An Exciting Kick Off to the 2025-2026 School Year

On September 3, Hopkins School began its 366th academic year, marking a new chapter in its history since its founding as Hopkins Grammar School in 1660.

The week started on Tuesday, September 2, with Orientation Day. New seventh and eighth-grade students, along with the entire ninth-grade class, gathered to prepare for the start of the year. After a breakfast and discussion in the cafeteria with their parents, students separated into their respective grades for bonding activities and games. While the ninth graders spent the afternoon enjoying a team-building exercise constructing a makeshift bridge from poles, rubber bands, and marbles, the junior schoolers played field-day-inspired games on Parr Field.

The first day of school began the following day with the traditional morning assembly. The Hopkins community heard from Head of School Matt Glendinning, Dean of Faculty Geoff Nelson, Student Council President Ripley C. ’26, and Ninth Grade Class President Teddy S. ’29. Remarks were also given by Eighth Grade Representatives Rayan A. ’30, Yuna A. ’30, Ryan A. ’30, and Advitia M. ’30; The Razor Editor-in-Chief Lilliana D. ’26; and Art Department Chair Bobby Smith. To conclude the assembly, Noah N. ’27 performed a musical piece on the piano.

“It’s a school year in which we have the largest student body in school history, led by the amazing seniors, the class of 2026!” said Glendinning in his opening remarks. Later, Smith invited each grade to stand for a celebratory round of applause.

At 12:00 p.m., the exhibition "Figuring Remediation" by Austin Grant Casebolt opened in the Keator Gallery. The show explores the fossil fuel industry and its impact on communities and the environment. Students had the opportunity to meet Casebolt, Hopkins’ newest Studio Art teacher, and learn about his artistic process. "Figuring Remediation" will be on view in the Keator Gallery from September 3 to 25. Learn more about the gallery here.