The week of September 7, 2026, kicked off The Hill School’s 176^th academic year with myriad orientation and leadership events, including Convocation, seated meals, the first full class days, adviser meetings, afternoon co-curriculars, and the School’s annual form retreats.

As Hill began the second year of celebrating its historic 175th Anniversary, School spirit and pride were on full display. The opening of the 2026-27 school year brought the community together to honor traditions, mark the milestones and achievements of the past year, and set the stage for a positive and promising 2026-27 school year.

This summer saw several significant enhancements to several iconic Hill buildings and spaces, including a fully renovated Student Center, with an expanded Grille area and additional seating; newly crafted support arches and restoration of the Victory Bell; and installation of a new roof and slate patio entrance to the Ryan Library.

This fall, The Hill welcomed 537 students from 31 states and 27 countries, including 187 new students who joined the School following a record-setting 2025-26 admission year. By April, The Hill had reached full enrollment, an achievement shared by only a small number of peer institutions.

This momentum extended to the School’s advancement efforts. During the 2025-26 fiscal year, Hill’s alumni, parents, and friends contributed a record $6.1 million to The Hill Fund, marking another extraordinary demonstration of confidence in and commitment to the School. Together, these milestones in enrollment and philanthropy provide a position of strength as The Hill begins the 2026-27 academic and fiscal year.

In addition to a talented and inspiring group of new students, Hill was thrilled to welcome several new faculty and program directors, including Dr. Benish Aqil, Medical Director; William Densmore and Maritza Gallegos, Mathematics Department; and Michael Webster, Director of Academic Technology.

On Wednesday, September 9, after an afternoon of orientation activities, mini-classes, and enjoying the first advisory family-style meal of the year in the Dining Hall, students and faculty gathered in the Alumni Chapel for Hill’s traditional Convocation ceremony. Read more about Convocation and watch the ceremony. 

The first week of school concluded with Hill’s annual Form Retreats, where each form (grade) and their form advisers and assigned faculty members participate in a fun day of outdoor activities and leadership training. This year, the Third Form remained on campus in the morning and afternoon for a Scavenger Hunt, Hill Olympics & Trivia, and a cookout, and then off campus for an evening of bowling; the Fourth Form headed to Blue Mountain for a day of leadership training, a ropes course, and ziplining; the Fifth Form, traveled to the Poconos for a day of white water rafting; and the Sixth Form, headed to Green Lane Camp for an overnight filled with outdoor activities, a bonfire, and form bonding.