“Tatnall is not just a school. It’s a way of life.” Frances D.S. Tatnall
Why Tatnall Students Succeed Tatnall sparks a lifetime of personal and professional achievement in our students. We nurture young, curious minds with an inspiring curriculum, award-winning teaching staff and advanced technology, all provided within an enriching, caring environment. We seek to appreciate and further each student’s unique intellectual, emotional, social, physical and spiritual needs and help them grow in maturity and confidence. We prepare our students for college‌ and for life.
The Tatnall School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school situated on a pastoral 110-acre campus in Greenville, Delaware, near Wilmington. Tatnall is composed of four academic divisions that enroll students from age 3 through Grade 12.
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A Growing Community Mission Tatnall is dedicated to providing students with an excellent college preparatory education within a family atmosphere. Our motto, Omnia in Caritate (All Things in Love), aptly describes our teachers, coaches, parent volunteers, administration and staff. We are committed to maintaining a learning environment in which each student feels supported, challenged and recognized.
Intellectual Inspiration Tatnall’s highly experienced and talented faculty invigorates an academic program that ensures that every child is ready to move forward. Throughout their Tatnall studies, students gain an expanding understanding of nature and society that forges the connections necessary to support the next grade level and, eventually, college. Careful planning among our divisions provides a continuum of learning that prepares students for each advancing stage of education at Tatnall.
Countless Opportunities The Tatnall experience is transformative. We are proud to support superior academics, athletic competition at the highest levels, and visual and performing arts with one of the greatest stages in the region. Most important, however, are the close bonds students build with our amazing faculty, alumni and their peers.
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OUR GOALS To provide a flexible, balanced, and relevant curriculum that a) Challenges students according to their ability, learning styles and level of achievement, b) Prepares students for higher education and lifelong learning, c) Offers opportunities for personal exploration, selfdiscovery and self-evaluation, d) Helps students to discover what is “true, pure, lovely and of good report� To provide a wide variety of activities which will give students full opportunities for participation and personal development To respect and to value the faculty and to support and encourage their intellectual and professional growth in order to maintain a highly capable educational team To foster communication between home and school that upholds the principles of family involvement in the education of our students
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Purposeful Learning At Tatnall, we believe in purposeful learning that
For Tatnall Teachers, the Learning Never Stops A few recent examples of our teachers in action as outstanding educators: Nancy Flanagan (Preschool) hosted the workshop,
produces powerful outcomes. Our dedicated teachers
“Introduction to School Gardening,” in Tatnall’s certified
are our greatest assets, helping each student realize
outdoor habitats.
his or her full potential through experiences in our classrooms and laboratories, and on our athletic fields and performance stages.
Colleen Hoban (Lower School) organized Delaware’s first-ever EdcampDE, a professional learning collaborative.
Our faculty members do not just encourage this behavior; they also model it. Tatnall’s teachers, coaches,
Marc Scott (Middle School) participated in the
mentors and counselors actively delve into their own
workshop, “Secret Culture, Public Lives,” after
interests and expand their educational horizons, serving
being selected as a National Endowment for the
as sources of inspiration and encouragement.
Humanities summer scholar. Sharon Kreamer (Upper School) traveled to an international horseshoe crab conference in Japan after being recognized as an expert in the field. Dr. Dean Goodwin, Sharon Kreamer and Josh Gates (Upper School) have been named finalists in the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Faculty Spotlight: Stephanie Silverman Upper School art teacher Stephanie Silverman has received the National Eastern Region Art Educator of the Year Award for helping students cultivate their artistic talents. “Effective teaching is truly a synergy, a reciprocity between student and teacher, and the relative success and effectiveness of both parties is so contingent upon the mutual inspiration and dynamic of the partnership,” she says. “Tatnall students are so hard working and creative, and they keep me passionate, motivated and inspired. I am lucky to have found a school culture so committed to excellence in all areas of secondary education, and one in which the arts are deeply valued.” 4
“ The outstanding environmental resources found on our campus provide our students with numerous opportunities to bridge laboratory investigations with field experiences. At Tatnall, students can study the water cycle in the science lab, then go outside where they are able to collect and observe aquatic organisms in our streams and ponds. Few schools have this unique combination of resources readily available to engage students, provide field experiences and encourage the pursuit of scientific investigation.” Greg Mentzer, Lower School science teacher
Limitless Exploration At Tatnall, classrooms aren’t limited by four walls. Our
Vatican as a member of
110-acre campus is uniquely positioned with both a natural
the Concert Choir, traveling
setting and state-of-the-art facilities to provide indoor and
to France to improve his
outdoor learning experiences.
