Holton Students Start "Carpoolooza"

Over the past few years, many students, faculty, and staff have struggled with parking on campus. Due to the growing Upper School population, fewer parking spaces are available, and thus, not every eligible student can drive to school.

During the 2025-2026 school year, parking has become increasingly limited, and fewer students have access to parking passes. Holton’s Parking Council has consistently grappled with the parking lot overflow, and thus, Representative Assembly (RA) members attempted to solve the issue by creating “Carpoolooza.” 

“Carpoolooza” has become a Wednesday morning tradition where student-drivers are encouraged to carpool with friends or other students who live near them. In order to obtain a desired spot closer to the campus buildings, students must engage in a carpool of three students or more. “Carpoolooza” not only creates incentive for students but also decreases traffic congestion on River Road. It also presents a fun alternative to solo-driving and builds a carpooling community.

RA member Lauren Hemann ’27 explained, “We came up with ‘Carpoolooza’ because we are trying to promote a parking culture at Holton!” By holding “Carpoolooza” on late-start Wednesdays, student-drivers have more time to try new carpooling routes. 

“Carpoolooza” opens up a variety of options to get to school and opportunities to spend time with friends and bond as a community. Carpooling is also environmentally friendly. However, the program has a few drawbacks as well. 

Chloe Spiegel ’27 stated, “Carpooling is not always convenient or possible for people if they don’t have someone near them or have to drive a sibling.” Additionally, Carpooling can create more complicated scheduling logistics.