KO Viewbook, 2010

KingswoodOxfordyour life. your world.

viewbook

Core ValuesDemonstrate honesty, integrity and respect

Learn with passion and perseverance

Embrace intellectual curiosity

Care beyond self

Take personal responsibility

Work hard, take risks, become involved

viSioN The educational program of kingswood oxford

School will become the pre-eminent program in the region

and will serve as an example and guide for best practices

of 21st century education, both in the Greater Hartford area

and nationally. our overarching goal is to empower young

people to achieve success in college and in their lives while

instilling in them the moral, ethical and intellectual insights

that allow them to become constructive and impactful

leaders of their communities. The educational program is

recognized to be much more than academics and includes

the overall school experience, encompassing curriculum

and teaching relevant to the 21st century; a parent-student-

school partnership; extracurricular and athletic opportunities,

which provide collaborative and leadership experiences;

and exposure to the global environment. The product of the

School’s program will be self-confident graduates equipped

to succeed in life in the 21st century.

Motto“Vincit qui se vincit”

“One conquers by conquering oneself”

Mission StatementKingswood Oxford inspires students to excel

and to lead lives of integrity and involvement

by nourishing their talents

in a community of teachers, friends and families.

At kingswood oxford School (ko), we provide a multifaceted education that actively prepares students to be global thinkers,

communicators and leaders ready for the challenges, complexities and opportunities of the 21st century. At the heart of our

vigorous academic program are excellent teachers, coaches and advisors

who challenge and motivate students to excel and to master the content

and skills necessary for college and far beyond. As an independent day

school, we foster a strong partnership among faculty, parents and students,

which nurtures intellectually curious, independent thinkers and lifelong

learners. our graduates are prepared to act, to contribute and to advocate

for themselves and others as they become the next generation of ethical

citizens and leaders in a constantly evolving world.

Dennis bisgaard

Head of School

Honoring the Past Kingswood Oxford School, located in West Hartford, Conn., is a coeducational, college preparatory day school serving students in grades 6-12. It was formed by the merger in 1969 of two long-standing day schools: Oxford School for girls (1909) and

Kingswood School for boys (1916). Founders Mary Martin and George Nicholson sought to provide their students with the advantages of a rigorous independent school education while allowing them the benefits of family life.

welcome

At KO, we pride ourselves on integrating a century-long tradition of excellence with ongoing program and facility enhancements. Our program constantly evolves to meet the needs of modern learners as we prepare students today for the challenges of tomorrow. To aptly prepare our students, we:

provide an environment that inspiresStudents and their parents choose KO because our expectations are high, academic achievement is universally valued and the relationship among students, teachers and advisors is unsurpassed. Among our students, it is cool to be smart, engaged and committed to a life of learning, service and achievement in an environment where their contributions are valued.

The feeling of safety that is derived from knowing others and feeling known within our community of learners is essential. Here students can challenge assumptions, engage in class discussions, approach teachers for extra help or enrichment and participate in extracurricular activities that pique their interests.

Shaping the Future

surround students with remarkable facultyAbout 500 students from more than 50 towns in the Greater Hartford area have the benefit of learning from our talented teaching faculty. Forty-two out of 70 teachers have taught at KO for 10 years or more, with several bringing along their experience at other schools. The teachers care deeply about a KO education and are completely invested in the success of each child. In addition, several teachers at KO have also excelled in previous endeavors as lawyers, historians, actors, artists, writers and entrepreneurs. Fortunately, they have chosen to commit themselves to the lives of children and to apply their expertise in the classroom. In addition to teaching, the faculty also advise, coach, mentor a club and/or produce performances, allowing them to forge deeper relationships with our students.

offer a 21st century curriculumActive learning in a vigorous program provides our students with a broader understanding of what they have to offer themselves and their communities. We strive for constant curricular renewal as we consider the ever-evolving expectations our students will face in college and beyond. In recent years, new course offerings have included Astronomy, Music Technology, Forensic Science, American Law, Chinese, and Engineering and Robotics.

The new chase · Tallwood Science math Technology

center that opened in 2009 represents ko’s commitment

to the essential disciplines of science, math and

technology within the context of a 21st century liberal

arts education.

