Impact Program
What is the IMPACT Program?
The IMPACT program in our Middle and Upper School takes student learning and applies it to the jobs of tomorrow
Embark on a transformative journey with KO’s groundbreaking IMPACT Program, shaping the next generation of thinkers and innovators. At KO, we believe in empowering students to become agents of change, driving their learning through real-world challenges and interdisciplinary exploration. These courses immerse students in future-focused skills such as collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving.
Upper School Program
In the Upper School IMPACT Lab courses, students apply their skills to make a tangible impact. From delving into revolutionary civics with “We the People” to pioneering green construction in “Eco-Design & Construction,” and exploring the art of game-making in “Game Makers,” students engage with hands-on experiences and industry experts to deepen their understanding and drive meaningful change. In the KO IMPACT Program, students lead with empathy, curiosity, and a passion for making a difference.
KO’s IMPACT Program empowers students to become architects of their own learning, fostering essential skills, igniting curiosity, and inspiring meaningful change in our world. - Lisa Loeb, Head of the Upper School
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Middle School Program
In our Middle School Skills Incubator courses, students immerse themselves in future-focused skills such as collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving. Through team-taught classes and community outreach, students tackle authentic questions and share their growth during captivating Presentations of Learning.
- Students will build upon the strong academic skills learned in their core and elective courses while emphasizing personal responsibility, a growth mindset, and reflection.
- Future-focused and student-centered skills mesh with KO values through exposure to new ideas and service learning.
- Topics are infused with hands-on, authentic experiences.
SKILLS INCUBATOR COURSES 2023-2024
Entrepreneurship with Nexgeninnovators
The Happiness Lab: Strategies and Behaviors that Make You Happy
How are Science and Art Connected
How does Geography Impact Culture and Dance
The Hunger Gap: The Gaps in Food and Housing Insecurity
The Influence of Hip-Hop on the English Language
Make it Work: Simple Machines
MySpace to ChatGPT: How to Live in this Evolving World of Social Media
Social Causes and Protest through Music
Sola: Creating Peace through the Education of Afghan Girls
You Are What You Eat: The Relationship Between Food and Overall Well-Being
Wedding Planning 101: Mastering the Art of Event Planning from Concept to Execution
SKILLS INCUBATOR COURSES 2024-2025
A cappella
Book Buddies
Leadership: Cup Day Planning
Dance and Music
Data Science, AI, and You
Farm 101
Farm 101: Food Lab Plants and Urban Agriculture
Farm 101: What about the beef?
Form 2 Speeches
History of KO
Hunger Gap
The Impact of AI
Jewelry Making
Leadership Lab: In the Neighborhood
Little Libraries
Mamba Mentality
Math in Art, Art in Math
Middle School Musical
Model UN at KO
Pass the Bricks
Science Fair
Social Entrepreneurship
Theater Tech
Think Like an Engineer
Our focus with these skills incubators is to lead with skills that we think are important for a student’s future and to match them with content areas not necessarily in our curriculum. - Ann Sciglimpaglia, Head of the Middle School
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