or her French skills or
Outdoors, our students have unmatched access to large, diverse tracts of land. Whether in the running trails of the 90-acre Downs Conservancy, registered arboretum or
visiting Costa Rica as part of a science and Spanish immersion.
three schoolyard habitats certified by the National Wildlife
Since the mid-1950s,
Federation, Tatnall students are able to explore the natural
Tatnall has partnered
world in a variety of environments.
with the American Field
Indoors, students are exposed to the latest technologies and equipment, which provide a rich learning experience. Campus makerspaces, the Music and Multimedia Center and a physics lab equipped with a 3D printer provide a springboard for learning in all disciplines.
Service exchange program, hosting more than 60 students from 20 different countries. In addition, Tatnall has formed growing relationships with sister schools in Skive, Denmark, and Verona, Italy. Through these collaborations, Tatnall is able to welcome international
Exploration continues on a global level. Tatnall students are
students to campus while also giving our students the
afforded the opportunity to see the world and embark on
opportunity to visit a new country, learn about other
journeys of personal growth, whether it’s performing at the
educational systems and tour cultural sites.
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Laying the Foundation The Preschool Age 3 - Kindergarten The Preschool lays the foundation for each student’s Tatnall journey through a hands-on and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Through guided exploration with experienced educators, students flourish and gain the tools they need for academic, social and emotional achievement. Within nurturing classrooms that encourage playful discovery, the imaginations of our youngest learners are engaged through the early investigation of math, language, science, art, music, technology and developmental gym. Throughout their time in the Preschool, students are exposed to group work, stimulating activities, and inventive and cooperative play. At the end of their Preschool experience, each child has gained a love of learning and enthusiastically looks forward to first grade.
“ Children at Tatnall joyfully learn to love education. For example, the Preschool’s outdoor habitat provides a unique opportunity in which nature can support communication, science, engineering and art skills. When a child discovers a frog, classifies a worm species and measures vegetable growth, they are simultaneously being exposed to multidisciplinary lessons that have been designed for many learning styles.” Nancy Flanagan, Preschool science and technology teacher
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Star Values Created to support the growth of each student into a kind, caring individual, the Star Values program encompasses nine different principles that are introduced throughout the year.
Friendship Thankfulness Giving Cooperation Love Honesty Patience Perseverance Pride
A Day in the Life – Logan, Pre-Kindergarten 8 a.m.
Arrival
8:30 a.m.
Morning Meeting
8:45 a.m. Outdoor Play 9 a.m.
Snack
9:15 a.m. Learning Centers (Math, Reading and Writing) 10:30 a.m. Specials (Music, Art, Technology, Gym, Library and Science) 11:30 a.m.
Circle Story
Noon
Lunch, Play and Rest
1:30 p.m. Spanish, Soccer, Karate or Character Development
Logan
2 p.m.
Outdoor Play
2:45 p.m. Dismissal or Extended Day
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Building
Confidence and Character The Lower School 1st - 4th Grade Tatnall’s Lower School is a place of exploration, self-discovery, risk taking and active learning. Students gain confidence in their abilities as independent learners and are supported as they become accomplished readers, writers, scientists, musicians and mathematicians. Through individualized and engaging work, students become effective problem solvers and communicators, and become comfortable generating new ideas and strategies. With the goal of educating the whole child, the Lower School instills the expertise and behaviors students will rely on as they continue through their educational journeys.
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Daisy Values: The daisy is a longstanding Tatnall symbol. Mrs. Tatnall believed that like a daisy, children will thrive and blossom in a supportive environment. The Lower School curriculum incorporates “Daisy Values” into its daily language to remind faculty and students who they are and how they should behave. These values are not just words to live by, but traits that are modeled, acted upon and celebrated.
Citizenship Integrity Respect Compassion Responsibility Perseverance Cooperation Honesty Sportsmanship
“ In the Lower School, we pride ourselves on guiding our students in selfdiscovery. Students are given the opportunity to experience a wide variety of disciplines in a safe and encouraging environment. While core academic programs are taught daily, students are also given multiple opportunities to discover special skills through art, music, technology, Spanish and, of course, physical education. In our family environment, social and cooperative skills are developed, enhancing each student’s learning experience.” Paul Smith, Lower School physical education teacher
A Day in the Life – Kaia, Grade 4 8 a.m.
