Opening of School

List of 13 items.

• Request Official Transcripts (New Students)

  The Academic Office requires your official high school transcripts for course placement purposes, verification of transfer credits, and for future college applications. They should be dated and stamped with the former high school(s) seal for any coursework completed in the 9th grade and beyond. Please request that it be sent to the following address as soon as the school’s academic year has ended.  
   
  Anne Parent, Registrar  
  Kimball Union Academy  
  7 Campus Center Drive  
  Meriden, NH 03770-0188 
   
  Please also e-mail a PDF of the document to registrar@kua.org. 

• Course Registration & Placement (New Students)

   

  Part of Kimball Union’s Mission is to promote “intentionally designed experiences and challenges.” In support of that, we look forward to working with you to develop an appropriately demanding academic schedule for the coming school year. As the June 30 course request deadline has passed, you will work directly with Anne Hutchinson, Registrar to enter your courses.  Please expect an email from her within 1 week of your enrollment.
  
  As part of the course selection process, you will have choices around what courses and levels you request. Please keep in mind that we will also review your previous transcripts and teacher recommendations to determine the best course placement.  

    

  World Language Specific Information

  The KUA Registrar and World Language Department Faculty will review all incoming student transcripts to determine placement in French, Latin, and Spanish. This will require the completion of a short Incoming Student Language Choice Survey by June 20, 2026.  
  
  In some cases, the completion of a placement document or a brief placement conversation with a teacher in the desired language may also be needed. Registrar Anne Hutchinson will reach out to schedule placement conversations in June or July 2026. 
  
  

   

  Mathematics Specific Information

  We ask that each student complete the assessment that matches the course you most recently finished and submit your work to mathplacement@kua.org.  In addition to the placement assessment, we also consider teacher recommendations, transcripts, and standardized test scores (when available) to determine best placement. Please complete a Math Placement Assessment by June 30, 2026. 
   

  If you completed Algebra 1 or PreAlgebra this year: Algebra Placement Test 

  If you completed Geometry this year: Geometry Placement Test 

  If you completed Algebra 2 this year: Algebra 2 Placement Test

  If you completed Precalculus this year: Precalculus Placement Test

   

  To best ensure we place you correctly, it is critical that the work you do on the placement assessment is your work only.  Receiving assistance on any part of the assessment from any outside sources is not allowed.  Doing so will not give us an accurate assessment of your abilities and may lead to improper placement.   

   

  If you have any questions about which test to take in your specific situation, please contact mathplacement@kua.org. 

   
  
  

  English/History Specific Information (for incoming 10, 11, 12th graders)
  

  If you will be requesting an Honors or AP level English and/or history course, you will need to do the following before you can be approved for the class. 

    

  Essays:

  By August 1, please attach two analytical writing samples with evidence embedded. Attach essays to an email and provide the following information:
  
  • Your Name
  • Class Year (Expected Year of Graduation)
  • AP/Honors Class for which you are applying
  
  In the body of the email, please introduce yourself and explain your reasons for wanting to be in this class. 

   
  9th grade English: Incoming 9th-grade students are invited to participate in the Honors English course during their first term.  No application or essay submission is required.  

   
  History: Send your email, with your essays attached, to History Department Chair, Mr. Bill Diamond.
  
  English: Send your email, with your essays attached, to English Department Chair, Ms. Jenny Blue.
  
  Decisions are made on the following criteria: GPA, history and English grades, teacher recommendation, and essay. You will be placed into the college preparatory level class until the department chair has given approval for the Honors or AP class.  If any of the submitted materials are found to be written by generative AI, the application for honors/AP classes in the English department will be denied, and the student will forfeit the opportunity to petition when they arrive in the fall.
  
  Course placement and class schedule details will be available at registration, but please reach out if you have any questions or concerns to Registrar Anne Hutchinson or Academic Dean Tasheana Dukuly.

   

• Summer Work and Reading (All Students)

  All School Read/Experience
  The All-School Reads provide an opportunity for the campus community to have common experiences while we are away from each other, specifically one that will be a catalyst for meaningful discussions with a small group when we return in the fall.  

