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Kirby is an independent, non-sectarian school serving 275 students in grades 6 through 12. We know that offering a healthy balance of rigorous academics, artistic expression, and athletics participation are vital to your student's sstudent's development. Parents of younger students find that learning in an integrated middle and high school campus opens up valuable academic opportunities. We can challenge your student by placing them in math and language classes based on readiness, not just grade level. Once in high school, they can choose to specialize with a focused graduation path or follow the general path, enriched with extensive electives and optional AP classes. Within our academic program, the arts are supported as an equal partner with math, science, and humanity. So your student can weave music, visual arts, theater, and dance into a custom Kirby education. And after school, sports take the field. Over half of our students play on a Kirby sports team. Here at Kirby, we believe in balance, not burnout. Through intellectual challenge in a responsive environment, Kirby empowers students to shape their futures with confidence. Our students learn to think critically, develop their creativity, and engage diverse communities with thoughtfulness and respect. We believe: Offering academic challenge across the disciplines at all age levels maximizes the growth of each Kirby student Kirby'sKirby's inspiring faculty cultivate and model lifelong curiosity Our commitment to small class sizes enables us to be responsive to every learner Student confidence is supported by our close-knit culture of kindness and mutual respect Young people who have an active voice in their education and community will be motivated and enthusiastic learners When adolescents are taught and encouraged to lead healthy, balanced lives, their learning capacity, and happiness increase Development of creativity and adaptability are crucial to a growth mindset and enhanced through exploration of a wide variety of arts, electives, and experiences Collaboration among parents, faculty, and students is fundamental to student success Culturally responsive education is a conscious, ever-deepening process of recognizing, exploring, and embracing our differences Kirby was founded on the belief that students who are respected and encouraged to explore their potential as unique human beings achieve a higher level and tremendous enthusiasm for the learning process. We want our students to find their education exciting, challenging, and rewarding. Expectations are high at Kirby, but we provide a caring climate, encouraging students, teachers, and parents alike to see themselves in a mutually supportive "partnership for excellence." We encourage a close, warm, and considerate relationship between students and teachers. Our teachers serve as the students' role models, guides, and mentors in learning and living. The purpose of these guidelines is to give clear direction regarding appropriate conduct and boundaries between staff and students. The expectations for the conduct outlined in this document are not intended to serve as an exhaustive list of requirements, limitations, or prohibitions on staff conduct and activities established by the school. Short of attending Kirby School, the best way to understand what happens here is to see it through the community's eyes. Students love the opportunities they are offered. Faculty love the chance to share their passions with engaged students, and parents love knowing that their children are energized by the environment and cared about by their teachers. These are only a few of our stories. However, together they illustrate the intellectual curiosity, the accepting community, and the dynamic interplay of students, teachers, and families that characterize what one student calls our "love of learning." Middle and high school education at Kirby is characterized by active, personalized learning that fosters curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Small classes (averaging twelve students) provide flexible pacing and individual attention and allow teachers and students to forge close working relationships. Teaching is vibrant, innovative, project-based, and student-centered. We believe that creative expression is fundamental to the human experience and that work in the arts enhances learning in other areas. Visual and performing arts are an integral part of the academic curriculum, offering students the opportunity to broaden their horizons and gain new skills. Learning goes beyond the classroom, engaging students'students' natural enthusiasm and creativity. Creative writers share their poems, stories, and personal essays in Kirby'sKirby's student-run literary magazine, Interrobang. History students prepare professional research projects in reports, documentaries, table-top exhibits, or dramatic performances to compete in National History Day. The study of sound involves producing music in Kirby'sKirby's recording studio. Students with computer technology expertise apply their skills to maintain Kirby'sKirby's network and online interface. Art and music students perform in multiple schools and community productions and competitions. View full school