The school has an operating budget of approximately $14 million[3] and a staff of less than 100. From its inception, South Kent School was intended to offer a service-oriented education "at minimum cost for boys of ability and character, who presumably on graduation must be self-supporting.[4] " Its motto is "Simplicity of life, Self-reliance, and Directness of purpose".
History
The hamlet of South Kent emerged in the mid-1700s on the "main road over Spooner Hill to Bull's Bridge",[5] where Jacob Bull established an iron foundry; by 1800, an ironworks and forge were also set up near the outlet from Hatch Pond. When railroads came up the valley in the 1840s,[6] efficient competition from western foundries shuttered the Connecticut iron industry.[7] By 1920, the area's population was half its Revolution-era level, and farm properties were available inexpensively.[8]
The school was founded in 1923 as a joint venture between Reverend Frederick Herbert Sill, headmaster of Kent School, and two of his recent graduates, Samuel Slater Bartlett and Richard M. Cuyler. The Straight farm was purchased from members of the Judd family, and additions to the farmhouse were made to house a chapel, twenty-four students, and faculty. From the start, students provided labor for daily cleaning, maintenance, and unskilled construction. Over the years, several buildings were added to the Straight property, and additional acreage was acquired. Most recently, the defunct farm on the north end of Hatch Pond was purchased.[9]
Sam Bartlett became the first headmaster, serving for 45 years. Bartlett was followed as headmaster by conservationist L. Wynne Wister (1955–69), then George M. Bartlett (son of the first headmaster) through 1989. Peter Arango had a brief tenure, then Noble Richards '49 was headmaster until 1996. He was succeeded by John S. Farber (96-00), John C. Farr '58 (retired in 2003), then by Andrew J. Vadnais through 2018,[10] then followed by Lawrence A. Smith '73. An independent board of trustees governs the school. [11] South Kent School's most current head of school is Brian D. Sullivan.
Admissions
Enrollment at the beginning of the 2022–23 school year was 150 young men worldwide in four "forms" (or grades). International students from twenty nations and U.S. students from nineteen states across America are represented.[12]
Curriculum
South Kent is a college-preparatory school; the course of study is designed with the intent that every student will continue his education at a higher-level institution.
In 2017–18, the school had 35 faculty members who offered 48 courses in 2 primary divisions, math/science, and humanities. The school year is divided into fall, winter, and spring. Students typically enroll in five major academic courses each term.[13] Accelerated courses, including advanced placement, are offered in more than a dozen subjects (several in conjunction with Syracuse University[14]).
English as a second language
ESL is a program for international students to improve or reinforce written and oral English skills. The focus is on structure, comprehension, and conversation. Nearly half of South Kent graduates have been non-native English speakers in recent years.[15]
Center for Innovation
Due in part to its rural setting, the school has established a learning track focused on environmental management and entrepreneurship. Technologies range from historic architecture and building techniques to robotics and software design.[16][17][18]
Extracurricular activities
Athletics
Facilities available to students include The Admiral James & Sybil Stockdale Arena, the Joseph J. Brown gymnasium, the Alumni Boathouse on Hatch Pond for rowing, the Anne H. Funnell cross-country trail, the hard court tennis courts, a weight-training facility, numerous athletics fields, and the adjacent Tom Fazio-designed Bulls Bridge Golf Club.[19]
Publications
The Pigtail: a student publication issued three to five times yearly. The name of the paper is a reference to the nickname of the hamlet of South Kent as "Pigtail Corners" or simply "Pigtail".[20] A slogan at the school for many years was "Pigtail Against the World".
The Hillside: the South Kent School alum magazine is published twice annually.
Cardinal News Network: a student-produced online publication that is updated continually. Cardinal News Network features the videos and stories created by students in the Digital Communications classes.[21]
Notable SKS people
Over one hundred years, the school has been home to fewer than 3,000 students, resident faculty and their families, and several other notables.
Florence Maybrick, a notorious convicted murderess, is buried in the school cemetery.
Martin H. M. Schreiber, photographer, did not graduate but retains his affiliation with the school and the class of 1965.
Admiral James Stockdale, (Medal of Honor recipient, P.O.W., Vice-Presidential Candidate) & Mrs. Sybil Stockdale - parents of three SKS alumni. The ice-hockey facility is named in their honor.
Martin Russ (SKS 1949), writer documenting the experience of U.S. combatants in the Korean War.[33]
Rathvon M. Tompkins (SKS 1931), Major General, USMC; commanded 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam 1967-71.[34]
Athletes
Father Sill wrote in his proposal for the founding of Kent School that it would " provide...for boys of ability and character, who presumably on graduation must be self-supporting...Simplicity, self-reliance and directness...."[35] Seventeen years later, he and his partners in the South Kent venture adopted the last as the new school's motto. In the early 2000s, Headmaster Vadnais and the Board recognized that young athletes with professional aspirations not only fit the description in Father Sill's proposal,[36] but that many of them were likely to see high school as the final step in their education, as well.[37][38] The number of notable athletes who have graduated from South Kent has burgeoned during the past quarter-century.[39] They include:
South Kent competes athletically as a member of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council and the Hudson Valley Athletic League and adheres to all league guidelines. Students can participate in post-season tournaments and compete for league and New England titles.
^"Myles Powell"., Seton Hall Pirates men's basketball. Accessed August 6, 2019. "Attended Medford Tech, Trenton Catholic, and most recently South Kent School... birthday is July 7 and was born in Trenton, N.J."
