It is hard for me to believe that I have finished my first year at Dana Hall. What a year of accomplishments for the community! I am happy to report that the school continues to educate capable, creative, and courageous young women, as it has done for the past 128 years.

I am impressed with what I see at Dana Hall everyday. The students are the fortunate beneficiaries of an all-girls’ education. Research indicates that graduates of schools for girls are more comfortable taking risks and more likely to become leaders. After all, every leadership position is held by a girl. The Co-Presidents of Student Government and the editors of the school newspaper and the yearbook are girls. As a result, the students find their voices and develop confidence. Dana Hall graduates believe that they are capable of accomplishing just about anything. The senior speeches at Morning Meeting, Baccalaureate, and Commencement in the spring demonstrate that these girls are the future leaders of the world.

Just as I expected, the academic program at Dana Hall is challenging and exciting. The girls are able to choose from among a wide variety of courses in all disciplines including Advanced Placement and Honors courses. The range of electives, including courses such as Creative Writing: Found Voices, African Studies, and Current Topics in Life Sciences is impressive for a school our size.

One of my favorite places to be on campus is in the classroom. Over and over, I witness the dedicated and inspirational teachers who make learning come alive for our students. At Reunion in June, alumnae regaled me with stories about the teachers at Dana Hall. The graduates speak fondly of their teachers’ high expectations and the thought-provoking discussions in class. These qualities exist today at Dana Hall, where each classroom is filled with engaged students.

Dana Hall believes that every girl is well-known and recognized for her special talents and strengths. I am pleased to confirm that this is true. I like to think that each girl is encouraged to be the best version of herself and fulfill her potential. Indeed, scholars, athletes, actors, singers, and artists are all celebrated for their accomplishments.

Finally, I want to highlight the combination of day and boarding students at Dana Hall, a special quality that contributes to the strong sense of community on campus. The boarding component creates especially strong bonds among the girls who live together 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students from across the country and around the world bring their unique perspective and culture to the school. The result: everyone’s horizons are expanded.

Please come to visit our scenic campus, meet students and faculty, and witness the excitement and joy of girls actively learning and growing.

Caroline Erisman, Head of School