From October 9 to 11, George School welcomed families back to campus for Family Weekend, an annual tradition that lets parents experience high school life and reconnect with their children. Parents sat in on classes, met teachers and department members, played games on South Lawn, and shared meals with their students.
Parents have been able to attend classes with students since the introduction of the 7-term schedule, and Adrienne Hessert, Associate Director of Engagement at George School, said the school was “thrilled to bring back” the tradition this year. Sitting in a classroom, she explained, gives families a real sense of what a school day feels like for their children.
This year also brought a first: the GS Club Fair. Students set up club posters in the FAC, and parents and students wandered through, asking questions about the school’s clubs.
Lil McAlpin, mother of Kaela Desoto-McAlpin ’28, said the fair offered something social media can’t. “The fair was fun because it provides a different experience than simply looking at Instagram,” she said. Seeing the clubs through students’ eyes, she added, gave parents a fuller picture of school life. “Because your child may not tell you everything happening around the school, it’s better to find out for yourself.”
Lil, who has now attended Family Weekend three times, also praised another new addition. “The golf carts were a great new addition,” she said, noting that they made getting around campus much easier.
Behind the scenes, Adrienne described the weekend as a chance for parents “to choose their own adventure”: visit the classes that interest them, explore clubs that catch their eye, and join events without pressure. Families also met one another, strengthening ties across the community.
On Saturday night, students headed to the Green and White Dance while parents attended an off-campus reception. “Everyone gets to celebrate a party,” Adrienne said, calling it a fitting end to the day.
Months of planning went into the weekend, but watching it unfold was worth it. Adrienne said she loved seeing the community spirit “everyone talks about and really loves” come to life. “Seeing everyone have fun,” she recalled, “made all the planning worth it.”
Overall, Family Weekend 2026 was a success. Students and parents welcomed the new additions, and families got a closer look at school life. Parents also bring their own energy to campus, and the community is better for it. We can look forward to next year’s Family Weekend and to the events still to come this year.
