School portraits · New York City
Spence knows this one
A choir trip to Italy, with a small detour through Radiohead.
Italy · March 2026Read the story
School life, between the linesBy Admissions Diary
Notes from the School Gates
School stories, admissions adventures, and the things parents talk about on the way home.
New York & beyondHistory · Culture · Parent perspectives
School portraits · Los Angeles
The Fifty-Minute Pizza Run
Harvard-Westlake prefects set out to treat their classmates to food trucks. They ran straight into a fifty-minute clock, vendor contracts, and a debate over fries.
2022–2023 · School lunchRead the story
School portraits · New York City
At Brearley, twelve flights and a sofa
While older pupils head north for the woods, Brearley’s kindergarteners conquer the big kids’ building.
School life · A kindergarten Mountain DayRead the story
School portraits · New York City
At Chapin, the pool noodle can be disqualified
There is a right way to throw it. There is also a line, which rather complicates matters.
1915–2023Read the story
School portraits · San Francisco Bay Area
The bagpipe girl would like a soundproof room
Eleanor Arron's senior project followed her to college. It was not quiet about it.
School life · A 2025 graduate, recalled in 2026Read the story
School portraits · New York City
Dalton made room in the schedule. You were the remaining difficulty.
The school cleared a slot in the teacher's schedule and a slot in yours. All you had to bring was a question and some nerve.
Alumni recollectionsRead the story
School portraits · New York City
St. Bernard's put an ear-trumpet in the balcony
The man with the trumpet was imaginary. Twelve years later the teacher who invented him came to Pippin and kept the rule.
A schoolboy memory and a Broadway reunionRead the story
School portraits · Exeter, New Hampshire
Exeter has a pause in the conversation
One student knew when to leave room. Another learned how to take it.
A 2014 classroom visit and a later student recollectionRead the story
School portraits · Boston
A reputation for coffee will not feed anyone
Commonwealth's Jake, class of 2026, on teasing, grapefruit and the shared work of Hancock.
Student life, 2025–2026Read the story
School portraits · Ojai, California
Your horse hasn't read your application
At Thacher, a parent encounters mucking. It is not a sport.
A parent’s 2013 recollectionRead the story
School portraits · New York City
Hewitt put a red carpet in the lobby at eight in the morning
Glamour is a harder performance before breakfast. The seniors thought everyone should try.
Senior prank day · 2024Read the story
School portraits · New York City
Buckley keeps your choice after you change your mind
A favorite animal, a cartoon, or a team logo has to survive the person you become.
School lifeRead the story