Middle School

I love being a leader of Social Committee.

I get to be involved in the planning of social events in order to bring fun activities to our Middle School life.
-Laura, eighth grade
Middle School students participate in a variety of clubs, publications, community service and student government, building self-esteem and interpersonal and leadership skills.

Our Middle School Offerings Include:

List of 13 items.

  • Creative Writing Club

    The Creative Writing Club brings together writers and readers in the most fun and entertaining way. Activities include celebrating the NCTE's National Day on Writing, coordinating the Middle School literary magazine, The Log, and meeting weekly to participate in activities connected to creative writing. 

  • Eco-Team

    Eco-Team members participate first-hand in the sustainability initiatives of the Kent Place community. Students deepen their awareness of current ecological issues and develop a sense of empowerment as they brainstorm and design ways to give back to the earth and promote conservation efforts.

  • Glee Club

    The Glee Club sings popular songs a capella and performs throughout the year during Morning Meeting, KPS holiday shows and off-campus at the CareOne assisted-living facility.

  • Harry Potter Club

    This club allows students to explore the novels, movies and fantasy world of Harry Potter. Activities include making wands, playing Quidditch and exploring the online world of Pottermore.

  • Kaleidoscopes Mentorship Program

    The Kaleidoscopes Mentorship is a monthly affinity group for students from all three divisions who self-identify as children of color. Its mission is to create cross-divisional mentoring relationships, celebrate diversity and common bonds, foster exploration and appreciation of identity and equip students with tools to challenge bias in their lives. Middle and Upper School students must apply to be mentors in the fall.

  • Key Club

    Students selected for this service group perform a vital role in the admission process, introducing prospective students and their parents to all phases of Kent Place Middle School.

  • MathCounts Club

    MathCounts Club helps students prepare for participation in the annual MathCounts competition. In early winter, ten Middle School students are selected to participate as a team, identified based on scores from a qualifying test.

  • Middle School Discussion Group

    This group discusses issues of diversity and other relevant topics that are important to students in the Middle School. The group meetings weekly at lunch with the Director of the Middle School and is open to all students.

  • Peer Mediators

    Seventh- and eighth-grade students are selected to be peer facilitators by faculty and trained to facilitate conversations with their Middle School peers about relevant social issues.

  • Social Committee

    Social Committee is involved in the planning of social activities for the Middle School, which include two dances, a winter event and after finals/end of the year activities. Leaders survey students to identify areas of interest, and meet with the faculty advisors regularly to plan upcoming events. 

  • 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.

  • Student Government

    The Student Government — class presidents, vice-presidents, secretaries and representatives — initiate and manage fundraising activities as well as the planning of events such as the Halloween party and Talent Show.

  • Tech Club

    The Tech Club meets once each week to explore new games and programs including Minecraft. 
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