Hyde asked something radical of us as parents: to let go, to share uncomfortable truths, to examine our own growth, and to inspire our children through our own example if we wanted to see real change in them. I’ve always said that my son brought us to Hyde, but I was the one who needed the emotional and spiritual transformation.

And then a tectonic shift happened in 10th grade. I went to Hyde, where my character and potential were recognized and pulled out of the hiding places they had found. I was challenged on many levels. I began doing things I didn’t know I could do – like rowing a dory up the Maine coast, sharing my struggles with others, winning medals in sports, and performing solos in front of hundreds of people.

Since Hyde I've worked at MIT and then Harvard, as a researcher, an instructional designer for online courses, and now - unexpectedly - a manager. I came into Hyde with years of teaching experience, but I wouldn't be the core of my team without the calm, connection, and insight I learned in my three years.

We felt privileged that Hyde valued character development, truth above harmony and believed in teaching for your potential.

What I remember most about my tough first year was the shock of having at least a dozen adults believing and expecting the best out of me every day- checking in on me, having long talks, encouraging me, challenging me.

Hyde continues to be one of the most influential experiences of my life.

In retrospect, I came to realize that the teachers at Hyde were not the enemy but were genuinely invested in guiding students to break the pattern of self-sabotaging behavior and work towards self-strength and growth.In retrospect, I came to realize that the teachers at Hyde were not the enemy but were genuinely invested in guiding students to break the pattern of self-sabotaging behavior and work towards self-strength...