Happy 2026!

As we embark on a new year of learning and growth, we’re taking a moment to look back at 2025 through the lens of five of our most exciting and well-received stories of the year. These stories highlight what makes Rowland Hall special: our incredible students, our talented faculty and staff, and our leading academic initiatives. (Want more? Visit Fine Print for all stories.)

Get to Know Assistant Head of School for Academics Brittney Hansen
In late summer we announced exciting administrative changes for 2025–2026: new Upper School and Middle School leadership teams, as well as Rowland Hall’s first assistant head of school for academics, Brittney Hansen ’02. While many in our community already know Brittney well (she’s a former Beginning School teacher and assistant principal, an alumna, and the co-host of The PrinciPALS Podcast), we loved introducing her to new families and previewing what she has planned for her first year in the role.

Meet the Emmy-Winning Filmmaker Leading Rowland Hall’s Media Arts Program
Some of the most talented educators in the world work at Rowland Hall, and we love to tout their accomplishments anytime we can. So when Danny Schmidt, our media arts teacher, won an Emmy for Outstanding Nature Documentary, we had to write about it. (Fun fact: While this was Danny’s first national Emmy, it’s not his first overall; he’s also won two regional Emmys.) We enjoyed talking to Danny about how he started making films, what inspires him, and how he’s mentoring middle and upper schoolers who are interested in this art form.

Upper School Students Take the Law Into Their Own Hands
Lots of schools participate in Mock Trial, but few schools provide law-focused learning like Rowland Hall. Led by talented political science and debate teacher Mike Shackelford, Rowland Hall’s pre-law education opportunities include classes like Mock Trial and the Supreme Court, complete with assignments you don’t often associate outside of law school, such as the chance to write for a law review. These experiences don’t just prepare students for possible careers; they also demystify the legal system for future leaders.

Junior Meg Hoglund Commits to Play Lacrosse for NCAA D1 Howard University
This story was only unveiled right before winter break, but it quickly became one of the year’s most-read pieces—and for good reason. It’s an inspiring look at how upper schooler Meg Hoglund made her dream of playing lacrosse at the collegiate level come to life, from how she worked to get on colleges’ radars to how she partnered with teachers to ensure she could pursue the sport she loves without giving up an exceptional education at Rowland Hall.

Upper School Independent Projects Expand Authentic Learning Opportunities
Did you know one upper schooler spent a year interning in a first-grade classroom on the McCarthey Campus, or that another spent eight weeks in France over the summer practicing the language and working at a bakery? Independent projects give students the chance to pursue their interests while earning graduation credit, and are part of our broad commitment to providing diverse opportunities for deep learning.

Community