A Holistic Approach to Growth and Discovery

Seeking a school that could live up to its promises, the Millers were drawn to King’s supportive, student-centered approach to learning and development.

As Mandy and Cristopher Miller listened to a presentation in 2018 about finding the right school for their child, they were struck by the message from Tom Main, then Head of School at King. “Ask the schools to explain specifically how they are going to do what they are promising to do,” he said.

The Millers had scoured Fairfield County looking for the right fit for their son Elliot. As they sat in the audience that day, King’s experts described the school’s program and curriculum.

“We knew King was the place when we learned about the built-in teams of teachers, grade leaders, advisors, deans, and counselors that meet regularly to review each child’s performance,” Mandy said. The ability to adjust the program to meet the needs and interests of individual students appealed to the Millers.

Soon after, Elliot ’24 entered King in Grade 7, where he began to take risks, self-advocate, and find friends. His athleticism allowed him to explore playing sports, including soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and paddle tennis, and he also served as a team manager for Varsity Boys Lacrosse.

He joined several clubs and began to connect with different groups. The Harkness approach to learning created a supportive atmosphere that inspired him to share ideas and participate in discussions.

The Millers were so thrilled with Elliot’s experience that they enrolled their two younger children in 2019. Olive ’27 entered King in Grade 5, and Sydney ’31 entered Grade 2.

Olive had a breakout performance in the Grade 5 musical and has been singing ever since. Now a sophomore, she has woven herself into the fabric of the community. A polymath, Olive can be found strumming a guitar in the Performing Arts Center, sculpting in the art studios, and advocating healthy relationships with the One Love Club. Her athleticism shines on the soccer field, where she excels as a varsity player. She thrives in her role as an ambassador, sharing her love for King with prospective students. As Olive advances in school, she makes discoveries that spark new interests. She is currently absorbed by world history and chemistry.

“The more I study science and history, the more I realize how disciplines like music, art, and sports teach me to think creatively and critically,” said Olive, who will be attending the Vogue College of Fashion and joining a King service-learning trip next summer. “Through these experiences, I’m learning to explore new ideas and perspectives.”

Sydney, like Olive, took a turn in the Grade 5 musical and recently joined the middle school soccer team. “Sydney would have never elected to take a risk as a performer singing a solo if he hadn’t felt supported by his community,” Mandy said.

Despite the parallels with his sister, their interests are quite different. Sydney’s passions lean toward strategy and precision. As a longtime member of the school’s chess program, he has developed a keen interest in Beyblade, a game of skill involving spinning tops. Collaborating with Dean of Student Life Jeremy Bletterman, Sydney founded a Beyblade Club. In the initial meetings, students deconstructed various aspects of Beyblades — such as weight, shape, design, and materials — to discover competitive advantages for future competitions.

The partnership with Bletterman solidified Sydney’s place in the community and gave him the determination to propose the club. Such initiatives reflect a newfound confidence in Sydney and created a supportive environment for fun, collaboration, and new friendships.

“King creates this platform that allows the students to stand tall while becoming the best version of themselves,” Mandy said. “This is what I love so much about the school.”

Elliot is now at the University of Richmond, where he was recently inducted into Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity, and is engaging with his professors and playing intramural soccer. His preparedness for higher learning is evident as he navigates his new responsibilities, including time management and speaking up for himself.

“I am already seeing what a great job King has done at providing him the experiences and opportunities to ensure his readiness for this massive transition,” Mandy said. “He has landed on his feet, and we could not be more proud.”