Kimball Union Academy

Kimball Union Academy (KUA), located along the Connecticut River, is a private coeducational boarding and day high school serving approximately 340 students in grades 9 through 12, as well as a postgraduate year. Founded in 1813 as one of the oldest boarding schools in the nation, KUA is situated on a 1,300-acre campus that provides a distraction-free environment for study while offering access to cultural, intellectual, and recreational opportunities, including proximity to Dartmouth College. The school’s mission is to create a deep sense of belonging for all community members, fostering individual growth and development to help students develop the knowledge, voice, and character to live with purpose and integrity through a transformative college-preparatory education.

Academics

The academic program at Kimball Union Academy is designed to foster intellectual curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, preparing students for college and beyond. The college-directed core curriculum includes a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, such as AP English Literature & Composition, AP U.S. History, AP European History, AP Modern World History, AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Environmental Science, AP French, AP Spanish, AP Studio Art, AP Music Theory, and AP Art History, with around 20 AP offerings in total. Graduation requires 19 credits, including specifics in English, science, mathematics, world languages, history, and arts, with small class sizes averaging 12 students and a 6:1 student-teacher ratio ensuring personalized attention. Faculty, with 78% holding advanced degrees, support students through collaborative learning, and the program emphasizes analytical writing skills and exploration of strengths and new subjects.

Athletics

The athletics program at Kimball Union Academy is dynamic and competitive, with teams competing in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) and the Lakes Region League across 19 varsity sports, including hockey, basketball, field hockey, soccer, baseball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, alpine skiing, freeskiing, and more. Over 70% of students earn at least one varsity letter annually, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and experienced coaches with collegiate and professional backgrounds. The program focuses on developing self-confidence, discipline, time management, and leadership, while promoting health, wellness, and inclusivity through recreational options and policies like the STAND Up model for addressing harassment, with many graduates advancing to collegiate athletics.

Arts

The arts program at Kimball Union Academy offers comprehensive opportunities in visual arts, performing arts, music, and theater, requiring all students to fulfill visual and performing arts credits from categories like dance, music, theater, and visual arts. Housed in the Flickinger Arts Center, the program includes courses in ceramics, costume design, vocal and instrumental music, theater, and dance, with advanced options like AP Studio Art and AP Art History. Students benefit from a visiting artists program, collaborations with nearby institutions such as Dartmouth College’s Hood Museum of Art, Hopkins Center for Performing Arts, and Northern Stage, and a schedule that allows participation without conflicting with athletics or academics, fostering creativity under the guidance of 10 specialized faculty members, many of whom are practicing artists.