Advice for Brave and Brilliant Girls

Below and on the footer of each page of this website includes tips and advice from brave and brilliant girls — if any of it rings true, strikes a chord, switches on a light, we hope you'll take a closer look at Kent Place School.
  • BE YOURSELF. BE YOURSELF. BE YOURSELF.
    That sounds obvious — but we're all so open and honest with each other, and we just want to see people for who they really are.
    -Madison, sophomore

    Learn more about Student Life.
  • DON’T LET THE UNIVERSE REGRET YOU. DON’T LET THE UNIVERSE REGRET YOU. DON’T LET THE UNIVERSE REGRET YOU.
    That’s actually advice from Azure Antoinette — a slam poet who came to speak to us — quoting Marty McConnell. To me it means life isn’t necessarily about our own self-aggrandizement, but about helping other people.
    –Ivana, senior

    Learn more about Community Service.
  • TAKE THE CLASS YOU'RE DREADING. TAKE THE CLASS YOU'RE DREADING. TAKE THE CLASS YOU'RE DREADING.
    AP Macroeconomics was that class for me. I thought it was going to be awful. But once I figured out I could do the work, I realized I have a real passion for the subject. Now I'm planning to be an econ major in college. 
    –Bela, senior

    Learn more about Academics.
  • TRY NEW THINGS. TRY NEW THINGS. TRY NEW THINGS.
    Even in the Primary School, we can join the chorus, we can join Mileage Club, and run or walk during recess. After school, you can take chess or Tae Kwon Do.
    -Riya, second grade

    Learn more about Clubs and Organizations.
  • IT'S ABOUT WHO IS HERE, NOT WHO ISN'T. IT'S ABOUT WHO IS HERE, NOT WHO ISN'T. IT'S ABOUT WHO IS HERE, NOT WHO ISN'T.
    I could list all the positive things about being all-girls—feeling totally comfortable, supported, heard—but to be honest, after a while you don't even notice boys aren't around.
    –Kyra, sophomore

    Learn more about our History; Why a Girls' School
  • BIGGER ISN'T ALWAYS BETTER. BIGGER ISN'T ALWAYS BETTER. BIGGER ISN'T ALWAYS BETTER.
    I love being an athlete at a small school. If you're in an individual sport—I swim—you get more opportunities to compete and drop your times over the course of the season.
    -Bridget, sophomore

    Learn more about Athletics.
  • DANCE FOR YOURSELF. DANCE FOR YOURSELF. DANCE FOR YOURSELF.
    Don't worry "oh, I'm not as flexible as she is" or be afraid of what others might think. Dance is my time to be energized, creative, focused. It's about my self-expression. It's my journey, not anyone else's.
    –Libby, junior

    Learn more about Dance.
  • VALUE THE HONOR CODE. VALUE THE HONOR CODE. VALUE THE HONOR CODE.
    It really means something here. Every time I see it posted on a sign, it reminds me to be the best I can be. The Honor Code isn’t just about getting your best grade; it’s about what’s inside of you.
    –Greta, fourth grade

    Learn more about our Student Advisory Program.
  • DON'T FEAR FAILURE—FALL FORWARD. DON'T FEAR FAILURE—FALL FORWARD. DON'T FEAR FAILURE—FALL FORWARD.
    During my first year here, I ran for Vice President of my class. I didn't win, but I got experience speaking in front of a crowd. Then I became the community service rep, which I've done for two years—organizing programs, speakers and service projects in support of NJ Organ Donors. I took what I learned and ran with it. 
    -Keerthi, sophomore
     
    Learn more about Leadership.
42 Norwood Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901   |   (908) 273-0900
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

  • MATH COMES FROM YOU

    When you've computed something for yourself, the story is different. The girls here feel like the math is coming from them, rather than from a textbook. You won't hear a Kent Place girl ask, "What answer are they looking for?" The girls are looking for their own answers, and they're on their own path. –Dr. Ralph Pantozzi, Math Teacher

  • 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