South Kent School has once again received an A+ rating from Niche, highlighting our continued commitment to academic excellence, student growth, and community engagement. Additionally, the School was recently named a “Must Watch Boarding School for 2024” by K12 Digest®, a recognition that underscores the School’s forward-thinking approach to education and its rich legacy.
Brian D. Sullivan, Head of School, expressed his pride in these accomplishments, saying, “These recognitions are a testament to the incredible efforts of our dedicated students and Hillside Community. South Kent has always been about more than just academic success—it’s about developing thoughtful, resilient young men who are ready to take on the challenges of an ever-evolving world. We are honored to be acknowledged for our commitment to preparing students for college and beyond.”
Founded in 1923, South Kent has a long history of blending rigorous academics with values like self-reliance, resilience, and leadership. “From the start, it was about giving boys more than knowledge,” Sullivan notes. “It was about teaching them how to take on responsibility and face the real world.”
South Kent’s approach to education is both timeless and progressive. In its second century, the School continues to innovate, introducing programs like Future Literacies, a curriculum focused on artificial intelligence, finance, and entrepreneurship, to ensure students are prepared for a rapidly changing world. Additionally, the Stockdale Leadership Program, inspired by Vice Admiral James Stockdale, guides students through core leadership principles, preparing them for future roles across various fields.
Beyond academics, South Kent places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, offering students hands-on opportunities at the reimagined North Campus, where sustainability projects and culinary arts experiences take place. The campus also serves as a living laboratory for environmental science, giving students real-world, impact-driven projects that deepen their understanding of the world around them.
As Sullivan explains, “South Kent students aren’t just learning concepts—they’re applying them in real-world settings, preparing to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society.”
South Kent also takes pride in its strong sense of community and its focus on holistic student development. Whether through academics, athletics, media arts, leadership opportunities, or service, students are encouraged to engage in activities that foster personal growth, responsibility, and a sense of belonging.
With an enrollment that draws students from across the U.S. and around the world, South Kent School has become a thriving and diverse environment where young men are challenged to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
“We are honored to be recognized not only for our academic excellence but for the strong community we’ve built here,” Sullivan adds. “Our alumni are living proof of the Trinity of Values that South Kent stands for—Simplicity of Life, Self Reliance, Directness of Purpose.”
As South Kent continues to grow and evolve, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide students with a well-rounded, impactful education that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.