Over a century ago, on a quiet patch of Connecticut countryside, Samuel Slater Bartlett and Richard M. Cuyler envisioned a school that would shape boys into young men of character, resilience, and purpose. South Kent School, founded in 1923, wasn’t designed to be exclusive—it was built to be accessible to families of all means, blending rigorous academics with the values of hard work and self-reliance. “From the start, it was about giving boys more than knowledge,” says Brian Sullivan, South Kent’s current Head of School. “It was about teaching them how to take on responsibility and face the real world.”
In those early years, students didn’t just hit the books—they built classrooms, harvested crops, and maintained the campus, cultivating the self-sufficiency that would last a lifetime. Bartlett, affectionately known as “the Old Man,” led the school through the Great Depression, guiding it with simplicity and resilience. Under his steady hand, South Kent became a place where students gained both knowledge and the grit to thrive in life.
Decades later, South Kent has flourished, balancing academics with athletics and leadership. Today, its 650-acre campus offers a remarkable blend of learning environments, including trails, fields, and state-of-the-art facilities. As it enters its 101st year, South Kent is launching the Future Literacies program, an innovative curriculum focused on AI, finance, and entrepreneurship. “We’re preparing our students for a world that’s constantly evolving,” Sullivan shares.
As South Kent steps into its second century, it does so with a powerful legacy and a renewed commitment to shaping well-rounded young men ready to take on the world with resilience and purpose.
A Curriculum for the Future
Entering its second century, South Kent School is embracing a bold vision of education that meets the challenges of the modern world. “We’re focused on building a curriculum that doesn’t just teach concepts but prepares students to thrive in an unpredictable world,” shares Sullivan. To achieve this, South Kent has introduced a host of new programs that blend foundational academics with cutting-edge disciplines like artificial intelligence, financial literacy, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
One standout is the dual-enrollment partnership with Syracuse University, enabling students to earn college credits before they graduate. Additionally, the Stockdale Leadership Program, inspired by Vice Admiral James Stockdale, guides students through core principles of leadership, setting the groundwork for future roles in various fields.
The School’s evolving curriculum offers early evening programs in areas like STEM, entrepreneurship, culinary arts, and innovation—allowing students to apply their learning beyond the traditional classroom and engage with real-world projects. This practical approach goes hand-in-hand with South Kent’s belief that the best learning happens when students actively engage, connect, and create.
A Hub of Sustainability and Hands-On Learning
After a hiatus, South Kent’s North Campus is back, reimagined for the 2024-2025 academic year as a hands-on learning environment. “The North Campus is where our students truly get their hands dirty—literally and figuratively,” says Sullivan. This campus offers a range of opportunities, from sustainability projects and ecosystem research to culinary arts experiences with visiting chefs.
The greenhouses and surrounding woodlands provide a living laboratory, fostering an appreciation for ecosystems and environmental science. The emphasis here is on experiential learning, as students engage in projects that make a direct impact on their community and deepen their understanding of the natural world.
Personalized, Hands-On Learning
What sets South Kent apart is its commitment to personalized, real-world learning. Small class sizes and a close-knit boarding environment mean that faculty members know each student individually—their strengths, challenges, and potential. “We want our students to learn in ways that matter to them,” Sullivan notes, emphasizing South Kent’s focus on applying knowledge rather than memorizing for tests.
Every course culminates in a capstone project where students tackle real-life issues, allowing them to see how their studies translate into tangible results. The outcome? Graduates equipped not only with knowledge but also with the critical thinking and adaptability required in a complex world.
South Kent’s curriculum balances timeless academic subjects—writing, history, math, and science—with forward-thinking disciplines like AI and technology, financial literacy, and engineering. This blend ensures that while students master core skills, they’re also gaining the future-oriented knowledge needed to thrive in college and beyond.
Building Character Through Community and Responsibility
Education at South Kent is as much about character as it is about academics. The School’s ethos emphasizes that every student is part of something greater—a community where strength comes from working together. Accountability is central here; students are encouraged to take ownership of their actions and hold themselves to high standards.
Central to this approach is the century-old Jobs Program, where every student plays an active role in maintaining the School’s daily operations. From cleaning common spaces to tending campus grounds, students learn the value of teamwork and personal responsibility, reinforcing the idea that everyone’s efforts contribute to the School’s success.
South Kent nurtures leaders by allowing students to pursue activities aligned with their personal interests. Evening programs reward hard work, offering additional learning opportunities that support both personal and academic growth.
Holistic Support for Personal and Academic Success
South Kent’s small size allows for a highly individualized approach to education. Here, every student’s academic journey is unique, with teachers and advisors who tailor programs to fit each student’s needs. The Student Success Office plays a pivotal role, providing one-on-one support and resources like the Writing Lab and Math Lab. “We don’t just teach; we guide and mentor, adapting as needed,” explains Sullivan.
Recognizing the social and emotional challenges facing young men today, South Kent emphasizes emotional literacy. By developing self-awareness and resilience, students are better prepared to navigate the complexities of adolescence and emerge as confident, capable individuals.
This holistic approach ensures that South Kent graduates don’t just leave with academic skills—they depart as well-rounded, compassionate, and responsible citizens ready to contribute meaningfully to the world.
