Opening Weekend 2025

Eagle Hill School launches the academic year with tradition, connection, and celebration.

Opening Weekend at Eagle Hill School officially ushered in the 2025 academic year with two days of excitement, tradition, and community spirit. Held on Sunday, September 7, and Monday, September 8, the event welcomed new and returning students and their families to campus, setting the tone for a year of growth and discovery.

The weekend began on Sunday with new students arriving at the Archipley Cultural Center, where faculty and staff greeted them with warm smiles and open arms. Orientation Leaders quickly gathered students into groups, kicking off a day designed to ease the transition into life on the Hill. While parents attended informative sessions about the Eagle Hill experience, students embarked on their own orientation journey—learning about academic expectations, residential life, and the unique culture of the school.

Guided campus tours helped students get their bearings, with stops at key locations including  student-favorite “The Merch” store. Families reunited later in the Baglio Center for advisor meetings, followed by dorm move-ins with help from Orientation Leaders and staff.

Later in the evening, the community gathered for a welcome dinner at Chapman Dining Commons. As the sun began to set, one of the most meaningful moments of the day unfolded at the Cochrane House during the Bell Ringing Ceremony. In this cherished tradition, each new student rang the bell alongside Head of School Erin Wynne, symbolizing the beginning of their Eagle Hill journey—a moment they will relive once more when they ring the bell on graduation day, concluding their time as Pioneers.

Monday morning began with breakfast before students participated in “mini school,” a condensed version of the academic day designed to introduce them to their classes, teachers, and schedules. Later, new students ventured off-campus to APEX for a day of team-building and adventure, forging  connections in a relaxed, casual setting.

Back on campus, returning students and their families were warmly welcomed as they arrived at the Baglio Sports and Fitness Center. After checking in, students proceeded to settle into their dormitories, reconnecting with friends and preparing for the year ahead. The atmosphere was filled with energy and anticipation as familiar faces reunited and new goals for the academic year began to take shape.

The college counseling office kicked off the new year with presentations for the classes of 2026 and 2027 and their parents. The sessions offered valuable guidance on the college counseling and application process and what to expect this year. For juniors and their families, it included the numerous college experience opportunities including monthly campus visits, our College Orientation course, and the creation of college lists, to name a few. For the seniors, guidance on managing the application process with college counselors and parents was shared. The protocols and procedures for an individualized approach was discussed to ensure a successful experience and for families to feel confident about the road ahead.

The weekend wrapped up with a lively dinner at Chapman Dining Commons, where students reconnected with friends and shared their excitement for the year ahead. With Opening Weekend behind them, the Eagle Hill community is energized and ready to embark on a new chapter filled with academic exploration, personal growth, and lasting memories.

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