More Than a School

MORE THAN A SCHOOL

At Shipley, learning stretches far beyond the classroom. Here, curiosity fuels discovery, relationships inspire confidence, and every experience helps students grow as thinkers, teammates, and human beings - we are a community that nurtures intellect, character, and well-being.

Shipley School campus

WHERE YOU BECOME YOUR BEST SELF

At Shipley, we see who you are—and who you're becoming. A curious mind, a creative problem solver, a teammate, a performer, a scholar, a compassionate participant in the world. This is the place where all of that grows.

Hear Greg's Story

MORE THAN A PLACE TO LEARN

Great schools prepare students for college. Shipley prepares them for life. We believe an exceptional education goes beyond academics. It's about creating a community where every student can become their best self—confident, resilient, and ready to make a positive impact in the world. That's why we've built well-being, belonging, and compassionate participation into the fabric of everything we do.

Students in music class
Social & Emotional Well-Being

Your child's well-being is at the core of a Shipley education. Through our pioneering Social, Emotional, Ethical Development (SEED) program and research-based Framework for Well-Being, we help students build the emotional awareness, character strengths, and growth mindset they'll carry for a lifetime.

Student Well-Being at Shipley

Students in library
An Inclusive, Welcoming Community

At Shipley, you don't have to change who you are to fit in. Our Office of Belonging and Connection ensures every student feels seen, valued, and supported — creating a culture where diversity is celebrated and everyone has a place to call their own.

Belonging & Connection at Shipley

Students laughing together
Making a Difference, Starting Now

Compassionate participation in the world isn't just something we talk about—it's something we practice every day. Through service learning experiences at every grade level, students discover the power of contributing to something greater than themselves.

Service Learning at Shipley

Parents

Shipley is an amazing school that uniquely balances academic rigor with teaching students to have compassion for themselves and others.

- Parent Perspective
Students

Shipley helps me to be my best self through being kind to others and always having a positive mindset. I am gaining skills that will help me academically and socially in so many different ways.

- Student Reflection
Faculty

I love to see that “aha moment” light up in a student’s eyes. It seems like a cliched phrase, but it really is a great feeling when a student internalizes their learning, feels they’ve crossed a threshold, and you have helped them find that path.

- Faculty Insight
Alumni

Shipley’s motto of Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing is something that rings true. Shipley provided a rigorous education with a personal touch and instilled leadership qualities in its students.

- Alumni Perspective

TRADITIONS THAT BRING US TOGETHER

Acorns & Oaks

 

A 30+ Year Tradition

At Shipley, our Oaks and Acorns tradition is firmly rooted in the hearts of students, colleagues, parents, and alumni alike. 

Each autumn, our Mighty Oaks—our seniors and most venerable students—extend a warm welcome to our Little Acorns, the Pre-K, Kindergarten, and first-grade students, gifting them beautifully decorated pencil boxes at the first All School Assembly. This moment marks the beginning of a year-long relationship, as Oaks and Acorns come together throughout the school year for shared activities, celebrations, and simple moments of connection that build a lasting sense of belonging across divisions.

Acorns & Oaks

Upper school and lower school student together
Super Saturday

 

A 40+ Year Tradition

Super Saturday is one of Shipley’s most anticipated annual traditions—a full day of energy, connection, and school spirit that brings the entire community together each fall. 

Held on the Upper School campus, the day features a lively mix of activities for all ages, including a kids’ carnival, fun runs, games, and a free community barbecue. Throughout the day, students, families, alumni, and friends gather to cheer on Shipley’s athletic teams, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the pride and spirit of the School. From morning coffee with new families to evening games under the lights, Super Saturday offers something for everyone and captures the strength of the Shipley community in action.

Super Saturday

Students on super saturday
Swamp Night

 

A 10 Year Tradition

Swamp Night is one of Shipley’s most spirited traditions, when the entire community comes together to pack the stands and bring the energy.

 Centered around a full slate of basketball and squash games, the night transforms campus into a sea of green as students, families, alumni, and faculty show up loud and proud to support our teams. From early matchups to the marquee varsity games under the lights, the momentum builds throughout the evening—creating an electric atmosphere that reflects the pride, connection, and enthusiasm of the Shipley community.

Swamp Night

Students at swamp night

STUDENT VOICES, SHIPLEY STORIES

No one tells the Shipley story better than the people who've lived it. Explore profiles from our senior admissions ambassadors alongside stories from Shipley families who've watched their children thrive.

Read More Shipley Stories

Photo of the Flannelly Family
THE FLANNELLY FAMILY

SHIPLEY STORIES

Finding The Right Fit

Photo of Cecelia '26
CECILIA ’26

ADMISSIONS AMBASSADOR

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Photo of Helen '26
HELEN ’26

ADMISSIONS AMBASSADOR

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Photo of Rishaan '26
RISHAAN ’26

ADMISSIONS AMBASSADOR

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Photo of the Rehl Family
THE REHL FAMILY

SHIPLEY STORIES

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Photo of shipley leadership
OUR LEADERSHIP

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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EQUIPPED TO THRIVE

Through a balanced and intentional education, Shipley students are prepared to navigate college, careers, and life with confidence — grounded in the values and skills they developed here. They leave with a strong academic foundation, the ability to think critically, and the resilience to embrace challenges. Beyond academics, Shipley fosters belonging and connection, time-honored traditions, and dedicated student support — ensuring graduates are equipped not only to succeed but to contribute meaningfully to their communities and to approach life with curiosity, courage, and purpose.

40Hours of community service required to graduate in the Upper School
100%Of students take weekly Social, Emotional, and Ethical Development classes
50+Activities, clubs, and affinity groups allow students to explore their passions and find their people
10Dedicated professionals supporting student well-being from Pre-K through Grade 12

SEE WHAT MAKES SHIPLEY DIFFERENT

Ready to explore a school where academics are just the beginning? Visit us to experience how our approach to well-being, belonging, and compassionate participation helps students thrive—in school and beyond.