“I have come to realize

that my ideas are

important. Teachers

encourage me every day

to bring my ideas to the

table.” chibu Ndibe ’10

broaden your perspective Our curriculum and extracurricular activities inspire students to forge connections with the Greater Hartford community and the world at large. Local community service initiatives, the efforts of Team Tobatí in Paraguay and the June Term program are just a few examples of the many opportunities students have to gain a global perspective while living the day-school experience.

Our Signature Programs serve as a bridge, bringing the world to our students or our students to the world. From the annual Warren Baird English Symposium, which brings prominent authors to campus for an unparalleled experience of readings, master classes and question-and-answer sessions, to Team Tobatí, an extensive service project that has significantly improved the education and health care available to families

AT Home iN THe woRlD

we live our mission as a day school by forming a unique partnership among faculty, parents and students. All of our students return home each night and our parents play an active role in the school community. Faculty members work

closely and collaboratively with students and their parents with the common goal of helping each student realize his or her potential.

in the impoverished community of Tobatí, Paraguay, these programs allow our students to explore, to learn and to appreciate fresh viewpoints.

respect differencesWe also recognize that a 21st century learning environment should reflect today’s society. In a coed environment, students have the opportunity to exchange a broad range of viewpoints, to learn to appreciate varying leadership styles, values and lifestyles, and to develop the confidence to express their opinions among peers of both sexes. We are committed to providing our students with the skills they will need to collaborate with others, particularly those who have life experiences different from their own.

Students are carefully matched with a faculty advisor. Advisors

encourage the exploration of new interests and aid in navigating

obstacles should they arise.

play your part in a global family

“We recognize that we live in an

incredibly complicated world where the

influence young people have on each other

has increased exponentially, but young

men and women need the advice and

counsel of their parents.”

Harper Follansbee, middle School english Teacher

global awareness

take ownership of your success

learn 21st century skills Our curriculum grounds students in core content but asks them to apply essential skills, such as oral and written communication, collaboration, information and technology literacy, creativity, and self-advocacy, to increasingly sophisticated intellectual challenges. Teachers employ a variety of strategies to maximize the advantages of small class settings.

develop independenceThe curriculum begins with a solid preparation in reading, writing and computation. We teach our students to discuss, analyze, collaborate and communicate effectively so that they can navigate their academic journeys with increasing independence. They become proficient at developing strategies that take advantage of individual strengths and styles. Technology enhances traditional methods of teaching so that our students are superbly equipped with the skills necessary to advance with confidence.

the academic journey

At ko, we realize that our graduates will be confronted with an array of challenges, including

fast-paced technological innovations, expanding globalization and an explosion of digital information and media images. our program navigates the

expanse of a liberal arts education while encouraging academic exploration via a broad selection of electives, sports and extracurricular activities.

Students are expected to master core subjects and to become increasingly responsible for their own learning.

The Harkness discussion method encourages active, student-driven

learning by casting the teacher in the role of the observer while the

class selects key topics to examine. Students prepare for Harkness

discussions by mining the text for insights and evidence and then

collaboratively manage the flow of the conversation so that everyone

participates. Through the Harkness method, students learn how to

listen effectively and how to

build on the new ideas that

arise from the intellectual

synergy of the class.

“A singular strength of a KO education

is our students honing effective

thinking, speaking and writing skills

across the curriculum through repeated

practice, developing not only their own

set of particular skills but also their own

particular voice.”

Ron monroe, Director of the Upper School

present ideasStudents learn to be astute readers and accomplished writers. Reading widely and writing regularly ensure that students gain confidence in expressing themselves in clear and convincing terms, whether on paper or in group discussions. We foster in students the intellectual curiosity to consider what they have read, the intellectual power to evaluate and organize their ideas, and the courage to share those ideas. Our students are asked to present their ideas across all academic disciplines, from a research paper in history to an explication of a poem in Spanish to a lab report in science. They are pushed to find their “voice” and to develop an appreciation for the power of words.

