In KCD’s Upper School, excellence means equipping our students with the critical thinking skills and global perspective necessary for success in college and beyond. We achieve this goal through a rigorous and dynamic course of study that combines the best of both tradition and innovation. At KCD, we offer an exceptional college preparatory curriculum distinguished by exciting and diverse electives, numerous advanced and AP courses, and outstanding teaching.

Honors Program
During their sophomore year, students may apply to KCD’s honors program, an interdisciplinary two-year program exploring philosophy and the humanities.

Laptop Program
KCD’s upper school laptop program prepares students for university life, where technology will be commonplace. Each student in the Upper School brings a laptop computer to class each day, allowing teachers many opportunities to integrate laptop learning into the curriculum.

International Internship Program
The KCD Internship Program offers sophomores and juniors the opportunity to pursue summer internships with leading companies both nationally and abroad.

Nationally Recognized Curriculum
In 2005, KCD received the prestigious Leading Edge Program Award for curriculum innovation from the National Association of Independent Schools.

Advanced and AP Courses
Advanced sections and AP courses explore material in greater depth and may be taught at an accelerated pace. AP classes are based upon specific curricular guidelines established by the College Board and culminate in the AP Exams.

Graduation Requirements

Honor Code
We are very proud that the environment of the upper school is one characterized by trust and mutual respect. These values are codified in the upper school’s honor pledge, which must be signed by all students in grades 9–12. The honor code was first proposed by Jim Dahlem ’84, the son of Bernie Dahlem KMI ’46. Inspired by the stories of his father, Jim modeled his idea for a KCD honor code on the KMI tradition.

The language of the Honor Pledge is quoted below.

“As a member of the Kentucky Country Day School community of students, I believe that a commitment to a code of personal integrity is essential to the true achievement of my goals in life.

The growth of personal honor is fostered best in an atmosphere where there is trust among all members of the school community.

I pledge to abide by the principles of the Honor Code which are honesty and integrity; therefore, I will not lie, cheat or steal, and I will encourage others to do the same.”