   

  As we did last year, in lieu of an all-school read, every KUA community member will participate in a community experience through acts of community engagement and meaningful connection. The challenge is simple: Give time to a person, place, or a cause that matters to you, and reflect on the experience. All members of the KUA community will participate in an act of engagement. While you will be able to choose your experience, the recommended time commitment is 5 to 10 hours. Please be ready to share your act of engagement when you arrive on campus in various spaces such as class, advisory, and/or All-School Meeting. If you have questions, please contact Alexis Liston at aliston@kua.org.   
  
  

  Summer Course Work and Reading 

   All students will have required summer reading for their English course. Students registering for advanced coursework in the Arts, History, Mathematics, or Science departments may also have summer assignments as detailed below. If you have any questions, please contact the Academic Dean, Tasheana Dukuly at tdukuly@kua.org.  

    

  Please note:  

  1. Students are expected to read all the listed books they have been assigned before returning for the 2026-2027 school year.  

  2. Students who have enrolled on or prior to August 24 are responsible for completing the summer reading.  

  3. When we return to school, students should expect to be assessed on the summer reading (via essay, project, or quiz). These texts will also provide the basis for classwork for the beginning of the term. Thus, summer reading will have a significant impact on the first-trimester grades.  

  4. New students and returning students who did not receive their texts will need to purchase them this summer. The titles listed should be accessible through most bookstores; most are also available in digital format.  

    

  Arts Department  

    
  AP Art History: Please select one book from the following list to read: The Art Forager, B.A. Shapiro, Why Architecture Matters, Paul Goldberger, Lust for Life, Irving Stone, Birth of Venus, Sarah Dunant  

   

  A reflection prompt will be sent directly to students enrolled in class and additional summer coursework.    

    

  AP Studio Art: Students will be expected to complete summer coursework. Once enrolled in the class, students will receive information directly from the AP teacher.  

    

  English Department  

  The English Department would like you to read a print version of your summer reading title(s). Please bring the book(s) with you to KUA in the fall. You may listen to the audio version of the title as you read along in print.  

    

  In addition, please annotate as you read, following these guidelines:   

  • in the margins, comment on characters and scenes of interest  

  • underline words or phrases that pique curiosity or that require further explanation  

  • note questions that occur to you as you read  

  • note connections to other books, movies, works of art, or personal experiences    

  • mark literary terms and devices as you see them  

    

  Ninth Grade (The Quest): Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury   

    

  Tenth Grade (Global Literature Honors and College Preparatory): Born a Crime, Trevor Noah  

    

  Eleventh Grade (Literature of the American Dream, Honors and CP; AP Language and Composition): The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls  

    

  Twelfth Grade (All Topics Courses; AP Literature): The Things They Carried, Tim O’Brien  

    

  History Department  

  AP Art History: Students will be expected to complete summer coursework. Once enrolled in the class, students will receive information directly from the AP teacher.  

    

  AP United States History: Indigenous Continent by Pekka Hamalainen. Students are asked to read Chapters 2-17. Students will write an in-class reflection in the first week of school. 

   

  AP United States Government & Politics: You Call This Democracy by Liz Rusch. Recommended not required.  

    
  Mathematics Department  
  AP Calculus (AB and BC): Students will be expected to complete summer coursework. Once enrolled in the class, students will receive information directly from the AP teacher.  

   
  AP Statistics: Students will be expected to complete summer coursework. Once enrolled in the class, students will receive information directly from the AP teacher.  

      

  Science Department  

  All AP Science courses: Students will be expected to complete summer coursework. Once enrolled in the class, students will receive information directly from the AP teacher.   

• Student Health Information (All students)

  KUA uses Magnus Health to manage student health information. All new families should have received a welcome email from Magnus Health containing your login credentials. Returning families have access to Magnus Health with your existing credentials. Magnus Health forms and paperwork were due August 1. Please email the Tracy Health Center if you have any questions.
  
  

  You can also access Magnus Health through the following:

  • Log into the KUA portal
  • Go to the parent resource board
  • Click on the Magnus Health log-in

• Visas & Passports (non-U.S. passport holders)

  Non-U.S. passport holders will receive an email regarding the visa process. Contact Destiny McClure at 603-469-2104.

• Athletic and Activity Fees

  The following athletic and activity programs require additional fees for participation.  

    

  Recreation Golf (Fall Only): $300 for the Fall Season 

  Recreation Golf (coed) does not compete against other programs and is on a golf course or golf range 3-4 days a week (weather permitting). 

