Student Life
A Community That Feels Like Home
At Laurel Hill School, student life is grounded in warmth, connection, and purpose. We believe that a strong academic foundation must be paired with an equally strong social and emotional experience—one that allows children to feel secure, supported, and truly known.
Students study and play in a welcoming environment where kindness is expected, friendships form easily, and respect for others is woven into the fabric of everyday life. New students are embraced with open arms, and everyone is encouraged to contribute to the wellbeing of our school community.
Whether it’s a quiet moment during free time, a lively group activity, or an afternoon club, Laurel Hill offers students space to connect, reflect, and grow.
Character Building & Citizenship
Character development is central to the Laurel Hill experience. Throughout middle school, students are encouraged to act with integrity, compassion, and responsibility. Core virtues—including kindness, respect, honesty, and trustworthiness—are not just taught, but practiced daily in both academic and social settings.
Our classrooms emphasize cooperative learning models such as:
Partnered activities
Cooperative study groups
Learning circles
Micro-society simulations
These experiences promote empathy, teamwork, and a sense of shared purpose among students.
Student Government
Laurel Hill students are empowered to lead. Through our Student Government, elected representatives take on real responsibility—organizing events, sharing student perspectives, and helping to guide school culture. Town Meetings, held regularly, give students across grade levels a voice in shaping their community.
Working under the mentorship of a faculty advisor, student leaders develop confidence, communication skills, and a deep understanding of civic responsibility.
Community Service
Giving back is part of growing up at Laurel Hill. Middle School students are encouraged to support and serve their school through a range of community service opportunities, including:
Mentoring younger students
Tutoring in primary grade classrooms
Assisting with school-wide programs
Initiating student-led projects
These experiences foster leadership, empathy, and pride in making a positive impact.
Honoring Achievement
Academic excellence and good citizenship are celebrated at Laurel Hill. Students are recognized each trimester with High Honor, Honor, and Merit placements, reinforcing that hard work and personal growth are always worthy of recognition.
LHS Honor Society
Students who earn Honor or Merit status in two out of three trimesters may be invited to join the Laurel Hill Honor Society. In addition to their academic distinction, members complete an Honor Society Thesis—a research or creative project developed with the guidance of a chosen faculty mentor. The thesis encourages deep exploration of a topic and culminates in a public presentation or published work.
Meaningful Traditions
Teacher’s Café
Sometimes the most valuable moments happen over lunch. The Teacher’s Café gives middle school students the chance to share meals with their teachers in a relaxed, personal setting—deepening relationships and strengthening community.
Lunch with Head of School
As they prepare to graduate, senior students are invited to enjoy a special lunch with the Head of School—sharing memories, aspirations, and reflections on their time at Laurel Hill. It’s a meaningful tradition that honors each student’s journey and celebrates the bonds formed during their years on campus.
