The Kiski School
Overview

The Kiski School is one of America's oldest boarding schools located in the foothills of the Laurel Mountains 30 miles east of Pittsburgh. Every Kiski students gains an appreciation of academic excellence the importance of personal integrity community responsibility and develops a capacity to take risks and build self-confidence. Kiski is known for small classes, exceptional and caring educators, competitive athletics, a vibrant fine arts program, the Swank Student Center, and the newly renovated and expanded Ross Athletic Center.
Academics
Department Director Brendan Moriarty
Student/Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Average Class Size: 11
Summer Programs: Not Offered
Full Time Teachers: 33
Number of AP Courses Offered: 0
Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 50.0%
Number of IB Courses Offered: 0
Learning Support
- Evening Study Assistance
- Learning Center
- Learning Differences Support
- Peer Tutoring
- Study Skills Assistance
- Subject Tutoring
- Technology Center
- ADD/ADHD Support
English
- H
History
- Classical History
- European History
- Honors
- Medieval History
- United States History
- World History
Foreign Languages
- Chinese-Cantonese
- Spanish
Humanities / Social Sciences
- Economics
- Psychology
- Sociology
Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Health
- Physics
Math
Computer Studies
- Computer Applications
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
Music
- Band
- Choral Music
- Composition
- Music Theory
- Orchestra
- Voice
Performing / Visual Arts
- Acting
- Architecture
- Art History
- Debate
- Design
- Directing
- Drama
- Drawing
- Graphic Design
- Journalism
- Metal
- Painting
- Photography
- Portfolio
- Pottery
- Production
- Publications
- Public Speaking
- Screen-Printing
- Screenwriting
- Sculpture
- Silkscreen
- Stagecraft
- Studio Art
- Theater Arts
- Theater Design
- Woodworking
- 3-D Art
Special Programs
- Community Service
- Independent Study
- Leadership
Campus Life
Dorm Life
Number of Dorms: 6
Average Students Per Dorm: 35
Number of Girls Dorms: 0
Number of Boys Dorms: 6
Dorm Amenities
- Game Room
- Laundry Facilities
- Lounge
- Vending Machines
- Wireless Internet
Other Dorm Amenities
Student Life
A pillar of the Kiski experience... Along with academics and athletics, residential life is one of the keystones of the Kiski experience. More than half of a boy's hours at Kiski are spent in and around the dormitory. There are few places where a boy can interact with his peers 16 hours a day – The Kiski School is one of them. Under the supervision of prefects and dorm masters, Kiski boys develop lifelong friendships and learn to be accepting of differences while living in our dorms. Supporting personal growth and development. Nothing more fully prepares our boys to be gentlemen throughout their lives than the boarding experience at The Kiski School. It is this aspect of the Kiski experience where boys learn the proper behavior for a member of a community. In addition to the independence required to care for oneself, our boys cooperate with their roommates, working together to keep their room tidy and to resolve the inevitable petty squabbles associated with adolescence. They will learn to schedule their time, avoid procrastination and develop the universally respected habit of punctuality.
Facilities
- A
Other Facilities
Clubs & Organizations
- Astronomy Club
- Chess Club
- Community Service
- Computer Club
- Debate Club
- Diversity Club
- Dorm Proctors
- Food Council
- Foreign Language Clubs
- Gardening Club
- International Club
- Investment Club
- Math Club
- Newspaper
- Student Activities
- Student Publications
- Weightlifting Club
- Woodworking Club
- Yearbook
- Radio Station
Arts & Athletics
Summary: ATHLETICS: The Kiski School has a long and distinguished athletic history. The young men who attend Kiski learn a great deal about themselves through their athletic participation. Kiski values the “athletic experience” and the benefits it produces for our students. The concepts of team work, unselfishness, working toward a common goal, and never giving up are invaluable lessons that our graduates carry with them for the rest of their lives. Kiski coaches have a tremendous ability to make the average athlete better, and the better athlete greater. The reason for this is simple: because our coaches spend the extra time with our athletes before and after practice. Kiski produces Division I athletes, but we are just as proud of our Division II and III athletes. Kiski has twenty-three athletic teams and participates in over 300 contests, so there are plenty of opportunities to explore a variety of athletic challenges. Many of our students will participate in sports they have never played before and succeed at them. Our commitment to athletics is evident in our newly renovated Ross Athletic Center. This 75,000 sq. ft. facility houses professional equipment and training resources. ARTS: In our art studio, students paint, sketch, sculpt, and create other forms of visual artwork. Our drama program produces three major performances each year, and brief sketches on special occasions. The music program provides a wealth of opportunities for Kiski boys to develop and share their talent. Introductory courses teach performance, theoretical, and listening skills. The instrumental music program includes a jazz and symphonic ensemble with opportunities for individual study with private instructors. Two singing ensembles, the Glee Club and the Double Quartet, tackle music from the classic Americana to contemporary a cappella. All groups perform numerous times throughout the year, including trips to nearby girls' schools for joint concerts.
