2024-25 Welcome from 14th Head of The Agnes Irwin School, Sally Keidel

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! 

Dear Agnes Irwin Families,

Welcome back to another exciting year at Agnes Irwin! I hope this summer provided you and your families with time to relax, recharge, and create lasting memories. As we gear up for the 2024-25 school year, I have been reflecting on the journey we've shared anad the bright future that lies ahead.

At Agnes Irwin, we are committed to providing your daughters with an exceptional educational experience that not only challenges their intellect but also nurtures their spirit. It is a privilege to witness our students’ growth and transformation within these walls, knowing that they will leave as intellectually curious, collaborative, and brave young women, ready to make their mark on the world.

A Thriving Community

I am thrilled to share that this year, we welcome our largest student body since 2016! With 634 students enrolled, our hallways will be buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. This remarkable achievement speaks to the continued growth of Agnes Irwin's reputation both locally and nationally, and our school's recognition as a leader in girl-centered education with a parent and alumnae community that is second-to-none. As we carry-on the great tradition of empowering young women to reach their full potential, we are grateful for the trust families place in us and are excited to welcome this year's students.

Fostering Trust and Community

Each year, we focus our efforts on one of our five core values. This year, we will center our thoughts and actions around the value of "Fostering Trust and Community." We believe that trust is the cornerstone of a strong community, built through openness, empathy, and mutual respect. At Agnes Irwin, we strive to create an environment where every girl can pursue her passions, take risks, and forge deep connections with her peers and teachers. Over the last five years, we have engaged the Principles of Civil Discourse in our classrooms. Students have participated in a variety of events including Community in Action Week, Civics Week, local and national student leadership conferences, and heard from guest speakers from our broader community. Our intention is to create an environment where students can learn and engage with each other while seeking to not only understand others' perspectives but to exercise curiosity more often than certainty.  This core value will ground our work and conversations in the classroom and will reinforce the preparations we have made to support student engagement during the election season and beyond.

 Empowering Future Leaders

The conclusion of summer also marks the successful exploratory launch of the Upper School Internship Program. Led by the Center for the Advancement of Girls Director of Strategic Partnerships and Experiential Learning Vanessa Babinecz, students applied to a variety of opportunities at nonprofits and businesses such as Bryn Mawr Hospital and Rothman Orthopaedics – encompassing real-world experience and professional development opportunities for our students.

Another enduring and shining example of fostering trust and understanding is our long-standing Peer Active Listening Program (PALs), which has connected girls across divisions for over 20 years. The bonds formed through this program are truly heartwarming and are emblematic of the supportive community we cherish at Agnes Irwin.

Cell Phone-Free Upper School

Research shows us that cell phones impact adolescent development as it relates to practicing sustained attention in an academic setting. The successful pilot program in the Spring of 2024 gave us insight into the positive impact this change will have on learning and teaching in the Upper School. Our faculty and staff will implement the shift to a phone-free environment this fall that we know will better support our students’ growth, advance the academic excellence of our program, and contribute to improved engagement across our community — both in and out of the classroom. 

Looking Ahead

As we embark on this new academic year, I am filled with optimism and excitement. I look forward to witnessing the growth, achievements, and joyful moments that will undoubtedly unfold. This fall also marks the start of the third year of our Boundless Strategic Plan. I am grateful for the community-wide contributions that have brought our plan to life across every division and area of Agnes Irwin. I am particularly proud of the intentionality with which our colleagues have engaged in the process to help us meet the progress milestones, and their willingness to collaborate throughout the School to ensure that the outcomes of the Strategic Plan will leave a lasting impact on AIS for years to come. We will continue to keep you informed about our progress.

As always, we welcome the girls bounding through the doors, filling the halls with the energy that only childhood and adolescence can bring. The hugs, welcomes to new students, and enthusiasm for the year ahead will bring us all together in our shared vision. It is my hope that we continue the community-wide collaboration, engagement, and passion that we saw last year. In the meantime, please know that my door is open. 

Warmly,

Sally Keidel