Kimball Union Academy
7 Campus Center Drive, Meriden NH, 03770
(603) 469-2000
Our mission is to create a deep sense of belonging for every member of our community. Through intentionally designed experiences and challenges, our students develop the knowledge, voice, and character to live with purpose and integrity.
Kimball Union Academy, or KUA, is a boarding and day school in New Hampshire's Upper Valley, offering high school students in grades 9 through 12 or a postgraduate year with a transformational education that places individual growth and development at its core. We may be one of the oldest boarding schools in the nation, but we are unbound by tradition. Innovative in nature and forward-thinking in our approach, we stay true to our mission to create a deep sense of belonging for all members of our community as they develop the knowledge, voice, and character to live with purpose and integrity.
FAST FACTS
Head of School:
Tyler Lewis
Director of Admissions:
Josh Labove
Gender:
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation:
Nondenominational
Total Enrollment:
340
Percent Boarders:
80%
Percent International:
25%
Application Platorm(s):
Gateway and SAO
Testing Plan:
Preferred
Curriculum
Kimball Union provides a robust education that honors the individual student as an essential part of the greater community. We invest in each student’s future by understanding who they are. We ask students to learn about themselves. Then as partners, we figure out who they will become – as students and as human beings – as they prepare for the next steps on their journey.
Programming
Each year students are engaged in specific programming that promotes academic, social, and personal growth on topics such as leadership, ethics, and the transition to college.
Activity/Sports Requirements
Kimball Union’s athletic and activity programs complement what students learn in the classroom and are essential to the life of the community. Students are encouraged to pursue both their passions and new experiences during the afternoon program period. We offer a wide range of interscholastic athletics and activity offerings each season.
Dress Code
At all times, not just during the academic class day, clothing must be respectful and not promote concepts or substances that undermine the mission and core values of Kimball Union. Business casual clothing is required and may change to formal attire for certain occasions.
Seated Meals
We also gather for family-style meals when faculty members host a group on a rotating basis throughout the year, providing them an opportunity to meet new friends and adult members of the community.
Study Hall
The Center provides a variety of academic support programs, both one-on-one and small group, to meet the needs of the rich variety of learners we serve. Students who are enrolled in Learning Center meet weekly in small groups or one-on-one to gain individualized skills necessary to be successful. From executive functioning support to content specific tutorials, a wide variety of academic and social needs are addressed.
Saturday Programming
As any student will tell you, weekends on the Hilltop can be as active or as relaxing as you want them to be. Athletic games take place on Saturdays for student-athletes and fans alike. Additional activities, local outings and trips, and a full schedule of on-campus activities keep campus buzzing all weekend long. Faculty also regularly bring visiting artists, comedians, and films to campus. Most of the activities are student led, thanks to members of our Campus Activities Board, who are selected each year to plan weekend activities with suggestions from their fellow students.
Residential Life
Each dorm is guided by a dedicated faculty member or House Head who creates a healthy environment where students can find friendships, connections, and space in different ways. Each House Head has their own approach to creating a “home away from home” that speaks to the individuality of the residents. For some, weekend baking and crafts are a favorite activity while other dorms enjoy grill nights and Sunday afternoon football games. Dorm families eat together, study together, tackle problems together, and find space away from each other when necessary, just like a family. Typically, dorm meetings are held on Tuesday nights as time for discussion and general housekeeping, but also for community time and celebration. Student proctors help create a sense of culture and maintain respect within the dorms.