A Constant Force in Uncertain Times

Hello from the flight deck! Traditionally this is how I start my blog when traveling, but oh how I wish that were the case. As we have all experienced the frustrations with COVID-19 and its side effects, I certainly miss the opportunity to travel on behalf of the school to meet current and new families and to enjoy the many different traditions and cultures. 

Since the pandemic first forced a lockdown in March 2020, many major events have happened here and around the world that affect us all: the changing of administrations (both foreign and domestic), the slowing of economies and disruption in shipping goods and raw materials (global shortages), the fear associated with COVID-19 and becoming ill, concerns with the vaccines and their side effects, pros and cons of masking, Asian hate, Black Lives Matter, defunding of police, southern border immigration issues, corporate greed, inflation and economic uncertainly. 

One thing for sure that has remained consistent is The Wardlaw+Hartridge School and its approach to creating a safe learning environment and following the best safety protocols. The school’s steadfast and conscientious approach to safeguarding the students, parents, faculty and staff and its continued commitment to in-person learning have been unwavering. The continued innovative approach to expanding our program, which now includes Global Online Academy (GOA), provides a balanced educational experience. This is a school where active learning takes place in a safe learning environment, where students are encouraged to express themselves and to lean into discomfort, all while knowing that they have the support of their peers, teachers and school community. 

What holds this community together year after year, through social issues after social issues, through political unrest, and yes, through a pandemic, is the overwhelming concern and respect for one another. This unwavering commitment by this very unassuming school never ceases to amaze me. The way in which we approach and tackle issues in and outside of our community is just one of the hallmarks of a W+H education. 

Today, now more than ever, if you are looking for a school that will ask a lot of your child, push them (appropriately) in their learning, ask them to think critically and beyond themselves, then you have found the right school. Wardlaw+Hartridge is more than the sum of its parts, more than just about providing excellence in learning and first-rate extracurricular programming. W+H prepares students for beyond university…it prepares them for life. We call our graduates Pioneering Thinkers for a reason. They are leaving 1295 Inman Avenue with more than knowledge but with a strong sense of how they are going to change the world. 

There is still time to apply and complete the admission process to be considered for this fall. Contact me personally if you have any questions or if you would like to get started.

Gerard Gonnella
Director of Admission and Financial Aid
grgonnella@WHschool.org
908-754-1882, Ext. 156