North Rosslyn

This school has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I've been here since the 6th grade and I'm now a senior. The opportunities this school has provided me are endless. Due to the schools smaller size there are more opportunities to be a student leader. There is no school government so anybody who wants to change something about the school can, whether it's the schedule, class offerings, or anything else, students have an opportunity to present the issue at Town Meeting where each student and teacher has 1 vote. This is a really empowering experience knowing that you can make a difference in your schools community. In addition, many of the traditions and activities that are unique to the hb experience such as feb fest, which allows students to teach their peers for 2 days about any topic they are passionate about, are organized and run by students like myself. Having the opportunity to plan these events has taught me and my peers invaluable skills that I've applied in many other aspects of my life and have prepared me for the future. As for academics I think a lot of people shy away from HB as they want more stem classes because HB is seen as more of an arts school. While not as much as schools like TJ, there are still plenty of opportunities for stem students to thrive. I took ap chem and while it was the most challenging class I have ever taken, I learned so much. As for the arts yet again a very student led space where there are upwards of 15 student directed shows each year. Everything from the producing, costuming, and stage management is run by students. Overall, HB, like most places, is what you make of it. I have been a student leader and planned several school wide events, acted in 4 student directed shows, taken one of the most challenging stem courses at the school, painted murals, been on hiring committees, and run one of the most active clubs in the school. So I've taken full advantage of what HB has to offer. Some people might be concerned that the late end time inhibites sports and job opportunities which is not true. I played a sport at Yorktown for 2 years and then managed the team for another year and also had a job straight afterschool in the fall. There are people who don't do anything besides their school work at HB. But I think they still feel like they have a voice and are supported by their teachers, who actually care about their students and want them to succeed. HB is an amazing place if you take advantage of it!

Love this school. They genuinely care about our children with Special Needs. Principal and staff are the best!