2026-2027 School Year Comes With New Expectations

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! Although you may be wearing the same plaid, there have been some notable changes in the Upper School.

The uniform has experienced several updates as sweatpants, slippers, flip flops and crocs are no longer allowed. Upper School Dean of Students Rachel Lowenthal noted that the changes “standardize the look of the uniform...especially given the fact that we are off campus a lot” and the school hosts many visitors and events.

Last year, the Representative Assembly (RA) introduced these differences to the student body during the first ever Uniform Fashion Show. Although beloved aspects of the uniform were missing, students promoted other variations, like the navy skirt and white polo combination.

Lowenthal also offered alternatives to sweatpants including “navy chinos, twill pants or corduroys and many more...that are more stretchy and comfortable.” RA member Lauren Hemann ’27 stated that she was “surprised to hear about the no sweatpants rule” but is “excited to see the student body look more unified.”

Harper Lanpher ’28 expressed disappointment over the change in uniform because “having no sweatpants in the winter removes an element of comfort and convenience for student athletes in particular,” but she hopes to find alternative options that provide the same effect.

Additionally, this year the parking system has changed to feature designated senior, junior and faculty parking spots. Blue markings along the main lot now indicate senior spots while parking for juniors is located near the tennis courts and track.

Expressing excitement about designated parking spots, Lanpher said the set-up “gives juniors something to look forward to." While the new parking system solves many prior issues, parking spaces continues to be limited. Assistant Head of Upper School Kate Mitchell said she “still is trying to get people to carpool!”

Finally, the advisory system has undergone a major redesign. Now, each advisor has a group of roughly seven students from one grade. With the goal of strengthening advisory connections, this change leads advisors to mentor the same students for four years and allows for students to remain with the same peers throughout their upper school experience.

Paige Wollenhaupt ’27 said, “I appreciate that advisory is now more personal, but I do miss having two advisors because there were more perspectives to seek advice from. But I love how close the group becomes when it is fewer people!”