Homeroom
8:15 a.m.
Opening Exercises
8:30 a.m.
Morning Meeting
9 a.m. Social Studies and Writer’s Workshop
Kaia
10 a.m.
Reading and Literacy
11 a.m.
Technology Class
11:45 a.m.
Recess and Lunch
12:30 p.m.
Math Class
1:30 p.m.
Spanish Class
2 p.m.
Science Class
3 p.m. Dismissal or Extended Day and Enrichment Activities
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Discovery and Growth The Middle School 5th - 8th Grade Students in Tatnall’s Middle School will encounter the structure and challenge needed to meet their rapidly evolving personal and intellectual needs. Our carefully planned curriculum and team help students establish a strong sense of identity and higher-order thinking skills during these critical years. Our safe social environment also allows students to grow and take risks without reproach. The Middle School – through its teachers, interdisciplinary approach and extracurricular activities – promotes individual development, personal responsibility, organization skills and research abilities.
“ When I was a student, I wanted to feel a sense of accomplishment while quenching my immense thirst to learn. Tatnall’s Middle School perfectly accommodates all of these points, helping engage students in meaningful activities. Coming back as a teacher to help students feel the way I did while I was at Tatnall was a no-brainer. I felt the least I could do was give back to the community that has been such an integral part of my journey.” Taleah Kennedy ’06, Middle School Spanish teacher
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Signature Experiences: Our students are exposed to countless educational and social opportunities that result in a memorable Middle School experience:
“Abuelito Who” Poetry Readings NEXUS Study of the 1920s and 1930s French, Spanish and Latin Folk Tale Performances Bird Identification Project (Featured in The Washington Post!) Alka-Seltzer® Rockets Family History Scrapbook Make a Difference (MAD) Dash Community Service Project Children’s Literature and Illustration Assignment Robotics Models Middle Eastern Cultural Experience Stock Market Project
A Day in the Life – Kyra, Grade 8
Kyra
8 a.m.
Advisory
8:10 a.m.
World Language
9 a.m.
Math
9:50 a.m.
Science
10:45 a.m.
Arts Cycle
11:30 a.m.
Announcements
11:45 a.m.
Recess
11:55 a.m.
Lunch
12:25 p.m.
Band/Chorus
1:05 p.m.
English
1:50 p.m.
History
2:40 p.m.
Advisory or Sports
3 p.m. Dismissal or Extended Day 11
Looking
Forward and Moving Ahead The Upper School 9th - 12th Grade Tatnall’s Upper School students are not only active learners, they are also leaders. As students engage in a rigorous college preparatory program that inspires inquisitiveness and encourages collaboration, our faculty members embrace each student’s ability. The program, which includes 15 Advanced Placement courses and varied electives such as American Literature on the Edge, Supreme Court and Wildlife Ecology, provides students with the opportunity to accelerate their studies and follow their passions. The Upper School experience helps our students become more self-assured and capable as they prepare to take on new roles in college and the world beyond.
Lillia, Grade 11 “ Every year, the list of teachers I know, love and trust gets longer and longer. No matter what crazy fascination I have or academic endeavor I want to pursue, my teachers are always there to encourage and support me. They’ve helped me find and explore the areas that spark my interest!”
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Explore your Talents:
Community Service:
Tatnall students are dedicated and actively
While community service is
engage in educational initiatives in and out
a graduation requirement at
of the classrooms. These activities allow our
Tatnall, most students go above
students to explore new interests, develop
and beyond by participating
meaningful friendships and contribute to the
in service projects throughout
school and the community.
their time in the Upper School.
Academic Achievements:
Tatnall students’ commitment to community service creates
Participation in DuPont’s Explore Engineering Day
an awareness of individual
Perfect Scores on the National Latin Exam
Tatnall students have
Successful Cloning and Sequencing of the GAPDH Gene
the following organizations:
Participation in the Annual AP Psychology Conference
Boys & Girls Clubs
Participation in the Delaware High School Mock Trial Competition Participation in the Governor’s School for Excellence
responsibility.
performed service projects with
Habitat for Humanity
Faithful Friends Animal Rescue The Mary Campbell Center
National Merit® Scholarship Program Recognition
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Ben, Grade 12 8 a.m. – Announcements and Advisory “ My day at Tatnall starts with morning announcements or a meeting with Dr. Chipman, my faculty advisor. I have a great relationship with him, and it’s really nice being able to go to him with any questions I have about my courses. Dr. Chipman is also my English teacher and the director of Showcase, the winter play.” 14
A Day at Tatnall
Period 1 AP English Literature & Composition “ Period one begins with English Literature and Composition. The class focuses on the works of great American writers, modern American poetry and drama. Right now, we’re reading and discussing ‘The Sun Also Rises,’ by Hemingway.”
