By Payton Hoops ‘13, Director of Enrollment Management
There is so much excitement bubbling within the walls of Watershed as we welcome another school year. We’re organizing spaces, planning courses and field experiences, and, in less than one week, both new and returning students will arrive on-campus!
Over the past two years, Watershed has experienced high demand for enrollment. We have 112 students enrolled for the 2022-2023 academic year -- the largest student body in Watershed’s history. Watershed continues to provide students with an unmatched education -- one that engages students in work that matters, that challenges them both academically and personally, and one that will serve them for years to come. Families and students recognize the value of the Watershed experience and want to be part of it!
What is most exciting about the start of a new year, is the ways in which our new students contribute to and elevate the Watershed community. Students are drawn to our school for many reasons, but one of the most compelling and consistent reasons is their curiosity and quest for learning. This year’s new students include thinkers, doers, creators, and contributors. We have students who are fantastic artists, mathematicians, competitive athletes, scientists, and more -- those who are joining us from students who live down the street and those moving from out of state. Our new students are eager to join the rest of our student community as we pursue adventure and wonder and explore the world’s great challenges.
This is my seventh start of the school year at Watershed. Five of those “first days of school” were as a Watershed student, and the last two have been as a member of the Watershed staff. I feel lucky to see Watershed evolve over the years, and continue to provide a high quality academic and social/emotional experience amidst growth and change.
Choosing Watershed was one of the best decisions I ever made. My hope is that more and more families continue to choose Watershed too. My five years as a Watershed student gave me the opportunity to see and experience the world in all of its complexities - to meet and interact with people from all backgrounds, to understand how my work can matter, and to ultimately develop as a confident and connected individual. It provided me with a foundation for life and learning that was truly unmatched. My job as Watershed’s Director of Enrollment Management allows me to see students continuing to have access to all of the phenomenal experiences, programs, and people Watershed has to offer!
The Watershed experience is best told and celebrated by those who have experienced it directly. If you know of someone who may be a good fit for Watershed, please send them to admissions@watershedschool.org to learn more. And, if you’re a prospective student or family who’s interested in understanding what makes the Watershed experience so unique, I’d love to connect.
Here’s to an amazing school year ahead!
