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Why a campus matters

As a community we should fully appreciate the remarkable campus our students enjoy on this Hilltop in comparison to the K-12 day schools across the country. In our national INDEX comparison group, there are many metrics in which we hope to improve, but one area in which we perennially lead the pack is “square footage per student.” It always strikes me that in October, when the leaves finally pop into electric shades of orange and yellow, our campus is at its best. In particular, the early sunsets light this place up in particular hues that strike me as other-worldly.

            Over the past few years, the Board of Trustees has certainly placed an emphasis on improving the curb appeal of this Hilltop. While we have always enjoyed a beautiful quad during my tenure, the gateways and entrances to campus have perhaps been a bit rough around the edges. With the support of BPC, our donors, and the hiring of new Director of Facilities Jason Murray last spring, I believe our attention to detail continues to improve. It has been so heartening to have dozens of parents comment to me at fall games just how great the campus looks this year. People seem to be noticing our collective efforts.


            Physical space catalyzes great learning. Separate from its impact on admissions and general campus morale, educational philosopher John Dewey believed strongly that environment was everything in education. This includes the concept of campus as well as the types of environments our teachers create in their classrooms. The particular flow of our campus, for which I can take absolutely no credit, allows Berwick’s environment to feel both historic and homey. Certainly our mission’s notion of “one school with three divisions” is visible in the physical spaces our students enjoy. So as I have the good fortune to write this entry as a spectacular sunrise illuminates our quad for another day of learning, it is a moment for me to thank Jason and our Buildings and Grounds crew for all that they do to make this environment special. And as we approach our 225th anniversary next year, I also thank the generations of donors who helped create this learning environment that our children are now so lucky to enjoy.

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