Admissions
Virtual Admissions Center

Virtual Admissions Center: Upper School

Welcome to the Upper School!

Don't just take our word for it...listen to what our students have to say!

Faith

Pat

Olivia

Mackenzie

Koby

Charlotte

Check out our virtual tour!

Our Student and Faculty Voices

October Virtual Open House

Writer Min Jin Lee Visits KO: January 2021

On Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, Kingswood Oxford was thrilled to virtually welcome the National Book Award-nominated writer Min Jin Lee as part of our Warren Baird English Symposium series authors. Lee is author of two bestselling novels, Pachinko (2017) and Free Food For Millionaires (2007). 

During these assemblies, Ms. Lee gave a brief talk, read from one of her works, and engaged in a Q&A session moderated by Symposium students. Below is the recording of the Upper School she presented at. We encourage you to check it out as she was an incredibly powerful and engaging speaker! We thank Ms. Lee for giving us so much of her time.

Past Event Recordings

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • Reclassify Event (January 14, 2021)

    Every year Kingswood Oxford works with students that choose to reclassify (or repeat a grade) in high school. These students and families come to this decision for various reasons, some academic, some athletic, and some a combination of many factors. Now more than ever, we are seeing this interest in independent schools and the opportunities that exist in reclassification. Listen in to learn more about the process, the KO experience, the planning, and the support KO can offer your student and your family in this decision. 

    Watch here

  • Upper School Virtual Summer Program

    Join our Head of the Upper School Dan Gleason, Dean of Students Krista Sahrbeck, and our Admissions team talk about KO’s current approach to learning, how we continue to build community and empower and engage our student leaders. Explore how students discover their potential and passions in and out of the classroom while also challenging themselves academically and personally.

    Watch here

  • Spring Preview (May)

    This spring we held a live webinar for families as a spring preview for our Fall Open House Admission Season. It featured Head of School Tom Dillow, Head of the Upper School Dan Gleason, and Dean of Students Will Gilyard. If you didn't get a chance to attend or want to view it again the recording is below.

    Watch here

  • Affordability Seminar

    KO's Director of Financial Assistance Alan Comrie and Assistant Head of School for External Affairs Zaira Santiago held a webinar on affordability options for families interested in pursuing independent school education. Enjoy this video recording which addressed various topics from the financial assistance application process to merit scholarships to payment options available to KO families.

    Watch here

Our students are as involved as ever! Check out some of the recent initiatives

Refugees and global migration were the focus for our Form 4 (10th grade) students. This multi-departmental and dynamic learning experience culminated with participation in a webinar on Refugee Law work being done right here in Connecticut by UCONN Law School Fellows.
Our Form 3 (9th grade) Science class, Earth and Environmental Science, has embarked on a hands-on full-year project to study the Trout Brook ecosystem. Our crew followed the class one sunny September afternoon to observe the engaging, on-site learning that is happening in KO STEM classes!
Clubs, clubs and more clubs! Hear directly from KO students about the range of clubs here at KO in our first annual Virtual Club Fair. Whether you try one or five clubs, joining a club at KO will allow you to follow your passions, make friends with amazing interests, and gather toward a common goal!

Recent News From Campus

Hear from Our Educators

Head of the US: Dan Gleason

Dir. of Academic Planning Carolyn McKee

Dir. of College Advising: Jami Silver '96

Whatever Your Interest...We Have You Covered!

Athletics at KO

Arts at KO

Arts at KO

Sports at KO

Clubs at KO

Latest Theater Production

Choreographer Showcase

See What Our Students Are Involved In

Meet Our Student Leaders

Power of Women Event (4/20/20)

Upper School Jazz Combo

Academics: A Step Above

English: Cathy Schieffelin

History: Peter Jones & David Baker '04

Languages: Maureen Lamb

Science: Fritz Goodman

Math: Alex Hoerman

Global Online Academy

College. Big Decision Right? We Got You.



At Kingswood Oxford, college advising is another step in a student’s journey of self-discovery. Upper School students benefit from a four-year college curriculum. The College Advising Office works hand in hand with our advising system, particularly as 9th and 10th graders, focusing on the essential questions of; "Who am I and what do I love to learn and do?"

