The 178th school year at Blair Academy kicked off with a flurry of events on the hilltop. In just 24 hours, the final wave of students moved in to dorms and bid farewell to their families before orientation activities commenced. By Tuesday morning, everyone had settled into their seats for the first class of the semester.

In his summer  “Hilltop to Home” e-newsletter to parents, Associate Head of School Ryan M. Pagotto ’97 shared that starting the year quickly helps ease students into campus life by answering their most pressing questions, like “Where is my class located?,” “What are my teachers like?” and “Who else is in my class?” 

“We believe in providing answers to those questions as soon as possible,” Mr. Pagotto explained, “and then we’ll continue with unofficial orientation programming through the first two community weekends.”

New students were introduced to the advisor process, a cornerstone of Blair’s relationship-based learning. Seniors described how their advisors support them as trusted faculty members of their choosing, offering guidance both academically and personally. Afterward, new students had the chance to connect with faculty members who could serve as their advisors this year.

Later, the community gathered for an all-school assembly in Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts. The DuBois Theatre was filled with joyful reunions as returning students spotted friends across the room, squealing with excitement before settling into their seats.

“It was an incredible opening day full of reconnections for returning students,” Associate Dean of Students Rod Gerdsen shares. “New students were wrapped up into the Blair community and we are ready for a fantastic year.”

Throughout the day, classes rotated through sessions focused on Blair’s Five Fundamentals, teamwork, and the importance of belonging and equity at the School. A highlight was Laughing Together, an improv workshop that blends comedy, education and mental health, guiding students to support one another in positive, uplifting ways.

“Laughing Together encouraged students to put themselves out there and foster supportive environments,” Dean of Students Andee Ryerson explains. The activity helped set the tone for an outstanding year ahead.

Orientation continues through the first community weekend, when classes will head into team-building activities and outings in the local area. The weekend concludes with the beloved Super Sunday, as the Bucs take to the fields and Blair Lake for Kon-Tiki boat races, soap slides and more fun—marking the start of another memorable year on the hilltop.