The Head of School – December 17, 2025

Flint Hill Community,

A heartfelt Husky thank you to everyone who has shared their reflections, encouragement, and thoughtful feedback on our newly launched Strategic Vision for Flint Hill School. As I shared recently with our faculty and staff, this Vision both affirms the many ways Flint Hill already excels, as well as challenges us to address areas where growth, evolution, or new approaches are needed. In short, it calls all of us — together — to roll up our sleeves and ensure that Flint Hill not only remains a truly distinctive experience for our students and families, but also builds boldly on what makes our community special for generations to come.

Examples of Excellence in Action

Over just the past few weeks, we have seen inspiring examples of the excellence that underpins this Strategic Vision. From vibrant Middle and Upper School band, choir, and percussion concerts, to today’s joyful Lower School winter concert; from the spirited Tip-Off Classic Tournament for our Varsity Basketball teams to a wide range of end-of-semester academic experiences — projects, presentations, tests, and papers — our Huskies have demonstrated growth, mastery, and engagement across all areas of school life.

Evolving Our Approach

We have also begun leaning into meaningful evolutions driven directly by our Strategic Vision.

Our reimagined College Advising model, which expands consistent guidance to all Upper School students, is already having an impact. Our College Advisors are supporting the Class of 2026 as they submit nearly 1,400 college applications (so far!), while also completing their first round of one-on-one meetings with our 9th graders in the Class of 2029. These early conversations focus on building relationships, exploring hopes and aspirations, and introducing each student’s Husky Trail Map — a thoughtful roadmap designed to support both their Upper School journey and their future college process.

The Lower School will formally restructure its experience into two developmental groups (JK-3 and 4-6) starting in the 2026-27 school year, allowing for intentionally aligned academic offerings and the introduction of theatre as a new performing arts option for students in grades 4-6.

Opportunities for Community Engagement

Our Strategic Vision will require active engagement and partnership from our entire community. Many of you may be wondering how you can contribute — whether by learning more about Flint Hill’s direction or by sharing your perspectives on key programs and your family’s experience.

Two upcoming opportunities for engagement include:

• Complete Our Athletics Program Survey
  In support of our objective to Elevate the Game, we are conducting a comprehensive review of our Athletics program in partnership with a national expert in independent school athletics. To inform this work, we will be launching a community survey in the first week back from winter break. The survey will be shared with all families, Middle and Upper School students, faculty, staff, coaches, and community supporters. Your voice will be essential to shaping the future of Husky Athletics.

• Attend Our Annual Budget Coffee on Tuesday, January 13, 8:30 a.m.
  As part of our Parent Education Series, Associate Head of School for Finance & Operations Anne Peterson and I will host our annual Budget Coffee. This session offers insight into the Board of Trustees’ budgeting process and its fiduciary responsibility — highlighting how principled governance, financial stewardship, and long-term planning ensure Flint Hill’s strength and sustainability for every Husky, now and in the years ahead.
  

I hope you will take advantage of these and future opportunities as we work together to bring our Strategic Vision to life in meaningful, measurable ways.

As we head into the winter holiday season, I wish our entire Flint Hill community rest, joy, and time to recharge. I look forward to the energy and momentum of the second half of the school year ahead.