Academics
King has three divisions: the Lower School (PreK-Grade 5), the Middle School (Grade 6-Grade 8), and the Upper School (Grade 9-Grade 12).
The Lower School Program is composed of four broad categories of general education: Language Arts (colloquially referred to as "English"), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Each is designed to cover a broad spectrum of topics, and establish enough knowledge so that students can participate in more advanced learning. The FLES Program in Spanish was introduced in September 2008.
The Middle School Program begins to focus on more in-depth examination of the basic topics established at the Lower School; a language requirement is also added. The topics are generally referred to as English (corresponding to the Language Arts category), History (corresponding to the Social Studies category), Mathematics, Modern Language, and Science. Students must choose between Spanish or French for the Modern Language requirement.
The Upper School focuses on opportunities to specialize. The English Department more closely resembles literary studies. The History and Social Science Department provides comprehensive overviews of European and U.S. History, as well as opportunities to focus on such topics as AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, Philosophy, and America in the 1960s. The Science Department provide a basis in biology, chemistry, and physics, and offers courses in specialized topics such as forensics, oceanography, and organic chemistry as well. The Science Department also sponsors a course titled "Challenge 20/20," a course modeled after an NAIS-sponsored program that allows secondary students to research and propose solutions to the 20 most pressing global issues that the world will face in the next 20 years. The Mathematics Department covers basic algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics. The Modern Language Department focuses on Spanish, French, and Chinese from the fundamentals to advanced literary studies. Visual Art offerings including drawing, painting, and clay, with a sequence for talented artists to explore a variety of media in depth in their four years. Performing Arts are also quite strong, with an array of vocal and instrumental music, drama, and technical theater courses available to students. AP courses are generally offered in every subject, and independent studies are available for interested students, as are opportunities for research and teaching assistantships.
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