A week ago, I had the pleasure of hosting an admission open house the morning of the Super Bowl. A half dozen families dropped by that morning to learn more about The Beech Hill School. A handful of faculty and students led our guests around the school, answering questions, providing information about the programs and, as I like to say, helping others to discover why students thrive at The Beech Hill School. There is no script for our student and faculty tour guides, and every family brings unique questions for their guides. In the end, the feedback that I get from prospective families is almost always the same – our tour was amazing, and you can tell how happy folks are at The Beech Hill School.

It was not always so easy to help prospective families understand the value of a Beech Hill School education. I remember vividly, in the winter of 2012, just over ten years ago, holding information sessions about a new school beginning in the fall of 2012. There was no building to tour at that point, there were no teachers to talk about their classes, and there were no students to share anecdotes about their experiences. There was simply the idea that a quality middle school experience is critical, and that The Beech Hill School could provide that experience. Fortunately, a few intrepid families had faith in this vision, and those students are now finding success in college and beyond. In fact, one of those students is now the teacher, as Wyatt Ellinwood, BHS class of 2014, is now teaching an elective at BHS!

It brings me great joy to reflect on the history of The Beech Hill School and I am so grateful for the efforts of so many that have sustained the growth and development of BHS. More importantly, I am incredibly proud to be part of a community where everyone – students, parents, faculty, alumni, board members, etc – can authentically and wholeheartedly feel part of something special.