Beginning in the second semester of 10th grade, our formal programming surrounding college process and standardized testing begins and continues throughout their time at KO. As a day school, parents have steady access each year to college planning information and programming so that families can make the best decision for their child and their family.

Hear from Director of College Advising Jami Silver

Congratulations to the Class of 2020 on their college acceptances!


We love that our students love school. Rigorous academics, competitive athletics, an award-winning theater program and a myriad of different clubs and activities. Here is a window into the vibrant close-knit Kingswood Oxford School community. If you have questions or want to learn more about a particular program, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Helpful Links

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • Academics

    Learning at Kingswood Oxford is about more than “getting good grades.” It’s about how you want to live your life and discover your full potential and developing a deep love of learning that will keep you active and curious.

    We have a rigorous curriculum that gives students a wide range of core classes as well as electives that allow students to dive into what they know they are passionate about, or find areas in which they didn't realize they wanted to pursue!

    KO offers 17 Advanced Placement® courses and exams. As a testament to the fact that Kingswood Oxford students grow to love learning: 90% of our seniors take one (or more) AP courses...compared to the national average of 25%. And 53% of these students received an AP Scholar Award!

  • Arts

    The arts live at the core of a Kingswood Oxford education and are fully embedded in our curriculum and as co-curricular activities. Students explore both traditional and emerging art forms in all areas including theater, music (vocal and instrumental), and visual and media arts.

    Our award-winning theater program is like no other in the area and features a choreographer showcase program, where a variety of talent from across the country run workshops with budding thespians. Hear from our incredible Director of Theater Kyle Reynolds here.

  • Athletics

    Athletics play a critical role in the Kingswood Oxford experience. Students participate year-round, choosing from over 55 options in interscholastic including the Varsity, Junior Varsity and thirds level, intramural, and co-ed teams. Most of KO’s interscholastic teams participate in the Founders League. Our boys’ hockey and boys’ lacrosse teams compete in the Fairchester Athletic Association and our football team competes in the Evergreen Football League.

    Our main priority is always on students’ overall well-being. This holistic approach means Kingswood Oxford athletes are prepared and protected with a team of professionals and services that include:
    • Strength and conditioning
    • Personalized training
    • Nutritional counseling
    • Concussion safety
    For more about our athletics teams and accolades, visit our athletics news page. And if you don't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram at @wyvernathletics

  • College Advising

    At Kingswood Oxford, college advising is another step in a student’s journey of self-discovery. Upper School students benefit from a four-year college curriculum. The College Advising Office works hand in hand with our advising system, particularly during 9th and 10th grade, focusing on the essential questions of "Who am I?” and “what do I love to learn and do?"

    Beginning in the second semester of 10th grade, our formal programming surrounding the college process and standardized testing begins and continues until senior year. As a day school, parents have regular access each year to college planning information and programming so that families can make the best decision for their child and their family.

    To read more about the college advising process, visit this link.

  • Student Life

    Kingswood Oxford’s student life provides something for everyone. Students participate in Kingswood Oxford’s many faculty-mentored clubs and activities that teach leadership and problem-solving skills, as well as enhance our already-strong sense of community service and participation. Each fall, our Upper School hosts a club fair for all students to explore the myriad of offerings available. Clubs are a great way to pursue or explore an interest or passion, and at KO, these clubs won’t conflict with your afternoon activities!. See a list of the clubs offered at KO here.

    While academics and extracurricular activities keep students busy during the day, there is always time to find a comfortable place to relax with friends, get homework done, or hang out in the Roberts Center for Leadership or our student lounge.

    Additionally, community service takes many forms at KO and can be completed through clubs, travel, and other co-curricular opportunities. We also have several travel opportunities for students over the course of the year.
     
    Check out our Student 411 page for more about student life!

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Located in West Hartford, CT just steps from Blue Back Square, Kingswood Oxford is a private school inspiring co-ed day students in grades 6-12 with a college preparatory curriculum. Empowered students become clear confident communicators, resourceful problem-solvers, and ethical leaders. KO: where unlimited potential meets endless opportunities.
Copyright 2018. Kingswood Oxford.