I find the notion of “academic rigor” not only antiquated, but antithetical to what we are trying to accomplish in schools. I much prefer the Latin word that means liveliness or activity or force: vigor. And academic vigor is what I see Dana Hall teachers engaging in. They are not only enthusiastic about their specific areas of study, but they are also specialists in teaching girls, these girls, and inspiring them to find their own strengths and to discover their own voices.