Opening Bell Heralds Start Of New Year

It all starts at the bell. And so the first day of the 2023-2024 school year commenced this morning with its ceremonial ringing; a sound that has ushered in opening-day for some 60 years since the school’s inception.  

Eager lower school learners were led to class hand-in-hand by teachers and administrators who helped them find their way to their homerooms. After rapping on their classroom doors to signal their arrival, even the most timid early learners crossed the threshold with confidence and excitement. 

After a robust admissions season, the school welcomed 183 new students to our community. 

“Benjamin remains a school of choice in our area,” said Director of Enrollment Management Amy Jablonski. “This year our acceptance rate dropped to 31% and our yield rate rose to 81%. This was one of the most selective admissions cycles because applications remain high and our attrition rate remains so low. This year, our attrition rate dropped to only 4%. When you think the national attrition rate for independent schools is about 12.5%, that is pretty remarkable,” she said. 

The school also welcomed 119 children of alumni back to campus, “a true testament to the incredible teaching and mentoring on our campuses and the sense of connection our alums feel to this community,” said Jablonski. 

The collective air of opening day excitement also permeated the upper school community as they ushered in the new school year with their annual special assembly. 

“The senior clap-in is a special event each year at the Upper School. It is a student-faculty only welcome - and an important internal recognition of this year's school leaders,” said Head of Upper School Fletcher Carr. 

Carr said as the community recognizes its new seniors, they also remind them of their responsibilities to the greater good of the school.

“Definitely a special and aspirational moment each August,” he said. 

Here’s to a wonderful year of experiential growth opportunities, academic challenge, artistic expression, and athletic achievement. 

Go Benjamin, Then Go Anywhere!