Periods 2 and 3 Physics: Experimental Design
Period 4 AP Calculus
“ Physics is one of my favorite classes. I love working in groups during the handson labs and using data and programming software to construct real models. Recently, we’ve been using a 3D printer to create lab equipment that can be used to measure time intervals.”
“ Calculus has shown me how to think about mathematical functions graphically and analytically, and has helped me develop a better of understanding of the subject. The course has also helped me improve in physics.”
Period 5 Advanced Latin Literature
Lunch
“ After completing AP Latin, I “ Lunch is a great time to see decided to take Advanced Latin all of my friends and meet Literature. In AP Latin, we focused with teachers. I’m a big fan heavily on the grammatical of the food at Tatnall’s Buzz construction of sentences and Bar and I love when local poetic devices. Advanced Latin food trucks visit campus on Literature will focus more on the Food Truck Fridays.” themes and symbols of Ancient Roman writing. I’ve really enjoyed taking Latin the past few years and look forward to Latin Day, a day with trivia and competitions, each year!”
Periods 6 & 7 Technical Theater
After-School – Wrestling Practice
“ Technical Theater is a great way to end the school day. The class focuses on scenery, lighting and audio design and gives students who don’t want to perform onstage a chance to participate. I love performing, but I also think it’s important to get an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes elements of a production.”
“ Throughout the year, I look forward to all of my afterschool and extracurricular activities. In the winter, I am the captain of the wrestling team. I enjoy going to meets and tournamentsand cheering for and coaching my teammates and friends.” 15
Championing
Teamwork and Leadership The Athletic Program Promoting teamwork and leadership are at the core of the Tatnall Athletic Program. Our program, which runs from 7th through 12th grade and requires students to participate in two sports each year, promotes a life-long commitment to good sportsmanship, unity, social growth and healthy living. Tatnall’s athletic coaches motivate our student athletes to push themselves, persevere and strive for success, both on the field and in the classroom. Whether a student is an elite athlete or is interested in trying a sport for the first time, every individual has the opportunity to compete as a Tatnall Hornet.
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Going Pro Many of Tatnall’s student athletes have gone on to stellar collegiate and amateur athletic careers. Some have even taken it a step further, making a living through professional athletics.
Justin Perillo ’09 was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2014.
Become a
HORNET: Fall
Juliet Bottorff ’08 signed with Adidas and the Boston Athletic Association to run professionally.
Football
Jake Bergey ’94 played ten years of professional lacrosse for the Philadelphia Wings.
Field Hockey
Jim Krapf ’69 was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1973, after an illustrious career at the University of Alabama.
Cheer Cross Country
Soccer – Boys Volleyball – Girls
Winter Basketball – Boys Basketball – Girls Ice Hockey Swimming Track – Indoor
David Crossland, Grade 12: Two-Time Delaware Male Swimmer of the Year “ Swimming for Tatnall has been an amazing experience. The fact that everyone knows each other so well makes the team feel like a family. Additionally, being team captain has helped me learn leadership skills I can use in college. It has been such an honor to represent the school through swimming, and I have experienced some incredible moments that I will remember forever. I would not trade my Tatnall experience for anything.”
Wrestling
Spring Baseball Golf Lacrosse – Boys Lacrosse – Girls Soccer – Girls Tennis – Boys Tennis – Girls Track & Field
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Embracing
Creativity and Expression The Art Curriculum The art curriculum focuses on cultivating each student’s creative voice through music, theatre and fine arts. Tatnall provides a rich musical experience at all levels, so whether they’re singing in the Lower School Chorus, playing the drum in Beginner’s Band or strumming the guitar in Jazz Band, our students become gifted and poised performers. Our theater program, which has been recognized as one of the best in the region, allows students to bring stories to life, either backstage or in the spotlight. Off stage, Tatnall’s student artists have received several outstanding achievement awards for their sculpting, painting, photography and graphic design work. Regardless of the chosen medium, continuous exposure and participation results in an appreciation and understanding of the arts.