   

  Varsity Golf (Spring Only): $300 for the Spring Season 

  The Varsity Golf (coed) team competes against other programs and is on a golf course or golf range 4-5 days a week with on average one match per week (weather permitting). More information can be found here.

   

  Equestrian (Fall & Spring Options): $300 per season 

  Equestrian athletes (coed) visit Ring Brook Farm 5 days a week during the afternoon activity period and participate in mounted activities during 4 of those days and unmounted horsemanship activities on the fifth day. More information can be found here.

   

  Outing Club (Spring Only $150+Climbing Pass) & Climbing Club (3-Month Climbing Pass Required) 

  
  The KUA Outing Club (coed) connects students of all experience levels with the inspiring natural landscape of the Upper Valley. Throughout the Spring trimester, Outing Club members will develop skills in backcountry navigation, flora and fauna identification, wilderness first aid, community leadership, and risk management while exploring our wondrous mountain, forest, and river ecosystems. The Outing Club utilizes hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, and other transportive modes of outdoor adventure to empower members in both teamwork and independence. 

   

  The KUA Climbing Club (coed) offers students of all skill levels the opportunity to challenge themselves physically and mentally through the sport of climbing. In partnership with The Notch Climbing Club, students will build strength, technique, and confidence in a supportive environment. Throughout the Winter trimester, club members will engage in bouldering, top-rope climbing, and climbing safety fundamentals, including belaying and proper equipment use. The club emphasizes personal growth, problem-solving, and community as students push their limits on the wall—whether trying a new route or cheering on their peers. No experience necessary—just a willingness to try, fall, and climb again! 

   

• Ski Program Information & Passes

  For students planning to join our Alpine Ski Team, Freeskiing Team, and Recreational Ski and Snowboard Program, you will need to purchase an Epic Pass to utilize two local mountains – Mount Sunapee and Okemo. The cost of passes tends to rise toward the end of summer, so if you haven't already purchased your pass, we encourage you to do so now. 

    

  Epic offers various levels of access to mountains around the country. Here’s what we recommend: 

    

  Northeast Midweek Pass - Only for ages 18+ - perfect for recreational skiers who only want to ski during the week with the school. Will work for Alpine and Freeskiing with a few additional fees for certain race days.  

    

  Northeast Value Pass – Perfect for skiers who plan to only ski in the Northeast, able to ski on the weekends. Limited access during the Holidays. 

    

  Epic Local Pass – Great for those who plan to ski during holiday breaks, especially if you plan to ski out West. 

    

  Epic Pass – Gives you full access to all mountains. Most expensive. 

    

  Please note the full cost of each program: 

  Alpine: Epic Pass Cost + $450 

  Freeskiing: Epic Pass Cost + $150 

  Rec Skiing/Snowboarding: Epic Pass Cost 

    

  For students not participating in these programs, KUA will offer other opportunities to take advantage of skiing and snowboarding. Please let me know if you have any questions. 

   

   

   

   

• New International Student Orientation and Arrival Information (New Students)

  In addition to New Student Orientation, KUA offers an orientation specifically for new international students on August 29, 2026. This orientation is designed to support international students with their transition and adjustment to our school community. To ensure that students arrive on time to participate in this program, here are some things to consider:

   

  For Students Traveling Alone

  For new international students traveling alone, KUA offers three complimentary shuttles from Boston Logan Airport. As you are choosing flights it is very helpful if you make decisions that allow your student to catch one of the following shuttles:

   

  August 28: 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm
  August 29: 8:00 am 

   

  These shuttle times are based on the most common historical arrival times. If your student is traveling as an unaccompanied minor (age of unaccompanied minors varies by airline – please check with your carrier) or is unable to arrive for one of the shuttles please contact Melissa Longacre (mlongacre@kua.org or 603-469-2116). 

   

  Due to KUA’s rural location please do not rely on Uber/Lyft service in the area as they are very unreliable.

   

  Only students arriving alone will be permitted to arrive and stay in the dorm on the evening of August 28. Arrivals directly to campus should be scheduled for 5 p.m. or thereafter. 

   

  For Students Traveling to KUA with Family Members or Other Adults

  New international students traveling with family members or other adults should plan to arrive to campus on August 29 at 10 a.m.

   

  Overview of the arrival and orientation schedule:

   

  August 28 (Friday)

  2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. 

