As the school year draws to a close, I find myself filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. The final days of any academic year are always bittersweet – full of joyful celebrations, meaningful goodbyes, and the quiet satisfaction of goals accomplished. But this year at Knox has felt uniquely special.
It’s hard to put into words the depth of admiration I feel for this community. From day one in September, we set out not just to get through the year, but to grow, to connect, and to thrive – and we did just that. Together, we have reached academic milestones, including elevated SAT and AP scores, and deepened our learning through meaningful classroom experiences, including scientific research that is now being recognized on the National stage. We’ve celebrated excellence in the arts and brought home impressive wins in athletics. And through it all, our students and faculty demonstrated a level of focus, resilience, and heart that sets this school apart from others.
But beyond the awards and achievements, what stands out most to me is the transformation I’ve seen in our school community. We began the year as a diverse group of students from over 15 countries, and we ended it as something much more – a unified, compassionate, and collaborative family.
That transformation was especially clear to me on Prom night, as I watched our beautifully dressed students dance, laugh, and celebrate one another. It wasn’t just a party – it was a powerful reflection of the bonds they’ve built. In that room, there were no borders, no divisions – only joy, acceptance, and connection. In a world often defined by what pulls us apart, what we are building at Knox is something that brings people together..
Our mission goes beyond academic success. At Knox, we engage our students in deep, purposeful learning, challenge them to elevate their thinking, and empower them to excel – not just as scholars, but as human beings. We are shaping global citizens who lead with empathy, embrace diversity, and lift one another up. That is the essence of a Knox education – and it is what makes this community so remarkable.
As I look back on this school year, I do so with pride in all that we’ve accomplished – and with hope for all that’s still ahead. Leading the Knox community is one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am so grateful to share this journey with you.
With appreciation and joy,
Virginia Riccardi
Head of School
