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)’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
  
  It would be most helpful if a pdf of the document could also be emailed to registrar@kua.org. 

• Completing Health Forms

  KUA uses Magnus Health to manage student health information. All new families will receive a welcome email from Magnus Health containing your login credentials. Returning families can access Magnus Health with your existing credentials. Please complete the forms and paperwork by August 1. 
  
  

  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
  
  

  Please email the Tracy Health Center if you have any questions.

• Summer Work and Reading (All Students)

  Find information for the Summer Work and Reading List for both new and returning students. This work is to be completed prior to the start of the academic year.

• 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. To start that process, students can make preliminary course selections for next year through the “Course Requests” tab on the “My Day” section of the Student Portal.  We ask you to enter your requests before June 30.   

   

  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 in order to determine the best course placement.  

    

  World Language Placement

  The KUA Registrar and World Language Department Faculty will review all incoming student transcripts to determine placement in French, Latin, and Spanish. In some cases, this will require a brief placement conversation with a teacher in the desired language. Registrar Anne Parent will schedule placement conversations in June or July 2025. 

   

  Mathematics Placement 

  The KUA Registrar and Math Department Chair will review all incoming student transcripts to determine math placement. In some cases, this will require a math placement assessment. Registrar Anne Parent will reach out if a math placement assessment is needed in June or July 2025. 

   

  History & English Placement (for incoming 10, 11, 12th graders)

  Requests for Advanced Placement or Honors courses in English or history also require submitting sample essays for consideration. These essays are due on August 1. Please see the tab on History and English Honors & AP Applications for further instructions.

   

  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 Parent or Academic Dean Tasheana Dukuly.  

   

• 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.

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

  KUA will be offering an orientation for new international students on August 30, 2025.  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 will be offering 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 29:  2:00 pm and 8:00 pm

  August 30: 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 29.  

  
  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 30 at 10 a.m.

  
  

  Overview of the arrival and orientation schedule:

  
  August 29

  2:00 pm and 8:00 pm 

  
  Pick up at Boston Logan Airport for international students traveling alone without an adult.  Students will be transported 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 they 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 30 

  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 pm: International student & family lunch 

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

  1:30 pm – 2:15 pm: Coffee & Dessert for Parents (Parents & families only)

  1:30 pm - 8:30 pm: International Student Orientation (Students only)

  August 31

  10:00 am: New Student Registration begins – Parents welcome

  4:30 pm: 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 arrival and where you may purchase a Linens Starter Pack. 
  
  Welcome to the KUA family! We can’t wait to meet you and make KUA your home away from home! 

   

   

   

• History and English Honors & AP Applications

  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  
   
  Also, in the body of the email, 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. 

   

• Orientation Camping Trips (New Students)

  To foster a sense of community among new students and encourage them to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of our surrounding area, our orientation program will start with grade-level grouped camping trips. These experiences are designed for both both novice and experienced campers. Students will depart campus after lunch on September 1, and will return to campus on the morning of September 3 with many new friends and familiar faces.  Here are the destinations and some activities that you can expect:

   

  9^th Grade: Camp at Hulbert Outdoor Center on Vermont's Lake Morey, with a hike of Mount Cube.

   

  10^th Grade: Students will canoe on the Connecticut River from the Cornish Covered Bridge to Wilgus State Park in Vermont. They will also hike Mount Ascutney on the Weathersfield Trail.

   

  11/12/PG: Camp at Vermont's Ascutney Campground with a hike on the Brownsville Trail. 

   

  The Orientation Camping Trip Packing List will help you prepare for this fun trip.

• Varsity Team Sports - Fall Athletics Pre-Season

  Student-athletes invited to fall pre-season will be contacted by coaches in early June. Preseason for Team Sports (Girls Varsity Soccer, Boys Varsity Soccer and Field Hockey) is August 24-28, 2025.

• Athletic & Activity Fees (All Students)

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

   

  1. 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).

  2. 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

  3. 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 

  4. Outing Club (Spring Only $225) & Climbing Club (3-Month Climbing Pass Required)

  • • The KUA Outing Club (coed) seeks to connect 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. Fun will be had; shoes will be muddied!
      
      
    • 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!

• Alpine, Freeski & Recreational Ski Passes and Fees (All Students)

  For those 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. This means that parents should carefully consider purchasing a pass now, as it is necessary for their student’s participation. The cost of passes will go up on September 4, 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 Value Pass – ($492 for ages 13-17 years, $656 for ages 18+) Perfect for skiers who plan to only ski in the Northeast, able to ski on the weekends. Limited access during the Holidays.

   

  Northeast Midweek Pass – ($492 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. 

   

  Epic Local Pass – ($646 for ages 13-18 years, $799 for ages 19+), Great for those who plan to ski during holiday breaks, especially if you plan to ski out west.

   

  Epic Pass – ($528 for ages 5-12, $1,075 for ages 13+), Gives you full access to all mountains. Most expensive

   

  Please note the full cost of each program, which includes the Epic Pass plus additional fees:

   

  1. Alpine Ski Team: Epic Pass Cost + $450 for the Winter Season

  • • The Alpine Ski Team (coed) competes against other programs and is on the area mountains 4-5 days a week for practices and 1-2 times a week for competitions. More information  can be found here

  2. Freeskiing Team: Epic Pass Cost + $150 for the Winter Season

  • • The Freeski Team (coed) competes against other programs and is on the area mountains 4-5 days a week with on average one competition per week. More information can be found here 

  3. Recreational Ski and Snowboard: Epic Pass Cost Only

  • • Recreation Ski and Snowboard (coed) do not compete against other schools and typically go to the mountains 3-4 times a week.

   

  For students not participating in these programs, KUA will offer other opportunities to take advantage of skiing and snowboarding with scheduled trips throughout the winter season on a day ski pass basis.

• BSN/Nike Team Shop (All Students)

  Athletic teams use the same Team Shop provided by our contracted vendor, BSN/Nike which helps reduce costs for multisport athletes, as 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.

   

  For the fall teams, the Team Shop is open from August 1 to August 12 for purchases. It will reopen at the end of August and again on September 1. The shop operates for 12 days at a time to manage costs through bulk ordering. The first Team Shop Link that will open for orders here on July 15, 2025, and will close on July 27.

   

  Winter and Spring athletes may also order now if they prefer, and we will reopen the store again throughout the fall and winter seasons. Returning students can reach out to their coaches for any required purchases, while new students can buy items now or wait until they know their teams in September for further guidance.

• Learning Center Services (All Students)

  The Gosselin Center for Teaching and Learning provides support services and academic accommodations. Fee-for-service academic support services are available to students by prior arrangement and include: 

    

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

  Fee:  

  1x week: $4,160 per year  

  2x week: $8,320 per year  

  3x week: $12,360 per year  

   

  Structured Study Tutorial (SST) provides support to students in a small group setting with a focus on study, organization, time management, and other skills.  

  Fee: $5,560 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: $5,300 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 .