Diversity and Inclusion
South Kent School is not just a place of learning but a thriving mosaic of cultures, ideas, and experiences. With students hailing from over 23 states and more than 20 countries, diversity isn’t a target—it’s the very fabric of the school. Every student, regardless of background, adds a unique thread to this community, fostering an environment where varied perspectives are embraced and celebrated.
To ensure every voice is heard and valued, South Kent has created a structure that champions representation and inclusion. Through advisory and Form programming, students have a platform to share their thoughts, experiences, and challenges. This direct access to school leadership is intentional, aiming to create a space where students feel deeply engaged in their own educational journey. Brian Sullivan, the School’s leader, emphasizes that the faculty and administration work as partners in student growth. “Our students aren’t just here to learn,” says Sullivan, “they’re here to teach us, too. We believe that their perspectives actively shape South Kent’s present and future.”
South Kent’s commitment to representation extends to its leadership, which showcases a rich mix of backgrounds and experiences. This diversity at the top serves as a daily reminder for students to envision themselves in leadership roles, reinforcing that they, too, have the power to shape the world around them. Through these efforts, South Kent fosters a sense of belonging and pride, preparing students to thrive not just academically but as inclusive, global citizens.
Building a Legacy of Engagement and Leadership
Community service is more than just a value at South Kent School—it’s a shared commitment. From local soup kitchens to organizing food drives, students actively give back to the community, nurturing empathy and responsibility in the process. These experiences, spread throughout the week and weekends, teach students the power of collective action and personal accountability.
While South Kent honors traditional leadership roles such as student prefects and team captains, it’s clear that leadership here is about much more than titles. “Leadership isn’t just what you do, but how you do it,” Sullivan shares. To embody this philosophy, South Kent’s advisory program immerses students in leadership training, focusing on skills like communication, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving. This holistic approach ensures that students emerge not only as knowledgeable scholars but as conscientious leaders equipped to make meaningful contributions.
Through these intertwined pillars of community service and character-based leadership, South Kent students develop a sense of purpose that transcends personal goals. By the time they leave, they are not only prepared for the world but also inspired to change it.
Connecting Past and Present: The Power of Alumni
South Kent’s campus walls hold more than just academic accolades; they echo the stories of alumni who have ventured into fields like business, government, environmental stewardship, and beyond. These accomplished graduates offer current students a powerful testament to the School’s transformative impact, embodying the core values that South Kent instills.
Recognizing the inspiration and guidance alumni provide, South Kent actively fosters connections between former students and the current community. Alumni are frequently invited to campus to share firsthand experiences, offering invaluable insights into how South Kent shaped their personal and professional lives. As they recount stories of challenges faced and milestones achieved, students gain a firsthand look at how the South Kent experience translates into real-world success. Sullivan underscores the importance of these relationships, noting, “Our alumni are living examples of what our students can achieve—they are mentors, role models, and, most importantly, family.”
Through ongoing mentorship and networking initiatives, South Kent alumni play a continuous role in the lives of current students, providing advice, internships, and career pathways. These connections create a vibrant support network that encourages students to aim high and reinforces a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves.
Athletic Excellence: More Than Just a Game
For South Kent, athletics is not an isolated activity but an essential part of the educational experience, enriching students’ lives beyond the classroom. From basketball to mountain biking, sports are woven into the daily rhythm of the School, teaching students invaluable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and resilience.
Participation in sports at South Kent goes beyond honing athletic skills. Here, students learn to set personal and team goals, developing a sense of accountability and determination that extends to all areas of life. “Every practice, every game is an opportunity to build character,” Sullivan explains. “Our student-athletes learn that true success isn’t just measured by wins but by growth and effort.”
Game days at South Kent are a testament to the School’s unity and spirit, drawing students, faculty, and alumni together in a shared celebration of commitment and hard work. While many South Kent athletes do go on to compete at collegiate and professional levels, the focus remains on character development and personal growth. The victories are celebrated, but it’s the lessons learned from challenges that resonate the most.
At South Kent, the impact of athletics is felt well beyond graduation. These experiences prepare students for the trials and triumphs of life, equipping them with a mindset of resilience and adaptability that will serve them in every endeavor they pursue.
Nurturing Passions Beyond the Classroom
At South Kent School, students’ unique interests take center stage through an engaging mix of extracurricular and co-curricular activities. This year’s diverse lineup reflects a commitment to fostering creativity, skill-building, and camaraderie. Programs like sustainability, entrepreneurship, robotics, and media production invite students to apply classroom concepts to real-world projects. Aspiring engineers can build hands-on creations, while young entrepreneurs develop innovative ideas alongside peers.
The School’s E-Sports program sharpens strategic thinking, while the Advanced Media Group and South Kent News Network encourage creative documentation of school life. Even friendly competition finds its place in the intramural basketball league, where students experience the thrill of team spirit and rivalry. “It’s about connection and confidence,” says Sullivan, who believes these experiences shape resilient, well-rounded individuals.
Preparing for Tomorrow with Vision
In a rapidly changing world, South Kent stays ahead by blending tradition with forward-thinking educational practices. Through a dynamic, research-driven curriculum, students are prepared for both academic and future career success. Embracing new technologies and inquiry-based learning, the School equips students with adaptability and critical thinking skills that transcend conventional academics.
Guided by a commitment to continuous improvement, South Kent aims to create lifelong learners who are prepared for future challenges. This adaptable, forward-focused approach ensures that each student leaves equipped to lead, innovate, and thrive in an evolving world.
For More Info: https://southkentschool.org/