The Shipley School is proud to announce that Don Draper has been appointed as Director of Tennis. After an extensive search, Shipley is delighted to have Don take the helm of the Interscholastic Tennis program for students in grades 6-12. Don brings a wealth of teaching, playing, and coaching experience to Shipley. In his capacity as Director of Tennis, Don will oversee the growth, continuity, and strategic vision for tennis at Shipley, growing visibility and love for the game from Lower School to Upper School. This role will include Varsity Girls' Tennis Head Coach, Middle School Coach in both girls' and boys' programs, and Varsity Assistant/JV Boys' Head Coach.
Coach Draper is coming to Shipley after seven years at the Upper Main Line YMCA having led in many tennis roles, most recently, Senior Director of Tennis from 2017-2021. At the YMCA, Coach Don oversaw 24 indoor/outdoor courts and 500+ families, one of the East Coast's largest tennis facilities. He is an experienced USTA Tournament Director and is a USTA Coach and Professional having provided tennis instruction to all ages and abilities for 25 years.
Coach Draper stated, “I am thrilled to accept this position at Shipley! When you have loved something since a child, you'll never want to give it up, for me that is tennis. Tennis is a lifetime sport, a game of human chess that has a natural ebb and flow between attacking and defending. Extremely demanding both physically and mentally. Each day I go out to blur the lines between hard work and play to build the best players and a love of the game.”
We are also pleased to announce Matt Frankel, current Interim Varsity Boys' Head Coach, has been named the Varsity Boys Head Coach for the 2022/23 school year and will work closely with Don in both seasons, continuing his role as JV Girls' Head Coach. Joining Matt on the staff for Middle School and Upper School programs are Milica Schiavo and Henrik Svensson. Both coaches bring experience as great players and instructors.
Shipley's new Head of Lower School, Tim Bickhart, is also the parent of Henry '28 and Jack '33. Learn more about what he loves most about elementary-aged children, what he considers to be great teaching, and what inspires him.
Join us on Saturday, September 27th at Super Saturday, a favorite Shipley tradition. The day-long excitement includes a kids' carnival, a free community barbecue, athletic events, and much more. Gather the family, wear your Shipley gear, and celebrate being a Gator!
With more than 75 clubs, ensembles, committees, and affinity groups, Shipley’s Upper School provides students with daily opportunities to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and build community through a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Shipley’s Middle School Science Olympiad introduces students in grades six through eight to competitive science. Guided by teacher John Harris, the program blends hands-on problem solving with real-world application, inspiring curiosity in engineering, physics, biology, and more.
When Ian Craig stepped onto Shipley’s campus this summer as its 11th Head of School, he did so with a deeply rooted belief in the power of relationships and a steady commitment to what he calls “the work that matters.” With 20 years of experience as a head of school across a range of educational settings, Craig brings to Shipley not only expertise but also humility, humor, and heart. Learn more about Ian Craig.
Julia Fisher Farbman ’08 has built a career telling powerful stories. Her latest film, Audrey’s Children, honors pioneering oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans. Read this profile from the Summer/Fall 2025 issue of Shipley Magazine.
Marion Swett Robinson ’65 built a groundbreaking career in global finance, rising to senior leadership and helping shape modern markets through ISDA. Today, she extends her impact and support of others through wellness initiatives and nonprofit board service.
Shipley’s Middle School offers extracurricular opportunities that spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster connection. From Friday Clubs and gardening to creative writing and theater, students explore interests, develop new talents, and strengthen community beyond the classroom.
Lower School extracurriculars showcase how Shipley nurtures exploration at every age. This story is part of a broader look at how students develop confidence, creativity, and community beyond the classroom at Shipley. Learn more in this story from the Summer/Fall 2025 Shipley Magazine.
From mandolin and debate clubs to SWINE and Sprouts, Shipley’s extracurricular life has reflected student passions for more than a century. This archival look traces the evolution of activities that have shaped the experiences of generations of Shipley students.
Beginning January 5, 2026, Shipley’s Upper School will adopt a cellphone-free school day policy, building on a successful pilot and reflecting the School’s commitment to student well-being, engagement, and community connection.
In 2024–2025, 19 Shipley students earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy, a nationally recognized credential demonstrating proficiency in English and another language. Students achieved this distinction in Spanish, French, and Mandarin.
Learn about Shipley from members of the Class of 2025, who reflect on their journeys, celebrate meaningful relationships, and share the wide range of academic, artistic, and athletic experiences that shaped their time here.
Read about the life and legacy of Gary Gruber, Shipley’s Head of School from 1985 to 1992, a deeply compassionate and visionary educator who guided Shipley through a pivotal chapter of growth, change, and renewed purpose.
It's easier than ever to stay connected and in the know about all things Shipley with our new mobile app. From calendars and lunch menus to photo galleries, directories, and ShipleyNet, the app keeps everything you need right at your fingertips. It also brings you content from Shipley’s main social media accounts.
Thirteen members of Shipley’s Class of 2025—including student-athletes in soccer, basketball, lacrosse, softball, squash, swimming, and track—will continue to compete at the collegiate level, carrying their talents and Gator pride to campuses nationwide.
Shipley’s Track program delivered a strong year, with athletes earning championship titles and multiple medals across winter and spring meets in running, throwing, and jumping events.
Richard Liu ’25 founded Shipley’s Mock Trial Club as a tenth grader. Now with more than 30 members, the club competes statewide while fostering skills in public speaking, analysis, and collaborative learning.
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.