students successfully manage academic and social transitions to the Upper School. Specific goals of the seminar include building grade level community in preparation for class elections, being able to interact in small- and large-group discussions, becoming self advocates and knowing which resources to use when needed. Students will also work on developing their learning and studying strategies, enhance their test-taking skills and practice relaxation techniques to better access their understandings.

• 10th Grade IMPACT/PREPARE

  This five-session seminar offers an on-site personal safety program for all sophomore students. The goal of the program is to empower students to make effective personal safety choices. Students learn how to advocate for themselves, practice how to deal with the common “freeze response,” and how to manage fear, anxiety and adrenaline during intimidating situations.

• 10th Grade Project Adventure

  The overarching goals of the Project Adventure are to increase student self-concept, develop leadership competencies, practice group cooperation skills and foster respect for self and others. The program is supported by the core concepts of the Full Value Contract and Challenge by Choice, which encourage personal accountability and ownership of the participant’s individual experience. Grade 10 students participate in a five-session program taught by our trained Project Adventure KPS faculty members.

• 11th Grade Culturally Competent Leadership Seminar

  This course is designed to allow students to reflect on the core components of culture in our society, with a focus on gender, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality and socioeconomic status. Specific attention is given to how these aspects of identity influence individuals, interpersonal relationships and institutions in our society. The primary goal of the course is to expose students to specific multicultural topics and give them the cultural competence skills to reflect on how their own identities influence their role as global citizens and developing world leaders. All Grade 11 students participate in bi-weekly sessions for half a year.

• 11th Grade Ethics Seminar

  The goals of this seminar are several: to acquaint students with the practical philosophies of key thinkers in the field of ethical decision-making; to engage students in discussions and debates centered on these philosophies; and to assist students in applying their growing understanding of these ancient philosophies and using philosophical ideas to enrich their lives. All Grade 11 students participate in bi-weekly sessions for half a year.