Headmaster's Update - The Kiski School

ADMISSIONS
The Admissions office
reports that applications
are coming in and
acceptance notices are
going out to a pool of
excellent candidates. As
we continue to build on
the successes of the past
year, the outlook is good
for an outstanding
student body for our next
school year.
Merit Scholarship Program.
The Merit Scholarship program is an academic-based (rather than
needs-based) scholarship – the first in Kiski’s history. Last year, four
half-tuition scholarships were offered to two boarding students and
two day students. The positive response to these scholarships
helped create the most academically-promising freshman class in
years. With our standardized application process, we are able to
effectively evaluate each prospective boy and select those who will
not only benefit from the Kiski tradition of excellence, but who will
also contribute to the school community in multiple ways. Our
reputation for academic quality and strong athletics continues to
lead great students to Kiski’s doors.
Legacy Students.
In addition to strong applicants, the School is enjoying a surge of
legacy students. Legacies are those students whose fathers,
grandfathers, brothers or other family members have attended Kiski
in the past. This year, thirty-seven boys (or nearly twenty percent of
the student body) are legacies, with several pairs of brothers
attending together as well. We acknowledge and appreciate the
confidence of these wonderful legacy families who are entrusting
this new generation of boys to our care.
Recruitment.
Kiski’s student recruitment process has begun to incorporate
strategic partnerships with internal and external sources to bring
high-caliber boys to campus. Our athletic coaches work closely with the Admissions Office to recruit
excellent student-athletes and to follow-up with applicants who express interest in specific sports.
Additionally, our revamped quarterly Open Houses have attracted both local and distant families,
resulting in an influx of applications. Much credit is due to an active group of mothers of past and
present Kiski students and to the K-Club members who have served as guides during these Open
Houses. Their effectiveness in sharing the benefits of Kiski on a personal level is invaluable. Parallel to
these efforts are those of the Kiski Ambassadors Group – a collection of local alumni and parents
dedicated to spreading the good news of Kiski in their communities and inviting their friends and
neighbors to learn more. The School is currently exploring ways to expand the Ambassadors Group
on a national level, utilizing our connected alumni to find prospective students in all parts of the
country. The Admissions staff continues to look for new partnerships with alumni and parents in
Western Pennsylvania and around the world in order to invite quality students to be a part of the
Kiski family.
14 Kiski School