A New Era Begins

Kiski is proud to introduce co-education in 2024.

For 135 years, Kiski has been a leader among college preparatory schools, developing boys into outstanding young men. We became experts in how boys learn, tailoring our educational and boarding approach to meet their unique learning needs. The true foundation of Kiski, however, is this: a dynamic college preparatory curriculum delivered in an encouraging environment that transforms young people into confident, responsible, and caring adults. And that, in fact, is something from which any student can benefit.

The past century will be our springboard to an even stronger future. Beginning in 2024, Kiski will offer co-education, extending our outstanding opportunities and unique educational environment to both boys and girls. While this approach is new for our school, we expect the results to be right in line with what we have seen over and over again: the development of each student’s mind, character, integrity, and self-discipline, coupled with a college preparatory learning experience, the benefits of which will last a lifetime.

We’ve done our homework.

We are optimistic about the future, but we also recognize the many challenges facing schools like Kiski in 2023. Over the past decade, enrollment at single-sex boarding schools in the U.S. has declined by 20%, and the demand for need-based financial aid has increased considerably. Coupled with a sharp drop in international enrollment following the pandemic, Kiski and many of our peer schools are facing risks to our continued financial security.

As such, we have concluded that opening Kiski’s doors to young women will foster a more balanced community, enhance the overall educational experience for all of our students, and allow our school to grow and thrive in the future.

This decision was carefully made and reflects our commitment to providing an education that best prepares our students for college and beyond. We are taking all the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition to co-education. The well-being of each and every Kiski student remains our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining, and improving the level of personalized attention and individualized support that has been the hallmark of our school for 135 years.

We’ve established a focused advisory board.

To facilitate the school’s transition to a co-ed institution, we established a Co-Education Advisory Board. From September 2023 until the arrival of the first group of female students in September 2024, the board will play a crucial role. Comprised of seasoned experts in co-education and girls' education, the board will offer perspectives and suggestions to cultivate an environment that promotes the academic, social, and personal development of all Kiski students. The role of the Advisory Board includes the following:

Campus Infrastructure. The board will review proposed changes to existing campus infrastructure and facilities to ensure they are suitable for accommodating both male and female students.

Programmatic Development. The board will advise on the development of initiatives that address the needs and interests of female students, including course offerings, athletic and extracurricular activities, and academic support systems.

Community Engagement. The board will provide guidance on outreach efforts, ensuring that the transition to co-education is well-understood and supported by all stakeholders in order to foster positive relationships and communication with parents, alumni, and the wider community.

Monitoring and Evaluation. Throughout the transition process, the board will review progress and outcomes of the initiatives implemented and recommend necessary adjustments to ensure continuous growth and improvement.

- DR. BODIE BRIZENDINE
  
  Former Head of School at Spence School Former Board President of the National Association of Principals of Schools for Girls

- SALLY KEIDEL
  
  Head of School at Agnes Irwin School

- DR. AGGIE MALTER
  
  President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Independent School Association Business Officers Association

- DR. MARY SEPPALA
  
  Former Head of School at Munich International School and at Agnes Irwin School

- VINCE WATCHORN
  
  Executive Director of the New York State Association of Independent Schools

We can’t wait to see what the future will hold.

The advantages of co-education for Kiski are plentiful, bring forth a diversified learning environment that will give students access to expanded academic offerings, enriching social development opportunities, and provide a wider spectrum of extracurricular activities. We are so excited to see what the future holds for our school, and most importantly, our students.

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