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PERSONAL REFLECTIONS ON THE HYDE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
Stories of challenge, growth, and lifelong impact from those who experienced Hyde School firsthand
STORIES
The stories shared here come from alumni, parents, and faculty who experienced Hyde School in deeply personal ways. Each reflection offers a window into the growth, challenge, and transformation that shaped their lives—often far beyond their time on campus. In today’s climate, these positive and affirming voices can sometimes be overshadowed, making it all the more important to share them openly and honestly. These voices reflect the heart of what Hyde has meant to those who lived it.
It Made All the Difference – A Hyde School Parent & Faculty Story of Transformation
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.
Quinn Taylor, Alumni Parent & Faculty Member
3 min read
Life Changing – A Hyde School Parent Reflection on Growth and Gratitude
At Hyde School, I was both challenged by hard truths and lovingly supported as I learned to make meaningful changes in my parenting.
Marie Mintz, Alumni Parent
1 min read
Credibility Is Currency: The Radical Integrity Learned at Hyde School – A Hyde School Alumni Story
This is the bedrock of the Hyde way: a transparent record of following through on your promises and living with mission-driven hard work.
Alison (Stern) Simard, Class of 1989
2 min read
So Grateful for Hyde – A Hyde School Parent Story
Through the Family Learning Center (FLC), we as parents were encouraged and challenged to integrate the Hyde philosophy into our family life. Incorporating courage, integrity, leadership, curiosity, and concern into our lives
Dorthea & Paul Bergeron, Hyde School Parents
1 min read
I Went from Part of the Problem to Part of the Solution – A Hyde School Alumni Story
I began to excel in academics and sports, stepped into performing arts, and took on leadership roles all over campus.
James Ferrari, Class of 1983
1 min read
A Transformative Experience – A Hyde School Alumni Story
The school raised the bar and expected more of me, and I rose to meet those expectations. I graduated with a renewed sense of self, a stronger set of values, and a higher standard for how I live my life.
Riva Fischel, Class of 1990
1 min read
Lifelong Growth with Hyde School - A Hyde School Parent & Faculty Story
The Hyde philosophy has informed my relationships, choices and actions. My conscience is strong. I’m committed to truth over harmony and I believe deeply in the unique potential (the greatness) of every individual.
Lucinda Warnick, Hyde School Parent
1 min read
Forged in Discomfort: How Hyde School Taught Me to Succeed - A Hyde School Alumni Story
The school’s curriculum is not just academic; it is a framework for building character, and it taught me to see challenges not as barriers, but as opportunities.
Scotty Bartlett, Class of 2013
2 min read
Time Took Time - A Hyde School Alumni Story
There were teachers, coaches and staff who gave me their best. I earned my share of kitchen duty. Team sports were great and my grades improved as a few of The Five Words began to take hold, until…
Albert Ancel, Class of 1972 and 2013
2 min read
What Hyde School Taught Me - A Hyde School Alumni Story
What I learned at Hyde was many things: to live by my principals and values, to trust that a circle of caring people can become a family, and to believe that I was (and am!) a good person. Hyde believed in me before I believed in myself.
Amanda Brooks Hunter, Class of 1975
1 min read
My Voice Mattered - A Hyde School Alumni Story
As a 1974 Black graduate of Hyde School, the most important life lesson I learned was that I mattered and that my voice was just as important and valued as anyone else’s
Verna Mayo Azeez, Class of 1974
1 min read
My Hyde School Experience: A Strong Foundation I Have Built Upon
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.
Sarah Carlin, Class of 1980
2 min read
Three Years as a Teacher – A Hyde School Faculty Story
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.
Colin Fredricks, Former Faculty
1 min read
Time Hones Perspective - A Hyde School Alumni Story
While it is true that times change—fundamental values, ethics, and character do not. Hyde’s approach of developing adolescents into young adults is holistic and focuses on foundational concepts that have withstood the test of time.
Seth Ireland, Class of 1994
1 min read
Hyde Parent Experience - A Hyde Parent Story
We felt privileged that Hyde valued character development, truth above harmony and believed in teaching for your potential.
Stephanie and John Woodman, Hyde Parents
1 min read
My Third Parent: Hyde School - A Hyde School Alumni Story
I honestly believe that if it weren't for Hyde with its incredible philosophy, faculty, and sports programs, I would not have succeeded in life.
Nelson B. Arnstein, MD, Class of 1971
1 min read
Second Chances - A Hyde School Alumni Story
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.
Heidi Effinger, Class of 1994
3 min read
Unlocking the Strength Within – A Hyde School Alumni Story
My experience at Hyde helped to provide me with the resilience to go on to college and law school, embark upon a 30+ year legal career, and be a dad.
Geoff Mcconnell, Class of 1979
1 min read
Brother. Faculty Member. Administrator. – A Hyde School Parent & Staff Story
Hyde continues to be one of the most influential experiences of my life.
Sean Ireland - Brother, Faculty Member, Administrator
2 min read
My Decision – A Hyde School Alumni Story
The values that Hyde school instilled in me during those years have always served me as guide post along the path of life.
Jeff Jennings, Class of 1972
2 min read
Hyde School Changed the Trajectory of My Life – A Hyde School Alumni Story
Hyde taught me how to be strong, take things seriously, trust myself, challenge myself and take a tough task head on.
Stephanie Nathanson, Class of 1994
4 min read
A True Transformation - A Hyde School Alumni Story
If it weren’t for Hyde I might not have survived, truly. It was a massive gift, albeit not an easy one at all.
Melinda Baxter, Class of 1989
3 min read
Running Laps Towards Myself – A Hyde School Alumni Story
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...
Rachel Slater, Class of 1987
2 min read
Seen, Heard, and Challenged – A Hyde School Alumni Story
Hyde gave me more than structure; it gave me tools I still use every day. Tools that have shaped how I raise my children, how I build relationships, and how I show up for my community.
Annabel Lee Allen, Class of 1987
2 min read
From Skepticism to Connection – A Hyde School Alumni Story
I now love attending reunions and listening to other alumni’s amazing accounts of how their experience at Hyde was positively life changing.
Shelley Patrick, Class of 1987
1 min read
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