Dear GHCDS Families,
It has been an exciting few weeks at GHCDS as we prepare to welcome our students back to campus. Our faculty, staff and administration have been working together to prepare for a new school year, and I am energized by the care, creativity, and commitment I have already seen across our community.
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I want to share a few important updates, along with some perspective on the work ahead.
Looking Ahead
One of my priorities as Head of School is to ensure that we continue to build on the strengths of GHCDS while thoughtfully considering where we can grow and improve. We will not change things simply for the sake of change. Instead, we will ask good questions, listen carefully, and make decisions that are in the best long-term interests of our students, faculty, and families.
This year, we will continue our work around academic excellence, student experience, faculty support, and the many ways we can strengthen GHCDS for the future.
A Few Important Updates
Upper School Schedule
Over the past several months, GHCDS has explored the possibility of transitioning to a fixed five-day Upper School schedule. This work included professional development, multiple scheduling models, and thoughtful conversations among school leaders.
After evaluating the proposed models against the realities of our school—including staffing, student course pathways, and the flexibility needed to support our academic program—we have determined that the responsible decision is to maintain our current Upper School schedule for the 2026–2027 school year.
This does not mean we are abandoning the possibility of a five-day schedule. Rather, we believe additional work is needed to ensure that any future change is educationally sound, sustainable, and fully supported by the faculty who will implement it. During the coming year, we will continue evaluating staffing needs, collaborating with faculty, and refining scheduling models with the goal of being in a strong position to consider a revised schedule for the 2027–2028 school year.
I also want to thank our Parents Association for its thoughtful advocacy and the important questions it has raised about teaching, learning, and the student experience. Those conversations have been valuable and will continue to inform our work.
Recognizing Academic Excellence
Beginning with the Class of 2027, GHCDS will evolve the way we recognize academic achievement at graduation. Rather than naming a Valedictorian and Salutatorian, we will recognize students who successfully complete the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma.
Students completing the program requirements will be recognized as AICE Diploma Candidates during their senior year and at Commencement, celebrating the significant academic commitment they have made throughout the program.
We believe this approach better reflects the breadth and rigor of the Cambridge program and allows us to celebrate multiple pathways to academic excellence. We will also continue recognizing students graduating with High Honors and Honors during Commencement.
We recognize that Valedictorian and Salutatorian are longstanding traditions, and we appreciate the meaning these distinctions have held for our community. At the same time, as our academic program continues to evolve, we believe it is important that the way we recognize achievement evolves with it.
We will share additional information with families about the AICE Diploma and our academic recognition process, including an opportunity for families to ask questions, in the coming weeks.
Athletics - Sports Participation Policy/Non-GHCDS Students Playing on GHCDS Teams
We are also continuing our review of the GHCDS Athletics Sports Participation Policy. A revised policy will be presented to the Board Executive Committee for review on August 27, and we will share an update with families once that process is complete.
Together
As I begin my first year as Head of School, I am reminded that the strength of GHCDS has always been rooted in its people—our students, faculty, staff, families, alumni, and Board. The work ahead will require all of us to listen, collaborate, and remain focused on what matters most: providing our students with a strong academic education and preparing them to thrive in an increasingly connected world. My theme for the year is Together. I have already introduced it to our faculty, staff and administration and now I share it with all of you.
There is much to be excited about at GHCDS. We have a talented community and tremendous opportunity ahead of us. We are mission aligned and the words guide us each day - Good Hope Country Day School nurtures and empowers a vibrant, diverse, and engaged community of learners to critically think, ethically lead, and compassionately serve our island and our world.
Thank you for welcoming me home and for the partnership you have already extended to me. I look forward to a wonderful school year together.
Together,
Ali Morgan
Head of School