Looking Ahead to the 2026-2027 School Year

Late January / early February is the time when we begin to plan in earnest for the next school year. We created and published our 2026-2027 Academic Calendar, re-enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year opened on February 2, and acceptance letters to new students will begin following the re-enrollment period, which ends on February 17. During this busy season, I enjoy reflecting on all the remarkable accomplishments of our current school year, while looking ahead to all that is yet to come. For this week's newsletter article, I am re-sharing a letter sent to families, faculty and staff in late January that gives a snapshot of Shorecrest. 

Ranked the #1 school in our county and among the top 5% of private schools nationwide for 2026, Shorecrest continues to grow in local, regional, and national prominence. While no ranking can truly reflect the experience of a Shorecrest education, we are honored to see our students’ and teachers’ work acknowledged in these results from Niche.com year after year. Rankings are informed by a variety of factors including signature student opportunities like our programs in global studies, STEAM, visual and performing arts, medical sciences, and business and entrepreneurship through the Ross Roeder Institute. 

While Upper School students gain the ability to specialize in topics of interest through in-depth diploma distinction programs, opportunities in the arts, STEAM, financial literacy and entrepreneurship are interwoven throughout the Shorecrest curriculum, even at the earliest stages. This exemplifies one of the tenets of a Shorecrest education - that each year, each experience builds on the last. Every milestone of the Alpha-12th grade experience is special in its own right, and each transition between divisions is both a new challenge and new celebration, leading up to the launch from Shorecrest to college. 

Among a rapidly evolving college landscape, Shorecrest students continue to be accepted into and attend highly selective institutions around the country. We are eager to celebrate our Class of 2026, some of whom have already committed to attend Cornell University, Duke University, Rice University, Northwestern University, and the University of Florida - to name a few. The College Counseling Office at Shorecrest includes a total of four dedicated professionals who guide students and families throughout the college search and application process through both one-on-one counseling and large-group programming. The College Counseling Office continues to offer opportunities to start the college conversation early, extending the invitation to college programming to families of all grade levels. If you have not yet taken advantage of any of these learning opportunities, I strongly encourage you to attend an in-person or online event and learn about the resources available at Shorecrest, gain actionable tips for each stage in the process, and receive college-related information from trusted sources. 

With an eye toward college and career readiness, Shorecrest takes a thoughtful and developmentally appropriate approach to integrating new technology into teaching and learning. Shorecrest has been a pacesetter in responsibly integrating new learning tools since the early 2000s. Our current conversations and practices around artificial intelligence - balancing responsibilities, opportunities and risks - ensure that Shorecrest students are informed, experienced and conscientious users. Looking ahead, we are planning AI workshops for families of all grade levels to outline our approach, teacher best practices, developmentally appropriate learning, and student safety and ethics with these new technologies. 

Just as we continually evaluate and enhance our academic programs, we are also mindful of our duty to educate the whole child. Over the last year we have had a renewed focus on building a positive school culture, and enhancing communication and interpersonal skills through initiatives like our Friendship Coach / Navigators Course in the Middle School, special events like keynote speaker Sam Demma, and resources in the Center for Academic Excellence and Student Well-Being. This emphasis on soft skills is not to be mistaken for a sacrifice of college preparation - it is quite the opposite. As organizations, businesses and individuals continue to turn to AI for a number of functions, we know that the uniquely human skills of collaboration and communication are more important than ever.  

Collaboration and communication skills are practiced each day at Shorecrest at all levels of the School. Whether fighting for the regional title on the soccer field, giving a pitch to investors at a DECA Business Competition, performing in the ensemble in one of our award-winning productions, or presenting at Lower School Town Meeting in front of an audience of 300, Shorecrest students have the opportunity to overcome challenges and build resilience through in-person experiences that technology cannot replicate. 

Choosing Shorecrest means being a part of a vibrant and positive community with a shared commitment to our Core Values of Responsibility, Respect, Integrity, Knowledge and Compassion. With over a century of experience behind us, we are proud to stay nimble, and be responsive to student needs in an ever-changing world. Though we are one the longest-tenured schools in the state, we are just getting started. 

As we look ahead to 2026-2027, I am energized and excited by all that lies ahead for our students and community. 

All the best, 

Nancy