Opening Day Heralds A Warm Welcome to the New School Year

Across both campuses, Wednesday morning began with teachers, faculty, and staff lining the walkways and entrances, welcoming students with familiar smiles and warm greetings. Their presence set a joyful, welcoming tone as the halls filled once again with energy and excitement for the start of the 2026–27 school year. 

From brand-new backpacks and fresh school supplies to enthusiastic hugs and reunions with friends, the first-day energy was unmistakable. For some, the day marked a special milestone: WOW (Worlds of Wonder) students stepped onto campus for the first time while our seniors arrived for their final first day. Across every grade, the sense of possibility was everywhere.

Head of School Mr. Dave Faus said one of the things he loves most about being a PK3-12 school is seeing the excitement on opening day across all three divisions.

“Regardless of grade, our students all share an eagerness to get back to school to see friends, engage with their teachers, and participate in the life of the school, both inside and outside the classroom,” he said. “Those opening-day jitters exist for our youngest as they enter their first WOW classes and for our seniors who are thinking about the school leaders they will become and the opportunities that will unfold beyond TBS. This shared excitement and energy is palpable and sets the tone for what I know will be another great school year at Benjamin.”

 

Assistant Head of School Dr. Kristen Sheehan echoed Faus’ sentiments, saying there is an extraordinary energy on both campuses at the start of the new school year.

 

“This year, that excitement carries an even greater sense of purpose as we begin putting our strategic plan into action, turning our vision for innovative learning, a stronger sense of community, exceptional educators, and future-ready environments into meaningful experiences for our students. Opening day is not simply the start of another year; it is the beginning of the next chapter in our school’s future,” she said.

 

This year, Benjamin welcomed 195 new students, including twenty-two new alumni families.

 

Admissions numbers were equally impressive. The school received 626 new applications and, with a selective 32% acceptance rate, yielded an extraordinary 90% enrollment rate.

 

On both campuses, students were welcomed into classrooms that spark curiosity and creativity, surrounded by faculty committed to academic excellence and a commitment to the 12 Benjamin Values. Seniors also enjoyed a new tradition, each having a chance to ring the bell as their name was called before entering assembly. 

 

The upper school also started the new year with the opening of the Stiles-Nicholson Innovation Center and the forthcoming opening of the Bodstrom Family Student Union.

 

Head of Upper School Fletcher Carr said the new additions to the campus footprint mark an exciting inflection point for the community.

“The new buildings are spectacular additions to an already amazing campus. With any new structures, it is fun to see how they will shape the life of the campus - and, in turn, how the students and faculty will shape the buildings to their own best uses,” he said.

As the 2026–27 school year gets underway, the excitement of opening day is only the beginning of what promises to be a year filled with excitement and opportunity for all of our Buccaneers!