“ During my 43 years as director, Showcase has fulfilled the mission of educating, entertaining and enlightening. As an auditiononly collaborative and theatrical community, Showcase demands a great deal from each member. Enthusiasm and student ‘ownership’ are the trademarks of our theatrical company, which seeks to challenge students and the larger school community with plays not usually produced at the high school level.” Bruce Chipman, Upper School English department chair and Showcase director
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Where Will Tatnall Take You? Armed with a Tatnall education, our students are fully prepared to meet the challenges of a rigorous college atmosphere. The college selection process is not a finish line, but rather another step in a continuum of academic and personal advancement. Our college counseling program begins in the ninth grade and includes individualized college visits, as well as a highly personalized connection with our college counselor. Tatnall students have many options available to them, and making the choice that best matches each student’s distinctive capabilities and ambitions is crucial to future accomplishments.
Alumni Profile: Dr. Terry Plank ‘81 Dr. Terry Plank is a renowned geochemist whose research focuses on volcanoes and the science of plate tectonics. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Columbia University, Plank was the recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship Award or “genius grant” in 2012. In 2013, she was also elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences, an organization that honors outstanding achievement in the physical, biological and social sciences.
“ There is no cookie-cutter way of going through the college admissions process. Our program offers an individualized and personal approach to what is an exciting and often scary process. Our students have such a wide variety of interests and motivations, and the goal is to meet each student’s needs so the outcome is what the student and family are hoping to achieve. During the process, we encourage students to dabble in different areas and pursue their dreams.” Leigh Morgan ’91, director of college counseling 19
A Lasting Connection Tatnall is often referred to as “The Family School” because of its rich tradition of cooperation between home and school. In the spirit of Tatnall’s commitment to a strong family partnership, our alumni, families and faculty remain active in the school community well past their graduation year or retirement. Each year, Tatnall welcomes those who have studied in our classrooms, played on our athletic fields and performed on our stages to come back and once again participate in our events and traditions. Homecoming weekend, Founder’s Day and May Day are enthusiastically attended by Tatnall community members, both past and present. These events build an important institutional cohesion that connects generations of students and encourages families to remain active in the life of the school. The vitality across the breadth and depth of our community confirms that at Tatnall, we are not simply aspiring to our mission...we are living it. 20
“ I clearly remember participating in Tatnall’s many traditions with my close friends and classmates. These traditions and experiences helped me develop into the father, friend and professional I am today. Many of those friendships remain strong and I take great pride in seeing my three sons, who are developing and strengthening similar friendships of their own, participate in Tatnall traditions.” Rick Deadwyler ’89
The writer Mary Oliver concludes her poem, “The Summer Day,” with the question: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” At Tatnall, that challenge remains central to our work with young people. A Tatnall education promises to be an inspired and powerful experience that embraces new learning and leans into important individual and collaborative explorations. For more than 85 years, curiosity, imagination, effort and action have fueled our forward momentum at Tatnall. As we prepare our students to succeed in college and to live and lead purposeful and happy lives in an increasingly complex world, our mission as the “family school” and the relevance of our program prove vitally important today. While best practice informs all we do, cultivating transformational relationships with our students remains core to our mission. We get to know our students well as they engage with our exceptional teachers, advisors and coaches. We believe students learn best when they are well-known and supported in all aspects of their lives, so we work in partnership with parents at every stage. Tatnall values long-standing traditions while it embraces an innovative and collaborative spirit across all our learning spaces. Our compelling programs and idyllic, 110-acre campus with adjacent fields and natural habitats enrich all that we do. You will discover Tatnall students to be talented, curious, active, fun-loving and involved. They contribute in meaningful ways across the campus, as well as in their global and local community. Our motto, Omnia in Caritate (All Things in Love), captures the atmosphere you will find here. I encourage you to arrange a visit. Expect to encounter educational excellence, teachers with passion, joyful learning, friendly smiles and an authentically warm Tatnall School welcome.
Charles A. Tierney III Head of School
www.tatnall.org/about-us/head-of-school-blog 21
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1501 Barley Mill Road Wilmington, DE 19807 admissions@tatnall.org (302) 892-4285 www.tatnall.org