solve problemsCreating solutions to problems is an act of imagination and perseverance. The ability to apply new knowledge to different settings and situations becomes an integral part of a student’s education. Problem solving requires the analytical ability and the willingness to see beyond the literal. Students work with teachers and peers to construct new frames in approaching questions. We ask students to navigate challenges having noscripted solutions. Questions are shaped with only a glimpse of the possible outcomes and results. We expect our students to think beyond collections of rules, facts, formulas or habits of computation and guide them as they figure out for themselves why and how the world around them works.

critical thinking

lead with confidence The older students in the community are asked to assume leadership roles to mentor the younger Wyverns and set a positive example for their peers. Prefects and Seniors Advisors are assigned to freshman and Upper Prep (6th grade) advisee groups to aid their transition to the Upper and Middle School, respectively. Other opportunities to lead exist in the arts, athletics and other extracurricular programs.

think globally Students are strongly encouraged to engage in at least one of the many global offerings. Team Tobatí, June Term, hosting an exchange student and distance learning with students in the Macchi School in Paraguay represent just a few of the opportunities available to broaden the students’ awareness of the world around them.

master the power of wordsThe Senior Thesis project represents the culmination of the long-range objectives of our writing program. It requires students to use all of their acquired skills in an independent research project. An assigned thesis advisor works with a small group of students to cover topic selection, methods of research and technical procedures while the student is pursuing his or her independent research and writing.

experience college level material Advanced Placement (AP) Exams measure what students have learned after participation in rigorous college-level courses. Qualifying AP Exam results are accepted by 90 percent of U.S. colleges and universities for credit, advanced placement or both. Research shows that students who score a 3 or higher typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to graduate in four years than those who do not participate.

find your matchProfessional college advising services for juniors and seniors are complemented by our collegiate athletic advisor, who works with students who aspire to play collegiate athletics.

THe cApSToNe expeRieNce

The junior and senior years at ko combine to form a critical element in the preparation of students for success in college and beyond. Students are expected to apply the skills and knowledge that they have

acquired throughout their schooling, to advocate for themselves, to leverage the many available resources on campus and to display an ability to

synthesize their ideas. classroom conversations become increasingly sophisticated, and the level of involvement in the overall program increases.

finalize your plans for the future

Ninety-seven percent of our seniors in 2010 took at least one

Ap exam. Fifty-three percent of the ko seniors who took

at least one Ap were recognized by the college board as

Ap Scholars, and 62 percent of the Ap Scholars earned the

higher honor of being named “Ap Scholar with Distinction”

or “Ap Scholar with Honor” for their exemplary performance.

intellectual curiosity

build a foundationMiddle School students explore the creative arts through courses in media arts, music, theater and visual arts. The emphasis is on participation, process and problem solving. Sixth- and 7th-graders study a range of quarter-long courses during a rotating “arts block.” By 8th grade, course selections expand to include electives in film as well as painting, printmaking, sculpture and media arts. Music study includes chorus, concert and jazz bands, music technology and string ensemble.

choose your pathUpper School visual arts students work in a variety of media and learn how to question the problem set before them and how to critique their work to identify what is working and what is not. Electives in this area include traditional and mixed media, sculpture, honors portfolio prep and AP Art History. Performing arts electives include acting, public speaking, playwriting and technical theater. Musical groups include a concert choir, advanced choral ensembles, a concert band, jazz ensembles and a string ensemble.

artistic endeavors

The arts involve students in the timeless study of human culture in tandem with an opportunity for contemporary self-expression. our creative arts program provides an avenue for personal discovery

and active exploration of culture and a means to facilitate ease in public presentation. From displaying artwork in our gallery to directing a

stage production, we engage and challenge students to develop a strong creative initiative.

ignite your creative spark

compose in a digital eraOur advanced technology offers access to high-tech arts disciplines, including video and audio design, digital photography and music technology.

