Dear LREI Families,

Happy March! What is the old expression, “In like a lamb, out like a lion”? We are entering March like a lamb, if a wet one, so who knows what the rest of the month will bring. Fingers crossed!

I had an interesting morning yesterday. I started the day meeting with the parents of 18 or so admitted rising ninth graders who were here for a “revisit” in order to help them to decide if they want to accept our offer of a spot in the class of 2022 (Each year 75%+, or so, of our eighth graders continue on the ninth grade where they are joined by an equal number of students from others schools, to get us to our class of 60+.)  Today’s visitors and those who will visit on similar days are but a fraction of the 300+ students who submitted applications this fall. Exciting to welcome new LREIers.

The visitor’s questions were thoughtful and reasonable. They asked about the culture of the school, about specifics of the academic program, about transition, about homework, and about the social life of the high school students. They are excited for their children and for the experiences that await them as they enter high school, ours or another. They are nervous but understand that their concerns will not stop time. A significant moment for these families, on the cusp of the next step. We had a great conversation, and I was honored to join these parents as they considered the adventure on which their children are embarking.

Moments after these guests left I started a tour of the high school with a family who are applicants to the Fours. These parents want to be comfortable with our 14-year program before committing and I applaud their deep dive into LREI. We had a really fun and interesting tour, hearing from any number of students about their high school experiences. I can only imagine that our impressive students and teachers sealed the deal.

As I walked to the Sixth Avenue campus, thinking about a four-year old about to begin his schooling and all that awaits him and about the rising and incoming ninth graders on the verge of beginning a challenging segment of their lives, my mind wandered to the end of that journey, to the seniors. Our seniors are one week away from their last class in high school as they will spend the last trimester involved in their senior projects (and senior seminars, life skills classes, project-presentation preparations, etc.) They seem to be feeling pretty good, working hard but excited to be nearing this ending, this pause. They have a right to be proud and satisfied, but I wonder if they realize that while they are on the verge of completing a long journey it will quickly turn into the beginning of their next significant challenge. Within a month every senior will know where they are going to college. They will begin to choose classes and to meet roommates. As they deal with the excitement and the administrivia of going to college (and leaving home, for most) they will also begin to contemplate a level of independence that while welcomed is not to be taken lightly. Even given all that they have learned and achieved in their time at LREI, are they really ready? One week to go and this moment of change and growth and challenge and risk will begin in earnest.  One week to go and we will know if that four-year old, whose parents I met today, will begin this same journey with us at LREI.

What advice can you offer our seniors? Any words of wisdom? I will pass on any that you send to me.

All best,