Traditions

From Opening Convocation's candle-lighting ceremony to Graduation's Daisy Chain, from Global Perspectives Day to Prairie Day, Spirit Week, Primary School Field Day, the Science Expo and more, long-held and deeply valued traditions keep our Kent Place community — many call us a Sisterhood — close and connected.

Below are just a few of the many traditions we celebrate:

List of 17 items.

  • Candle

    The candle is a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment. At Opening Convocation each year, the KPS community holds a candle-lighting ceremony, and together we reflect on our hopes for the year.

  • Daisy

    Our school flower remains a powerful symbol of growth and plays an important role in many of our ceremonies and special events. At Opening Convocation every student is handed a daisy.

  • Daisy Chain

    At graduation, the junior class holds a chain of daisies to guide their older classmates on their way to the future.

  • Field Day

    Celebrated in the Primary and Middle Schools, students spend a good-spirited day of competition representing green and gold teams.

  • Fourth Grade Pen Pal Luncheon with 50th Reunion Class

    Fourth grade students are paired with Kent Place alumnae returning for their 50th Reunion. The pen pals meet at a special luncheon during Reunion Weekend in the spring.

  • Global Perspectives Day

    An all-school event designed to help build and sustain a bridge between diverse experiences and cultures through workshops, speakers and activities.

  • Grandparents and Special Friends Day

    Hosted by the Parents’ Association, the school welcomes grandparents and special friends to campus for class visits and an arts performance.
     

  • Honor Code

    Kent Place School’s long-standing Honor Code is more than a set of rules; it inspires in students the highest integrity, respect and good judgment.

  • Morning Meeting

    All three divisions begin most of their days with Morning Meeting. Middle and Upper School girls lead their own meetings and set the agenda as well. Students gather in their common areas to start their day.

  • Science Expo

    An impressive showcase of the research projects submitted by Middle School students to parents, faculty and classmates.

  • Senior Sisters

    Senior Sisters is a tradition in the Upper School, which matches a ninth grader to a senior to foster mentoring of the student new to the Upper School.

  • Sophomore Ring Luncheon

    Sophomores attend a special luncheon to celebrate the receiving of their class rings.

  • Spirit Week

    With a week’s worth of costumes and outrageous contests, Spirit Week, held in the Middle and Upper Schools, allows students to balance their academic seriousness with a bit of fun.

  • Step Sing

    Step Sing is an annual event in which the Upper School faculty and students pay musical tribute to the graduating seniors, with both humorous and sentimental results.

  • Sweatshirt Photo

    For over 25 years, we celebrate the success and hard work of the senior class by taking a photo of them pictured in their college sweatshirts.

  • The STAR Concert

    The winter music concert brings together the voice of every Upper School student in a moving performance. Alumnae return to campus to participate.

  • Young Author's Week

    Published writing by Primary students is displayed outside each classroom, allowing students to read the writing of their schoolmates.
School Maxim
With Wisdom She Lights the Way

Historic School Motto
Manners Maketh Man

School Colors
Green and Gold

School Mascot
Chumley the Dragon

School Flower
Daisy

Meet the Class of 2018 Mascot

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