It Made All the Difference – A Hyde School Parent & Faculty Story of Transformation

A Hyde School Parent & Faculty Reflection

This reflection comes from someone who experienced Hyde School both as a parent and as a member of the faculty. Their journey offers a rare, dual perspective on how Hyde’s character-based philosophy transforms not only students, but also the adults who grow alongside them.

Hyde School Parent & Faculty Story

A Hyde School parent and former faculty member whose 13-year journey at Hyde transformed her life, her parenting, and her relationship with her son.

Hyde School’s philosophy, the people, and the friendships I formed there molded my life in ways my parents simply couldn’t. They were wonderful people who did the best they could with the skills they had—and like all parents, I was doing the same.

My ex-husband, son, and I found ourselves at a Hyde School admissions interview in the spring of 1989. The interview was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Very little was asked of us as parents; instead, the conversation centered almost entirely on my son. The questions were eye-opening. I don’t think he had ever truly been asked for his opinion before. In that moment, I knew Hyde was the right place—not just for him, but for me.

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.

My son graduated in June of 1991. Later that summer, I returned—this time as an adult intern—having interviewed for the position during my senior regional retreat. I kept asking myself: What was I doing? Why was I doing this? Could I do it?

That summer felt like going to Mars. I was coming from the fashion industry, a world completely unlike Hyde. It was terrifying, exhilarating, and transformative.

My greatest challenge that summer was standing in front of a community of 100 people and singing a cappella. I didn’t believe I could do it. But I reminded myself: If the kids can do it, so can I. One by one, they stood up—some confidently, some shyly, some beautifully, some awkwardly—and no one laughed. Their courage inspired my own.

That summer marked the beginning of 13 years on the Hyde School faculty, filled with challenges, triumphs, emotional risks, and profound lessons. I learned the true meaning of courage, honesty, and integrity. I learned that withholding the truth is its own form of dishonesty. I learned that I wanted to be “right” more than I wanted to be honest—and how important it is to listen instead of judge, because people are far more alike than different. Everyone has struggles. Everyone has a story.

The greatest gift of all was the maturing of my relationship with my son.

That is my story, and I am beyond grateful for my Hyde experience.

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.