Several digital music composition courses are offered in our 11-workstation music technology lab, providing the opportunities for advanced students of music as well as for less experienced musicians who want to indulge their creative side.

creativity & self-expression

“Our facilities – a first-rate theater setup,

creative arts studios, two fully equipped

Mac computer labs – give us the physical

capabilities to think big. Technology

allows us to explore avenues for creative

collaborative endeavor and to visibly

investigate ideas.”

patricia Rosoff, creative Arts Department chair

Arts courses that utilize digital technology include Guitar Skills, Keyboard Skills, Music Technology, Composition and Music Production, Music for Media, Digital Video Production, Projects in Photography and Media Arts and Independent Studio Seminar, an advanced course that focuses on how one communicates ideas without specifying medium.

team up for success Since 2000, our varsity boys’ and girls’ teams have won the “Wyvern Way” – a combined 22 New England or Western New England championship titles in their class or division and 53 top-eight rankings, which qualified them for New England championship postseason competition.

our athletic program serves all skill levels. offerings range from highly competitive interscholastic teams to

intramural programs. each season, our students participate in athletics or an approved alternative. They develop in sports they already know

or try something new. involvement in athletics teaches the importance of fitness and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. Through this

experience, students learn life lessons including goal setting, preparation, resilience, sportsmanship and teamwork.

strengthen your competitive spiritwiN THe wYveRN wAY

benefit from your teacher-coachBecause our students are coached by our teachers, strong bonds that last long after graduation are created. The teacher-coach model that characterizes Wyvern athletics connects the learning that occurs in the classroom with the learning that occurs in athletic venues. Teacher-coaches serve as role models, demonstrating their commitment to a sport that is rooted in their love and knowledge of the game and their desire to share that passion with each participant.

“What I love most about coaching

is developing relationships with our

students – watching them improve

and gain confidence in themselves.”

Garth Adams, Director of Athletics

Middle School Athletics

BoyS GirlS FAllcross country cross countryFootball Field HockeySoccer Soccer wiNTeR basketball basketballintramural ice Hockey intramural ice HockeySquash* Squash*Swimming & Diving Swimming & Diving SpRiNGbaseball lacrosselacrosse SoftballTennis* Tennis*Track & Field* Track & Field*

*Forms 1 and 2 only

collaboration

Upper School Athletics

BoyS GirlS

FAllcross country cross countryFootball Field HockeySoccer Soccer volleyball wiNTeR basketball basketballice Hockey ice HockeySkiing (coed) Skiing (coed)Squash SquashSwimming & Diving Swimming & Diving

SpRiNGbaseball GolfGolf lacrosselacrosse SoftballTennis TennisTrack & Field Track & Field Upper School approved alternatives to the athletic requirement with form and frequency restrictions include community service, dance, independent proposal, musicianship, robotics, sports team manager, tech crew, weight training and conditioning, and the winter musical production.

care beyond self Unique service-learning initiatives allow our students to partner with communities, local and afar. The current generation of students truly believes in its ability to enact change. These service programs nurture this optimism and prepare students to recognize the invaluable role they can play in improving the quality of life for others. Ask anyone in the KO community about Global Youth Service Day, the annual Team Tobatí experience in Paraguay or the pen pals in Tanzania project, and there is an immediate groundswell of pride. Through these programs and many other local, national and international service offerings, our students are empowered to effect change, no matter the distance.

Through participation, students develop a heightened sense of their own talents, develop leadership skills and engage in the community experience. ko is big enough to offer a

broad range of extracurricular options yet small enough to facilitate easy access to those opportunities in an intensely personal and

comfortable environment.

A CULTURE OF invOLvEmEnTbroaden your range of experiences

“Through careful scheduling, the

School allows students to have

access to all aspects of the KO

community. Take, for example, any

given Tuesday. I have a full school

day, go to my varsity sport, then play

rehearsal and then Forensic Union…

all with no conflict.”

caroline Adams ’10

Middle SCHool Acting for videocantabile (7th- & 8th-grade choir)community Serviceconcert bandF2b (boys’ a cappella group)Forensic ScienceJazz bandmock Trialoctopipers (girls’ a cappella group)public SpeakingRoboticsString orchestraStudent GovernmentThe voice (literary magazine)Upper prep choraliers wyvern Ambassadors (student hosts)

UPPer SCHoolcommunity Serviceconcert bandconcert choircrimson 7 (boys’ a cappella group)Danceepic (literary magazine)Forensic Science Forensic Union (debate and public speaking)Gay Straight AllianceGlobal Awareness organizationimprovisation workshopJazz ensembleko Newsmath clubmodel U.N.

