In the rolling hills of Southwestern Pennsylvania, nestled among 350 acres of natural beauty, lies The Kiski School, a place where tradition meets transformation. For 136 years, Kiski has shaped young minds, fostering academic excellence and athletic prowess. And in September 2024, history took a bold turn as Kiski welcomed young women into its ranks and opened a new chapter in its storied legacy.
Founded in 1888, Kiski has built a reputation for producing both scholars and athletes of the highest caliber. The school offers a timeless boarding school experience where a tight-knit community forges lifelong friendships. “Kiski is more than a just a school,” says Dr. Mark Ott, Head of School. “Our residential experience is what truly sets us apart.”
The school’s campus near Pittsburgh is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that enhance both academic and extracurricular pursuits. With a rich history, an eye on the future, and a commitment to academic and athletic achievement, Kiski continues to redefine what it means to be a boarding school in the 21st century.
Kiski’s approach goes beyond academics. The school integrates leadership development, life skills, and hands-on learning experiences to ensure students leave not just prepared for college, but ready to take on the world.
Exceptional Teaching and Learning
Kiski offers a dynamic academic experience shaped by curiosity, mentorship, and hands-on experience — it’s a program that blends classic academics with cutting edge innovation. An AP curriculum challenges students to excel, and Harkness-style classes foster discussion and debate, giving students a voice in their learning. Students explore science in modern labs, develop potent creative tools in the school’s inspiring arts students, and build real skills in Kiski’s workshops. Faculty members don’t just teach; they guide, challenge, and inspire students, both in and out of the classroom. As dorm parents, coaches, and club advisors, teachers foster a culture of support and engagement that extends far beyond academics.
Kiski’s diverse student body, representing 31 countries, brings a global perspective to classroom discussions. This international mix enriches learning, preparing students for college and beyond by exposing them to a wide array of viewpoints and cultures. Yet with small class sizes, Kiski ensures that every student receives personalized attention. The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Harkness-style discussions, and a robust arts program that encourages creativity and collaboration.
Experiential learning is a key component of the curriculum, and students apply their academic knowledge through interdisciplinary projects, real-world applications, and experiential learning opportunities that make education come alive. For example, at Casino Night, arts and statistics students collaborate to design casino games and analyze profitability. “It’s a perfect blend of mathematical reasoning and creative problem-solving,” says Dr. Ott. “Students don’t just learn concepts—they experience them in action.”
Kiski provides exceptional academic resources —both for students who need a little extra support and those who want to push beyond the highest levels of the program. The Learning Center offers one-on-one tutoring focused on study skills and subject mastery, and peer-led programs like Mathnasium provide additional support three nights a week.
Beyond the Classroom
Kiski is a lively, close-knit community where leadership, exploration, and camaraderie shape the student experience. With more than 30 student-led clubs, Kiski students immerse themselves in activities ranging from politics and literature to community service —while discovering new interests along the way. Faculty-supported clubs, such as the Political Forum, Literary Magazine, and Investment Club give students the opportunity to explore their passions in a supportive environment, and roles in student government, mentorship programs, and faculty-supported initiatives further prepare students for leadership and lifelong success.
Weekends are a thrill. Outdoor adventures, trips to nearby towns, and cultural excursions keep students engaged and active. Kiski students enjoy the vibrant cultural and entertainment scene of Pittsburgh, located just 35 miles away. Weekend trips and class excursions provide opportunities to experience the city’s energy. Students can attend professional sporting events, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. They can explore world-renowned museums such as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and The Andy Warhol Museum, which offer deep dives into science, history, and modern art. They also have the chance to visit architectural landmarks like Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic masterpiece of design and innovation.
The school’s balance between structured learning and spontaneous fun ensures that Kiski offers a well-rounded experience. “Kiski isn’t just about education; it’s about preparing students for life,” says Dr. Mark. “Our traditions, our sense of community, and our commitment to excellence shape students into confident, capable individuals.”
Where Tradition Meets Opportunity
At Kiski, tradition runs deep, creating an environment where students feel a strong sense of belonging that stays with them for decades after graduation. One of the most cherished aspects of student life is the school’s family-style dining experience, where students and faculty gather several times a week for shared meals. Of course, these gatherings offer more than just food—they foster connections, spark meaningful conversations, and reinforce the school’s timeless values.
