WEST PALM BEACH – King’s Academy senior Kaihua (William) Hou has been accepted to Johns Hopkins University, the No. 10 ranked school in the nation, according to the US News & World Reports.
With an acceptance rate of 13 percent, Hou’s admission to Johns Hopkins is quite notable. He will study Space Science and Engineering, with plans to work as an aeronautical robotics engineer.
“The King’s Academy College Counseling office is so proud of William for his hard work in gaining admission to a highly competitive college,” remarked Mrs. Jennifer Ceppo, TKA’s Director of College Counseling. “We continue striving to support all students in their college goals and are celebrating as many King’s student admissions and acceptances to prestigious top tier colleges such as Johns Hopkins, the United States Air Force Academy, and Boston College. The continued increase in perfect SAT and ACT test scores, high AP pass rates and a wide array of extracurricular activities at The King’s Academy help students to present competitive applications at high level institutions.”
Hou began attending King’s as an international student from China the second semester of his ninth grade year. He credits The King’s Academy with helping him to achieve his success.
“You wouldn’t know it now, but William was an ESL (English as a Second Language) student his first three semesters at King’s,” said Mr. Brian Burrage, King’s International Student Program Director. “To reach this level of achievement, in such a short period of time, took major effort.”
Hou is thankful for how The King’s Academy has taught him to solve problems and provide new perspectives on life.
“King’s provided a well-rounded focus that allowed for integration of everything and the opportunity to learn time management while developing new areas of interest,” explained Hou. “My time at King’s has allowed me to form new hobbies, establish independence, and develop a routine and a new way of living not solely focused on studies, but also on the community.”
During his time at King’s, Hou was instrumental in developing and planning the International Student Leadership council, which exists to assist International students in acclimating to life in the United States and at The King’s Academy. In addition, he participated in the National History Day Competition in 2018, where he advanced to the state level and received third place for his documentary, “From Conflict to Compromise: The Evolution of China/US Relations.”
William also participated in many different activities, including Key Club, Concert Master for TKA’s Philharmonia, Science Olympiad, Model UN, several honor societies, debate team, and athletics. He particularly enjoys Science Olympiad and sees it as an opportunity to work with other students to solve problems in real world situations, outside of traditional curriculum. He says that through the projects and competitions, he was able to develop interests and excitement for future collegiate studies.
The King’s Academy’s International Student Program (ISP) enrolls 78 students from 12 different countries. ISP students have been a wonderful addition to the King’s campus. They have broadened the educational experience for the domestic students and have become a natural part of the learning and growth of all students.
The King’s Academy is a National Blue Ribbon School for Excellence in Education. The private Christian school serves approximately 1,500 students from preschool through twelfth grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International, and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach County at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Loxahatchee/Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, Boynton Beach, and Royal Palm Beach. More information about The King’s Academy is available online at http://www.TKA.net .
Press release credit: Shelby Kimpel, The King’s Academy Director of Marketing