outlook (select choir)oxfordians (girls’ a cappella group)peer mentorspeggotty investment club Retrospect (yearbook)RoboticsShield & Dragon (student hosts)Senior AdvisorsSenior prefectsString orchestraStudent GovernmentTeam TobatíTech crewTheater productionsvoce Novissima (girls’ select choir)United Students

co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities include:

“Kingswood Oxford’s philosophy

and commitment to our community

have inspired me to create my

own community service project:

Sam’s Race for a Place (which

benefits the Ronald McDonald

House). Kingswood Oxford has

encouraged me to reach out to the

community, and I feel I am a better

person because of my involvement.”

Samantha Udolf ’12

cross-cultural understanding

leverage the ko difference College admission deans seek KO students because they engage in a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, including a powerful Advanced Placement program and the Senior Thesis. Representatives from 100 colleges and universities from the United States and abroad who visit KO annually cite academic readiness, self-awareness, leadership and broad extracurricular involvement as core attributes of our students. Our students confidently rise to high expectations and demonstrate proficiency with core 21st century skills.

contribute immediately Few graduates realize the true value of the KO experience until they spend a semester at college and, on average, earn a 3.0 GPA. More revealing than the statistics are the stories of their experiences. A recent graduate’s freshman year at Yale included a professor proclaiming that her paper set the standard for writing expectations in the class. Another graduate’s play was selected as a winner in a national playwrights’ festival while he was a freshman at Johns Hopkins.

A primary reason families choose ko is the professional college-advising process. The

mission of the college advisors is to know each student and to partner with each family to navigate its unique college search and identify

the finest institutions relative to academic and extracurricular interests.

boUND FoR colleGe

partner with your college advisorThe college-advising process indirectly begins when a student enrolls at KO. Together with his or her faculty advisors, the student builds an academic and extracurricular program that reflects breadth of interests and depth of commitment. The student carefully considers personal, educational and extracurricular interests, goals and passions. It is the collective responsibility of the college advisor and the family to consider the student’s abilities, accomplishments and contributions to the school community. This provides a mutual understanding that leads to a list of institutions that merit consideration. Annual events and programs presented by experts in the field include college fairs, a mock admission seminar, parent information breakfasts, financial aid and college nights, and an athletic recruiting seminar.

utilize technology Students employ the power of Naviance, a comprehensive Web-based system that allows students and their college advisors complete coordination of the process, including conducting preliminary research, identifying viable scholarship opportunities, developing a unique college list and submitting applications.

determine your place after ko

KO graduates, more than 80 percent of whom have been accepted to Barron’s “Most Competitive” and “Highly Competitive” schools in the past six years, report a high level of academic readiness and personal satisfaction with the schools they choose. Below is a sampling of schools that have admitted our students during the past six years:

Amherstbatesbaylorbentleyboston collegeboston Universitybowdoinbrownbryn mawrbucknellcarnegie melloncolbycolgatecolumbiacornellDartmouthDickinsonDuke

elonemoryFordhamFranklin & marshallFurmanGeorge washingtonGeorgetownGettysburgHamiltonHarvardHaverfordHoly crossJohns Hopkinskenyonlafayettelehighmacalestermassachusetts college of Art

mcGillmiddleburymount HolyokemuhlenbergNew York UniversityNortheasternNorthwesternNotre DameoberlinprincetonRiceSkidmoreSwarthmoreTrinityTuftsTulaneUnionU.S. military Academy

University of chicagoUniversity of connecticutUniversity of michiganUniversity of pennsylvaniaUniversity of virginiavanderbiltvassarvillanovawake Forestwashington and leewashington University in St. louiswellesleywesleyanwilliamsYale

Recent national MeRit Recognitionclass of 2010 3 Finalists, 1 Semifinalist, 8 commended Students, 1 National Achievement Semifinalist, 1 National Hispanic Recognition Scholarclass of 2009 1 Finalist, 12 commended Studentsclass of 2008 1 Finalist, 6 commended Students

adaptability

The ko mascot is the wyvern, and the “wyvern Nation” connotes the palpable spirit of the community. it reminds students that they are a part of something larger than themselves and instills confidence in knowing

that they are supported in all endeavors. The ko journey fosters a lifelong connection to the School and provides an invaluable network of

generations of wyverns. we complement annual campus events for alumni with web technologies to preserve the bond among graduates

as they increasingly relocate to points across the globe. our wyvern Nation Network web initiative is a repository of business contacts,

and our presence on Facebook, linkedin, Twitter and YouTube enhances the global reach of wyvern Nation.

