Eagle Hill School

About
LIFE-CHANGING

“Since 1997, I have witnessed the life-changing journeys of our students and experienced the greatness of Eagle Hill through the lenses of EHS parents. EHS breathes new life into every aspect of a student’s world.”

—Ms. Erin Wynne, Head of School
Admission
PERSONAL

“In our admission office, we get to know you personally throughout our process. We will work as a team to help you learn about Eagle Hill and to determine, together, if we are that perfect match! We encourage you to call us so that we can begin our conversation and answer all of your questions.”

—Mr. Dana Harbert, Director of Admission
Academics
GIFT

“Teaching and learning at their best create a kind of gift economy that relies on the development of genuine relationships. To give a meaningful gift, it is essential to know someone well. To accept a gift also requires the trust and graciousness that are only really possible within the confines of a true interpersonal relationship.”

—Dr. Michael Riendeau, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs
Athletics
COMMITMENT

“At EHS our student-athletes are more committed than ever, and we are seeing how athletics and physical activity have become even more important in our daily routines. Nothing can stop the resilience and positive attitudes we see in our kids, and I’m so proud of both our athletes and our coaches!”

—Mrs. Cindy Coughlin, Athletic Director
Arts
PRIDE

“I always smile when I see students and faculty taking pride in what they do, especially when I see them on our stage, singing, dancing, and acting; or in our studios, creating and making art. EHS is all about getting involved and finding passions."

—Mr. Will Gelinas, Performing Arts Teacher
Student Life
ROOTED

“The root system of a tree keeps it grounded, stabilizes it, and provides the nutrients needed to grow. The harder the winds blow, the stronger the roots get. For me, EHS is that root system—giving students and faculty a solid foundation and the nutrients for growth. We have also learned that the tougher the times, the stronger we get! We build a support system for life here, and for those of us who met our spouses here, that can be quite literal!”

—Mrs. Kristyl Kelly, Assistant Head of School for Student Life
Summer
CONNECTIONS

“The summer school program at Eagle Hill is where students meet teachers who understand their need to explore and have fun. The connections you make here last a lifetime. It's a summer experience like no other!”

—Ms. Stephanie Whitaker. Pragmatics Department Chair and Academic Advisor

In This Section

Mrs. Sara (Kaplan) Callahan ’02

Educator
Committees: Trustees

Sara (Kaplan) Callahan ’02 is a proud graduate of Eagle Hill School. In 2006, she earned her BA in literature from Hampshire College and joined the small ranks of learning disabled students with college degrees. With a 120-page thesis documenting Otherness in nineteenth-century British Gothic literature, and a passion for alternative education, Mrs. Callahan moved to East Haddam, Connecticut, to teach at Franklin Academy, a school for students with Asperger’s syndrome and nonverbal learning disabilities. From there, she spent six years teaching and advising at Eagle Hill School, and in 2012 was awarded the Norma B. Shield Teacher of the Year Award. During her time working at Eagle Hill School, Mrs. Callahan served as the co-editor of www.LearningDiversity.org, a website devoted to reimagining education as the intersection of personal and community passions.

Currently, Mrs. Callahan works as academic dean at Middlebridge School in Narragansett, Rhode Island, a school devoted to providing instruction, opportunities, and support for students with learning differences. She received her master’s degree in creative and critical thinking at the University of Massachusetts, where she was awarded the prestigious Critical and Creative Thinking Award for Personal and Professional Development. She remains passionate about working with students and teachers to develop creative and exploratory methods of promoting experiential education.