Academics
Scholar Programs
Take a Deeper Dive
Kimball Union Academy's three Scholar Programs prepare students for lives of leadership in areas of critical importance to our world. Working closely with KUA faculty, students explore a passion or interest through a two-year course of study. Each program combines coursework, community service, and experiential learning that culminates in a Senior Capstone project.
Students don’t need to pursue a future major or career in their program area to benefit from a Scholar Program experience. They graduate with problem-solving skills, creativity, critical thinking, and initiative – essential skills for college and the future of work. Students may apply to a Scholar Program in the spring of their sophomore year and new juniors may apply at the start of their first year.
Students don’t need to pursue a future major or career in their program area to benefit from a Scholar Program experience. They graduate with problem-solving skills, creativity, critical thinking, and initiative – essential skills for college and the future of work. Students may apply to a Scholar Program in the spring of their sophomore year and new juniors may apply at the start of their first year.
STEM Scholar Program
If you’re interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), you can tackle real-world challenges through the STEM Scholar Program. The program is structured in three key areas: academic, experiential, and application. Traditional coursework is paired with academic exploration through research and lab work. You’ll also participate in substantive fieldwork through internships and research programs, an honors course in design thinking, as well as STEM-related lectures and events, which all culminate in a Senior Capstone project.
Recent Senior Capstones:
List of 4 items.
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Thermochemical Analysis of EDTA Chelates with Macro and Micro Nutrient Used in Hydroponic and Aquaponic Systems
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Investigating Effects of Stress on Astrogliosis in the Mouse Orbitofrontal Cortex
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The Role of the Development of Fine Motor Skills in Surgical Practice
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The Development and Use of Ethical Artificial Intelligence
STEM Scholar Directors
List of 2 members.
Global Scholar Program
In an increasingly globalized world, you can become an active citizen of our global community through the Global Scholar Program. You’ll develop an understanding of the economic, political, cultural, and social issues facing our world.
The program is structured in three key areas: academic, experiential, and application. Students admitted into the program maintain a rigorous academic course load with an emphasis on courses international in nature. Instruction in language will round out your academic experience.
Coursework is brought to life through travel, experiences, and immersion in our global society. Scholars benefit from KUA’s participation in the Global Alliance for Innovative Learning, which offers exchanges and conferences for students in eight countries. Through active participation in events on and off-campus, Global Scholars develop communication skills and present their findings through a culminating Senior Capstone project.
The program is structured in three key areas: academic, experiential, and application. Students admitted into the program maintain a rigorous academic course load with an emphasis on courses international in nature. Instruction in language will round out your academic experience.
Coursework is brought to life through travel, experiences, and immersion in our global society. Scholars benefit from KUA’s participation in the Global Alliance for Innovative Learning, which offers exchanges and conferences for students in eight countries. Through active participation in events on and off-campus, Global Scholars develop communication skills and present their findings through a culminating Senior Capstone project.
Recent Senior Capstones:
List of 4 items.
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Behind the Great Firewall: Chinese Internet Censorship
An essay and workshop for students and faculty -
Global Water Crisis: Changing the Mindset about Water
An essay and community event raising awareness -
Significance of African Dance in Dance Today
An essay and online workshop about the history of Ugandan dance including a dance lesson -
Pollinators & Their Habitat at Kimball Union Academy and Around the Globe
An essay and the creation of a pollinators garden at KUA
Arts Scholar Program
Do you enjoy learning through the creation and exploration of art? As an Arts Scholar, you’ll navigate a unique path that will enrich your education, give you the tools and creative voice to ask difficult questions and solve complex problems. Through coursework, special arts seminars, and independent study, the Arts Scholar Program develops curious learners who engage the world with their own fresh and original perspectives.
The Art Scholar Program is structured to ground students in five areas: theory of art, creation/experience, community service, leadership, and appreciation. Arts Scholars present their work through a culminating Senior Capstone project.
The Art Scholar Program is structured to ground students in five areas: theory of art, creation/experience, community service, leadership, and appreciation. Arts Scholars present their work through a culminating Senior Capstone project.
Recent Senior Capstones:
List of 4 items.
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We the Unheard
A multi-media art installation -
Memory Walks
A musical-theater review -
Taboo Beauty
Oil paintings -
Lanterns
A 360-degree digital panoramic painting
