How Hyde School Helped Shape My Life – A 2025 Graduate’s Story of Leadership and Confidence

A Hyde School Class of 2025 Student Reflection

This story comes from a recent Hyde School graduate who found confidence, leadership, and academic success after transferring during her sophomore year.

Hyde School Alumni Story

The Hyde School campus in Bath, Maine — home to a tradition of character education.

Hello! I recently graduated from Hyde School in the summer of 2025, and I am now a freshman in college.

I began at Hyde during my sophomore year of high school after leaving my previous school due to severe bullying, harassment, and failing grades. The environment there made me feel unheard and unsupported. Starting at a new school was terrifying. I was scared of going through the same experience again.

To my surprise, Hyde School was the most welcoming place I had ever experienced. I never felt alone, bullied, or judged. Instead, I felt supported and encouraged to grow.

Hyde gave me opportunities I would never have had elsewhere — white water rafting, hiking adventures, exploring the Eustis campus, learning how to build a fire, and participating in sports I never imagined myself playing. These experiences pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me discover strengths I didn’t know I had.

One of the most important things I gained at Hyde was confidence in my voice. I developed critical public speaking skills that are already helping me in college. If Ms. Gauld taught me anything, it’s that I have a voice — and that my voice deserves to be heard.

The Hyde faculty are unlike anyone you will ever meet. They are caring, compassionate, and deeply invested in every student’s growth. Some of the most meaningful relationships in my life were formed at Hyde, and I hope they will last for many years to come.

Academically, Hyde School made all the difference. Small class sizes allowed for real conversations with teachers. The school offers programs to support workload management and study skills — which I took advantage of — and from that point forward, I earned As and Bs for the remainder of my time at Hyde.

Hyde School will forever hold a place in my heart. It helped me get my life back on track, gave me confidence, and turned me into a leader.

The Lasting Impact of a Hyde School Education

Hyde Voices shares authentic perspectives from Hyde School alumni, parents, and staff. Each story demonstrates how Hyde School’s focus on truth, growth, and character creates lasting change. Explore more Hyde School stories, share your own reflection, or learn more about the school itself at the Hyde School website.