Focus On: Belonging

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 2026

From the very beginning, our founders, Miss Thurston and Miss Mitchell, set out to create a community unique from others available at the time. They were committed to elevating girls’ academic experiences to prepare them for the rigors of post-secondary pursuits at the nation’s best colleges and universities. Our founders recognized the gifts and talents each student brought to the classroom and helped guide them to achieve their highest potential.  

Miss Thurston and Miss Mitchell could not have imagined WT in its 139th year: City as Our Campus. Artificial Intelligence. Title-winning athletics for both girls and boys. An enrollment of nearly 700 students. And so much more. Despite these evolutions, much remains the same. The same credo to “Think also of the comfort and the rights of others” and the same commitment to challenging each individual student to reach for the stars remain with us today.  

Last year’s family engagement survey provided us with valuable information about our children’s sense of belonging at WT. Ninety-two percent of those responding agreed or strongly agreed that WT offers a welcoming environment for children and their families. When touring the school, one parent stated, “It was evident that students are honored for being their true selves.” This high level of agreement is not by accident. It is the result of the intentional work we do each and every day to see and value each student and help them leverage and elevate their strengths while identifying and working on areas for growth.

Students representing a broad range of identities have found a home at our Dear Old WT. We offer intentional spaces and support to help students feel seen. All students benefit when they see adults around them representing a variety of identities. From race to religion to gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, and so much more, students thrive when they see themselves reflected in the successful adults who work with them. During this year’s State of the School, I shared the many Union, Affinity, and Alliance spaces WT provides to our community as a way to fulfill one of the priorities set in our Strategic Design: Strengthen Community. We remain committed to cultivating a school environment where all members feel valued, welcomed, and have a strong sense of belonging. And when students live in a community like this, their success is sure to follow. 

Warmly,

Scott D. Fech, Ph.D.
Head of School