Kent School Writes

At Kent School, academic excellence and joyful childhood are not competing priorities. Through hands-on instruction, outdoor play, reduced screen time, and a thoughtful balance of rigor and creativity, students are developing the confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills they need to thrive.

As conversations grow around digital literacy platforms like iReady, many parents are asking how technology should fit into the classroom. At Kent School, our approach is simple: technology supports learning, but it never replaces teacher-led instruction, deep reading, or meaningful conversation.

At Kent School, our nine-year partnership with the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning (CTTL) at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School ensures that our classrooms are shaped not only by experience and passion, but by research. We are proud to be the only PK–8 school in Maryland engaged in this nationally recognized, research-informed professional training.

Choosing an independent school is a significant financial decision for any family. At Kent School, we view tuition not as a fee, but as an investment in a child’s foundation. Here is the Truth about the value that investment returns to our students. At Kent School, we believe the early years of a child’s education are the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, confidence, and achievement. An investment in an independent school experience empowers a child to reach their fullest […]

Winter may bring snow, but at Kent School, it also brings the most powerful learning of the year. See how we help students turn effort into excellence from January through May.

Middle school is the stretch where children change fastest, and it’s when many families first look at independent schools. Here’s what actually matters when you’re comparing them in Maryland: class size, what tuition really covers, where students go after eighth grade, and the questions worth asking on every visit.

At Kent School, our identity has always been shaped by our beautiful riverside campus on the Chester River. This unique setting isn’t just scenic–it’s the foundation of our Chesapeake Bay Studies program. Every day, our students learn, explore, and grow in an environment deeply connected to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This sense of place guides our curriculum, our sustainability practices, and our mission to develop environmentally conscious citizens. The Chester River: Our Living Classroom for Chesapeake Bay Studies Our location […]

It’s particularly important to focus on the moments in Middle School as it’s a time when students grow and change rapidly while navigating the awkwardness of puberty. And, while it may seem like a blur, the truth is, Middle School moments matter in ways that often aren’t fully understood until later in life. The friendships formed, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned during these years have a profound impact on who students become as individuals.

Is an independent school education worth it? At Kent School, the answer is a resounding yes. From teaching cursive to preserve historical literacy to assigning full-length novels that foster critical thinking and deep engagement, Kent School ensures students are prepared for future academic success and beyond. Discover how our rigorous and joyful learning environment inspires students to meet high expectations and become true scholars.

We are introducing “Courage” as the guiding theme for the academic school year! Let’s reflect on its meaning as well as discuss the school’s commitment to fostering a community where students and faculty embrace vulnerability, take risks, and support one another’s growth. We know courage and confidence are essential for the personal development of our students at Kent School.

By Tricia Cammerzell, Assistant Head of School for Advancement Culminating events get the headlines but the real work lies in the backstories. Every academic year at Kent School ends with students demonstrating their mastery of a subject area or participating in a full circle experience where students can showcase and share their knowledge. The work leading up to these events showcases our teachers’ continuing commitment to Mind, Brain and Education science (MBE) which is a key differentiator at Kent School. […]

It’s April and we are busily preparing for our Spring Showcase at Kent School. Until recently, we called this event the Spring Arts Showcase, with our students fine and performing arts accomplishments on display. The newly named Spring Showcase puts the spotlight on a wider array of student work. In Education, the acronym STEAM refers to the convergence of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics in teaching. Teachers at Kent School have a strong history of practicing cross-curricular teaching […]

Private school tuition is rarely what families actually pay. Here’s what Kent School costs, what our inclusive tuition covers, and how tuition assistance puts a Kent education within reach for more families than you might expect.

High school preparation is about more than grades and test scores. At Kent School, students develop the confidence, communication skills, critical thinking, and independence they need to thrive in independent, public, and college-preparatory high schools while building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Athletics are about more than competition. At Kent School, middle school sports help students develop resilience, confidence, teamwork, and focus, skills that support success both in the classroom and beyond.

As children approach middle school, many families begin asking whether their current school still feels like the right fit. At Kent School, Middle School begins in Grade 5, giving students the chance to build confidence, leadership, independence, and critical thinking skills in a small-by-design K-8 community.