The Cougar Cup is a year-long competition that builds camaraderie through friendly rivalry. Each student is placed on either the Loyalhanna Team or the Conemaugh Team upon arrival. Throughout the year, students take part in various challenges—whether in academics, athletics, or community engagement—to earn points for their team.
Another unique Kiski tradition is the personal meetings with the Head of School. At the end of each academic quarter, students receive their grades in a one-on-one meeting in their dorm. This experience provides personalized feedback, encouragement, and motivation to keep pushing forward.
Athletics: Victory, Rivalry, and Unmatched School Spirit
Athletics play a major role in life at Kiski. With 13 varsity sports — and top-tier facilities — students have every opportunity to develop their skills, compete at a high level, and embrace the discipline and teamwork that sports cultivate.
Students train and compete in the Ross Athletic Facility (RAC), a 75,000-square-foot indoor complex featuring a multi-purpose gym, weight training rooms, and even an indoor track. The RAC also houses the McCutcheon Natatorium, a dedicated wrestling and baseball space, and upgraded locker and equipment rooms. Outdoor facilities include a private nine-hole golf course, McCrady Golf Learning Center, Andreini Baseball Stadium, tennis courts, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Kiski students are well prepared to compete in college and professional — in fact, 44% of the Class of 2024 continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. This athletic prowess is a long tradition at Kiski, and the school’s alumni include athletic legends like Bob Mathias ’49, an Olympic gold medalist, Stanford graduate, and U.S. congressman.
Few traditions capture the spirit of Kiski athletics like its intense athletic rivalry with Mercersburg Academy, which dates back to 1913. Throughout the year, varsity teams from both schools compete for points, with the winning school claiming the coveted Centennial Cup trophy.
Pathways to Success, in College and in Life
The Kiski campus is a vibrant mix of cultures, ideas, and perspectives that shape a truly global learning experience. The 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures that every student receives personalized mentorship, whether in the classroom, on the field, or during late-night study sessions in the dorms. Faculty members don’t just teach; they live alongside students, offering guidance, encouragement, and support at every step of the journey.
At Kiski, preparing for college isn’t a last-minute sprint—it’s a carefully structured, four-year journey. “Our college counseling program is designed to support students at every stage of their high school career,” says Dr. Ott. The process starts in ninth grade with foundational academic planning and extracurricular engagement. By eleventh grade, students are immersed in workshops, standardized test preparation, and strategic college application planning. Senior year is a full-throttle experience of one-on-one coaching, interview preparation, and financial aid guidance.
To make the process seamless, Kiski hosts standardized testing on campus and brings in college admission representatives throughout the year, giving students direct access to networking opportunities and insights into top-tier universities. The results speak for themselves—Kiski graduates gain admission to some of the best colleges in the country, including Carnegie Mellon University, Columbia University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Colby College, Hamilton College, Villanova, George Washington University, and Vassar College.
Honoring Tradition, Embracing Innovation
Kiski is a school with deep roots and a forward-thinking vision. While the institution honors its rich history and its commitment to timeless values, it continuously evolves to ensure that its students are prepared for the modern world. Every graduate walks away with the skills, confidence, and adaptability needed for success in college and beyond.
Over the past two decades, nearly every building on campus has been renovated, expanded, or built from the ground up. “The McPhail Classroom Center, our academic hub, is undergoing its third phase of renovation, ensuring that our science labs remain at the forefront of instruction,” notes Dr. Mark. The Ross Athletic Center, completed in 2015, provides athletes with world-class facilities, and every dorm has been recently updated to create comfortable, modern living spaces.
Whether competing on the field, debating in the classroom, or exploring the cultural richness of Pittsburgh, at Kiski, students build lifelong friendships, develop leadership skills, and emerge as skillful and confident adults. Kiski’s unique blend of academics, athletics, and tradition that makes Kiski an unforgettable place to learn and grow. Kiski students don’t just dream about the future—they step into it fully prepared.
For More Info: https://kiski.org/