Stories

It is not unusual for an independent school to prioritize, value, and cite the word “community” as a defining characteristic, but what that looks and feels like (especially to someone new) can vary widely. In my first month, I have conducted over thirty 1:1 meetings with faculty/staff, had lunch with nearly every 8th grader, and attended countless Prep events in search of the answer to the question “What does community mean at Prep?” Here are some of my first impressions:

1. Collaboration: Each day, I walk around campus for about 30-60 minutes and simply stop into buildings as time allows. It is remarkable how often I witness adults working collaboratively with one another. Volumes of research confirm that when teachers collaborate, whether on an individual lesson or across disciplines, students benefit with richer learning experiences. 

2. Inclusive Culture: When I have asked our faculty and staff to cite their favorite thing about Prep, it is remarkable how many have noted the lack of cliques among both students and adults. Early school teachers eat lunch with lower school teachers. New students are welcomed by returning students. Athletes who play every set also gleefully cheer for the player subbed in at the end of a game. 

3. Ubiquitous Altruism: On any given day, I am astounded by how many students hold the door for each other. And at recess, students pass the ball to a more timid player rather than always seeking the most athletic and eager beaver. It is refreshing to work in a community committed to kindness; now more than ever in our society, this commitment to seeing and helping one another is crucial. 

These first impressions remind me why I am so lucky to lead this school. Community at Prep is not just a talking point or empty promise—rather, it is deeply sewn into the fabric of our everyday interactions with students, colleagues, and stakeholders.