School name/location/number of students/grade levels/year of founding:
Linden Hall/Lititz, PA/200 students/Grades 6-12/Founded in 1746 – Oldest independent girls’ boarding and day school in the United States.
Who is your school’s best-loved/legendary teacher?
Image credit: Linden Hall Facebook
Heralded as the Linden Hall educator, Pat Sullivan began her career with Linden Hall as a substitute teacher at the Linden Hall Junior College level in 1950. Her tenure at Linden Hall spanned 38 years and countless play productions and musicals, and impacted hundreds of our alumnae during their formative years. She is still known throughout our community today as an inspiring example of a dedicated educator and mentor.
In 1952, Miss Sullivan acquired an M.Ed in Speech and Hearing from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA and for the next 25 years taught speech, dramatics, English, and psychology. In 1977, she became Linden Hall’s first Director of Admissions, a position she held until her retirement in 1988.
Both the yearly drama award and a performing arts scholarship are presented in Ms. Sullivan’s honor.
What is one interesting/unique/quirky feature of your campus?
Conceived by former Head of School Dr. F. William Stengel, the Rock Garden at Linden Hall has remained a place for quiet reflection over the years. The Rock Garden’s paths, waterfalls, and colorful wildflowers have served as a source of inspiration for Linden Hall girls since its installation in the 1950s.
What sets your students apart?
A Linden Hall girl is dedicated to her education, passionate about world issues, and devoted to her community. She possesses a genuine curiosity about the world around her, is competitive yet collaborative, and driven to succeed.
What sets your faculty apart?
Linden Hall’s faculty members possess an unparalleled dedication to their students, passion for their subject area, and a commitment to innovation in the classroom. Our educators foster a love for lifetime learning in every student whose life they touch. They are personally, as well as professionally, invested in contributing to every girl’s success.
What has changed about your school in the past 10 years?
Linden Hall has undergone a number of changes in the past 10 years, both cosmetically and institutionally. The school was recently remodeled, adding new classrooms, a new library, offices, and gallery space as part of the Evita M. Allen Center for Academic Excellence and the Steinman Center for the Arts. In addition, the curriculum was expanded to include an extremely diverse offering of AP courses, a focus on STEAM education, and an aviation program for students interested in studying to obtain their private pilot’s license. In addition to academic coursework, Linden Hall also offers an unparalleled Advanced Scholar program and numerous opportunities for growth in other extra curricular activities such as dance, music, and athletics.
What changes are on the horizon for your school?
We are very excited to welcome our 41st Head of School, Mr. Michael E. Waylett, and his wife April Waylett to the Linden Hall community. April will serve as the Academic Dean for Linden Hall. Both Mr. and Mrs. Waylett’s appointments come as Linden Hall prepares to celebrate our 270th year of educating young women. Mr. Waylett joins Linden Hall after serving in a number of senior administrative roles, most recently as the Associate Head of School at St. Anne’s-Belfield School in Charlottesville, VA. An integral member of that community for over 34 years, Mr. Waylett has overseen numerous aspects of the school, including financial operations, admission, communications and marketing, and financial aid.
Describe your school in three words.
Diversity, Leadership, Community
What advice would you give to prospective teachers/administrators at independent schools?
Teaching and working at an independent school isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life. It is incredibly important to embrace such a lifestyle wholeheartedly. Every school has a unique culture that sets it apart. Learn what sets your school apart by getting to know your students – treat them as individuals, engage them in positive ways, and build relationships with both your students and your colleagues.
In this way, as an independent school educator you are empowered to effect change. Cultivate a commitment to teaching and learning that reaches beyond your academic subject. This is the best way to create positive change both locally (within your school and community at large) and globally.