Searching for a private school near Centreville, MD? Discover Kent School’s unique program in Chestertown with small classes, academic rigor, Chesapeake Bay studies, and more.

Comparing public and private schools in Kent County, Maryland? This guide helps families understand how class size, middle school structure, hands-on learning, tuition assistance, and school community can shape the right school choice for their child.

The Deborah C. Williams Middle School renovation is designed to modernize and enhance educational spaces, providing students and faculty with updated classrooms that support collaboration, creativity, and innovative teaching practices. The project is part of the broader Together We Soar campaign, which also includes the construction of the new Osprey Innovation Center and continued investment in Kent School’s endowment.

Families searching for a private school in Chestertown, Maryland are often looking for more than academics alone. At Kent School, students are known, challenged, encouraged, and given room to experience the joy of childhood while building confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills.

At Kent School, our nine-year partnership with the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning (CTTL) at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School ensures that our classrooms are shaped not only by experience and passion, but by research. We are proud to be the only PK–8 school in Maryland engaged in this nationally recognized, research-informed professional training.

Choosing an independent school is a significant financial decision for any family. At Kent School, we view tuition not as a fee, but as an investment in a child’s foundation. Here is the Truth about the value that investment returns to our students. At Kent School, we believe the early years of a child’s education are the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, confidence, and achievement. An investment in an independent school experience empowers a child to reach their fullest […]

Middle school is the stretch where children change fastest, and it’s when many families first look at independent schools. Here’s what actually matters when you’re comparing them in Maryland: class size, what tuition really covers, where students go after eighth grade, and the questions worth asking on every visit.

If you’re a parent exploring private school options for your child, chances are you’ve asked yourself: “Can we actually afford this?” It’s a common and completely valid question. For many families, “affordable” doesn’t mean cheap — it means attainable, flexible, and worth the investment.

If you’re considering private school for your child, understanding the true cost can feel overwhelming. It’s not just about the tuition number—it’s about value, support, and transparency. To help you feel confident in your decision, here are five essential private school tuition questions to ask any school you’re considering.

Relocating with children comes with one big question: Where will our kids thrive? For families eyeing Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the answer often begins with Kent School. Nestled along the Chester River in Chestertown, Kent School offers an academically rigorous, nurturing environment where learning extends far beyond the classroom. From its unique riverside campus and environmental curriculum to its reputation for preparing confident, compassionate leaders, Kent School stands out as a beacon for families seeking a slower pace of life without […]

Friendship conflict can be one of the most painful parts of growing up, especially during the middle school years. In this thoughtful piece, Kent School’s Dean of Students explores the difference between bullying and social conflict, why accountability matters, and how schools and families can work together to help children navigate difficult friendships with empathy, courage, and care.

Families searching for a private school in Chestertown, Maryland are often looking for more than academics alone. At Kent School, students are known, challenged, encouraged, and given room to experience the joy of childhood while building confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills.

As conversations grow around digital literacy platforms like iReady, many parents are asking how technology should fit into the classroom. At Kent School, our approach is simple: technology supports learning, but it never replaces teacher-led instruction, deep reading, or meaningful conversation.

When choosing a private school in Maryland, families want more than strong academics—they want a place where their child is known, supported, and inspired. At Kent School, we combine small classes and personalized learning with a family-like community and the unparalleled Chesapeake Bay setting. Discover what makes us one of Maryland’s most unique private schools.

At Kent School, courage takes center stage—literally. Each year, our eighth-grade students step into the spotlight for a full-scale musical production, a tradition as old as the School itself. There’s no opting out, no fading into the background. Every student is part of the show, and in doing so, they take a bold leap outside their comfort zone.

Celebrating a Milestone at Kent School As spring unfolds and the academic year draws to a close, Kent School is preparing to celebrate one of the most meaningful traditions in School life: Graduation. Though this ceremony may lack the size and spectacle of high school or college commencements, it is every bit as heartfelt—and, in many ways, much more personal. At the heart of it all are warm relationships, proud […]

Nancy Mugele reflects on the timeless power of fairy tales to inspire intelligence, empathy, and imagination in children—reminding us that deep thinking often begins with wild dreaming and the magic of storytelling.