wYveRNS FoReveR

alumna: hope jackson '99Emory University ’03George Washington University Medical School ’09Field: General surgery

ready for my path in lifeI had always dreamed of being a pediatrician. As part of my community service requirement at KO, I shadowed a physician at UConn. The whole experience sparked my interest in the field. KO gave me the academic skills I needed to pursue this interest. When I studied pre-medicine in college, I was well prepared for the rigor of Emory’s program.

forever a team playerPart of what makes KO stand out is the access to different aspects of life, such as the arts, community service and sports. Involvement was encouraged, and participation in all those activities prepared me to be the team player that I am today.

still connected to supportive teachersI will always value the sense of community at KO. I remain in touch with my KO teachers. The small classes were important in developing a student-mentor relationship. Teachers knew my strengths and weaknesses and brought out the best in me. I think I would not be in medical school today without the role teachers at KO played in my life.

up to any challengeKO teachers have high standards for students. They expect excellence and push students – lovingly – to get there. Students end up raising their own bar. When I left KO, my standards were excellence, hard work and teamwork.

cultivate your lifelong network of friends

“Recently, I was able to assist my

mentor, an attending physician, in

a surgery to remove an appendix.

Some of the things that were going

on in that operating room, like the

teamwork and trust necessary for

a successful operation, were things

I learned with Mr. Monroe on the

basketball court as a junior at KO.”

initiative

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I-84

★★West Hartford

Center

academic/administration buildings1 Chase • Tallwood Science Math Technology Center2 Conklin Library3 Estes Family Building (Middle School) Collins Courtyard, Director of the Middle School, Oxford Hall, Means House, Research Center, Thomsom Terrace4 House 15 Nicholson Building Alumni Office, Business Office, Communications, Head of School, Information Technology, Office of Admission, Office of Institutional Advancement6 Roberts Center College Advising, Dean of Students, Juros Art Gallery, Roberts Theater7 Seaverns Hall Alumni Hall, Director of the Upper School, Sorenson, Tomasso Arena

other facilities & meeting areas8 Buildings and Grounds9 Mead Dining Hall10 Senior Green

athletic facilities11 Brayton Athletic Center Ice hockey, tennis Coolidge Field House (18 Highland St., see inset) Basketball, squash12 Hewett Gymnasium Basketball, volleyball, Choral Suite13 Soby Gymnasium Basketball, volleyball, Black Box Theater

athletic fields14 Kingswood/Outlook Synthetic turf - field hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball; J.V. baseball15 Trout Brook Varsity baseball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer

visitor parking16 Front Circle17 Trout Brook Lot

I invite you to call the Office of Admission to arrange your personalized visit to experience,

firsthand, KO in action. We look forward to building a relationship with you.

Jim o’Donnell, Director of enrollment management

“The relationships that develop between students and teachers are genuine ones that

make all students here feel like they are known, they are challenged and they are supported. The fact

that we can form those relationships with parents as well is the true benefit of a day school.”

carolyn F. mckee, Dean of Students, Upper School

“KO opens students’ minds to the big ideas in classic subject areas and empowers them to

fully engage in their own education. They discuss and debate, and they learn to communicate

their arguments in writing across the disciplines.”

Jane Repp, Director of the middle School

“When you take the time to actually look inside of a teacher, you realize how much they know,

how much they love that knowledge and how they yearn to educate students with that material.

This quality in Kingswood Oxford teachers drives me to pursue my education relentlessly,

in the hope that someday, I can view this knowledge with the same reverence that they do.”

bill pratt ’10

170 Kingswood Road, West Hartford, ct 06119-1430

t 860.727.5000 | f 860.236.3651 | [email protected] | www.kingswoodoxford.org

KingswoodOxfordHonoring the past. Shaping the future.