   

  For international students traveling alone without an adult, students will be transported from Boston Logan International Airport to KUA and will be allowed to spend the night in their dorm room. We want your student to be comfortable when they arrive!  

   

  During the Orientation there will be an opportunity to go to the local shopping area and purchase anything students may need for their dorm room. However, if your student needs sheets, towels, blanket, and pillow on the first night, we do offer a Linens Starter Pack for purchase which will be given to your student upon arrival to the residence hall. You will be able to order a Linens Starter Pack beginning in July.

   

  August 29 

  8:00 am: Pick-up at Boston Logan Airport for international students traveling alone without an adult 

  10-11:30 am: International Students arrive and may move into their dorms

  11:30 am -12:15 p.m.: International student & family lunch 

  12:30 pm - 1:30 p.m.: Orientation for international students and families (Families are encouraged to attend)

  1:45 pm – 2:15 p.m.: Coffee & Dessert for Parents with Head of School Tyler Lewis (Parents & families only)

  1:45 p.m. - dorm lights out: International Student Orientation (Students only)

   

  August 30

  10:00 a.m.: New Student Registration begins – Parents welcome

  4:15 p.m.: All Parent Reception – At this point students will leave with their Orientation groups and parents may depart 

   

  Forms will be available on the Parent Portal in July where you will be asked to provide more detailed information about arrivals and where you may purchase a Linens Starter Pack. 

   

  Please contact Assistant Head of School Angela Yang-Handy with questions.

  
  
  
  

• Learning Center Services (All Students)

  The Gosselin Center for Teaching and Learning provides support services and academic accommodations, such as extra time. Fee-for-service academic support services are available to all students and include: 

    

  Individualized Learning Tutorial (ILT) provides 1:1 executive functioning and content instruction.  

  Fee:  

  1x week: $4,325 per year  

  2x week: $8,650 per year  

  3x week: $12,850 per year  

   

  Structured Study Tutorial (SST) provides small-group support focused on study, organization, time management, and other skills.  

  Fee: $5,775 per year  

   

  Academic Subject Tutorial provides 1:1 support in specific academic subjects from professional tutors.  

  Fee: $85/hour  

   

  English Language Tutorial provides one-on-one help for students learning English at any level. The student meets with a teacher for one hour each week to build vocabulary, reading, and writing skills. Parents receive a report after each meeting.  

  Fee: $5,400 per year 

   

  Please fill out this form if you wish to share information about your child or are interested in services. You can also contact Julian Dormady, the Director of Student Support Services, at jdormady@kua.org. 

• Student Registration & Orientation (All Students)

  Registration and Orientation kick off an exciting start to the year! From the moment you arrive on campus, you'll be welcomed by our students, faculty, and staff in true KUA fashion.
  
  Following Registration, new students embark on a camping trip to get to know their peers and enjoy our region’s beautiful natural surroundings. Find a full Orientation Camping Trip packing list.  Please note that the camping trip is a technology free experience.
  
  Once returning students arrive on campus, the entire school comes together to begin the school year.
  
  Explore the entire Student Registration & Orientation Schedule.

  Read More

• 2026-2027 Community Handbook (All Students)

  We ask all students and parents review our Community Handbook to understand the policies and procedures for the coming school year.
  
  For returning students and families, we have made some significant changes from last year, including our new Academic Day Cell Phone Free Policy so we recommend taking a close look. More detailed information on our phone policy is forthcoming.

• E&R Laundry Services

  KUA partners with E&R – The Campus Laundry to provide Laundry & Dry-Cleaning services to all interested students. This program is optional. On-campus laundry facilities are available to all students throughout the school year.
  
  Read more about E&R's services. To enroll, visit the E&R website and select the plan that best suits your student’s needs. The sign-up process is simple and will take just minutes. After signing up you will receive communication about your service directly from E&R.

• BSN/Nike Team Shop (All Students)

  Students, families, and community members can optionally purchase athletics gear from our Team Shop provided by our contracted vendor, BSN/Nike. To help reduce costs for multi-sport athletes, the KUA Wildcat logos are consistent across all gear and suitable for all sports and activities. The Team Shop setup will remain the same for the next several years to allow students to use their gear across different teams.

   

  The Team Shop is open now until August 5 for purchases. To help manage costs through bulk ordering, the shop operates through designated ordering windows and will reopen several times throughout the year.