Arts Department Director: Andrew Scott
Athletics Department Director: Christopher Spahn
Notable Achievements: Andrew Scott is a 1985 Kiski School graduate Chris Spahn 2016 Lacrosse Coach of the Year
Arts
- Acting
- Architecture
- Art History
- Debate
- Design
- Directing
- Drama
- Drawing
- Graphic Design
- Journalism
- Metal
- Painting
- Photography
- Portfolio
- Pottery
- Production
- Publications
- Public Speaking
- Screen-Printing
- Screenwriting
- Sculpture
- Silkscreen
- Stagecraft
- Studio Art
- Theater Arts
- Theater Design
- Woodworking
- 3-D Art
Interscholastic Sports
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country Running
- Football
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Wrestling
Recreational Sports
- Alpine Skiing
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Cross Country Running
- Golf
- Hiking
- Nordic Skiing
- Rafting
- Rifle Team
- Swimming
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Volleyball
- Weight Lifting
Graduates
Summary: Array
College Information
Percentage of graduates who attend college: 100.0%
Middle Percentile of SAT Scores | Reading | Math | Writing |
---|---|---|---|
25th percentile | 520 | 510 | |
75th percentile | 620 | 680 |
College attended in the past 5 years by our graduates:
Notable Alumni
Beano Cook
Class of 1949
He began by serving as Pitt's sports information director for ten years — then went on to ABC Sport as NCAA press director to the St. Petersburg Times as a sports writer to the Miami Dolphins as a public relations director and back to ABC Sports.
John Murtha
Class of 1951
Congressman Murtha represented the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and chaired the subcommittee on defense which controls the largest component of the federal budget. At Kiski he played varsity basketball and baseball.
Jack Hanna
Class of 1965
At Kiski, Jack was a prefect, played varsity football and baseball, and sang in the Glee Club. As director of the Columbus Zoo, Jack manages the facility and supports national and international efforts to conserve habitat and wildlife.
James Moore Jr.
Class of 1971
Professor Jim Moore is the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development and helped to launch the Uruguay Round, which led to the creation of the World Trade Organization.
David Conrad
Class of 1985
We had no idea he was going to use his Kiski Drama Club experience as a springboard to Hollywood. Now, suddenly, he's a big star!
Curtis Enis
Class of 1995
When the country's hottest young backfield prospect asked Joe Paterno how to prepare for the Penn State academic program Paterno suggested Kiski (where his own son Scott graduated in 1991).
Daryll Clark
Class of 2005
Daryll Clark was named the Nittany Lions' starting quarterback for the 2008 season.
Merit
Merit Scholarships: Offered
Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: %
Average Merit Scholarship: 61,300
Current Endowment Amount: $12,000,000
Vital Information
Student Body Type: Coed
Total Boarding: 186
Total Day: 4
Total Enrollment: 190
Boys: 190
Girls: 0
Boarding Grades Offered: 9-12
Day Grades Offered: 9-12
School Type: High School, Post-grad
Dress Code: Formal
Applications Accepted: SAO, Gateway to Prep
Application Deadline: January 31st
Tuition & Financial Aid
7-Day Boarding: $52,500
5-Day Boarding: N/A
Day Tuition Fee: $32,500
Need-Based Aid: Offered
Payment Plans: Offered
Students Receiving Aid: 84.0%
Average Awarded: $40,310
School Finances
Merit Scholarships: Offered
Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: %
Average Merit Scholarship: $61,300
Current Endowment Amount: $12,000,000
Contact
Director of Admissions: Adam Schapiro
Admissions Phone: 724 639 8035
Fax: 724 639 8596
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kiski.org
Nearby Schools
- Shady Side Academy - 23mi / 36 km
- Grier School - 67mi / 108 km
- The Linsly School - 71mi / 115 km
- Mercersburg Academy - 94mi / 152 km
- Saint James School - 110mi / 177 km
- Western Reserve Academy - 116mi / 187 km








