Kingswood Oxford School

KO provides an outstanding liberal arts education with an emphasis on character development. As a recent alum, I can attest to the teachers' thoroughly dedication to their craft. They instill in their students a love of learning and empower the students to take ownership for their work. I've never worked so hard and got out as much of something as I did my seven years at KO. I was solidly prepared for college level work.

SMELLS LIKE CHEESE

I normally do not post comments, but after seeing the not-so-positive comment about Kingswood Oxford (KO), I felt that I needed to weigh in (and I have to wonder whether my child attends a different Kingswood Oxford). I cannot begin to say enough that's great about this school. The teachers (who seem to have all graduated from top-notch schools) are bright, caring people who are willing to help your child in whatever way needed for them to learn and thrive. The administration is highly responsive and creative, and the campus is beautiful. Before deciding to transfer to KO, I could not understand why parents would send their child to a private school. Coming from a suburban public high school, I expected the education at KO to be better, but was also concerned whether coming from a middle class family would put my child at a disadvantage socially. I have been VERY pleasantly surprised. In my estimation, the education is not only better, it's world-class. The students are definitely provided with intellectual challenges, and learn to think critically in a way that most students don't learn until college, if then. In fact, despite the fact that I have an advanced degree, I am learning a great deal myself from the discussions I've had with my child about what's been presented at school. As far as socially, it's cool to be smart, to work hard, to have a clever wit and to be kind and respectful. Unlike many other schools (both public and private), at KO designer labels don't matter, while the character of the person inside does. I can't help but believe that my child's positive experience at KO will have a profound effect not only on the ability to succeed in college, but also throughout adult life. One final thing about KO versus the private boarding schools: I'm sure many of them are great schools, but with students coming from all over, parent involvement and ongoing connections with other students from the Greater Hartford area has to be more difficult. In addition, since all KO students commute from home, none of them are out of the loop or feel like outsiders as a result of not living on campus.

An amazing place

KO has created a culture of of success among their students, balancing meritocracy and social responsibility. A truly special place.