WhyTatnall?

In 2020, we chose Tatnall because my daughters needed a richer educational experience. In searching for a new school, we were looking for strong academics, small class sizes, and a variety of activities. What we found was so much more. At Tatnall, they were not limited; they could play a sport, act in a play, join the chorus, and be more well-rounded. My girls have been provided with a buffet of opportunities to explore. The nurturing environment at Tatnall has allowed them to discover their inner athlete, artist, and advocate. Year after year, we continue to choose this school because of the community that is Tatnall.

Tatnall is truly more than the sum of its parts. Another parent once said their child felt like Tatnall felt “homey,” and I couldn’t agree more. Transitioning from other schools, my girls quickly felt at home, allowing them to feel comfortable asking for help when needed. The teachers and staff care about my children, and they feel seen and loved every day. Teachers and staff in all divisions took the time to build relationships with each of them, thereby providing a more impactful education.

While at the Early Childhood (EC) for Kindergarten, my youngest daughter found a school where students learned through play. She was encouraged to explore her world in the outdoor classrooms, performed in Peter and the Wolf, went sledding on snowy days, and developed a genuine love of learning. Her time at the EC was so magical I wish she had started sooner at Tatnall.

At the Lower School, my daughters have loved teachers and staff who are passionate about teaching and meeting each child where they are. They have been challenged to think in imaginative and out-of-the-box ways. Their creativity has been nurtured and encouraged through thoughtful and project-based learning. Their teachers were not just focused on their grades but on their understanding and ability to take what they were being taught to the next level. The relationships they developed lasted even when they moved to another division.

The Middle School prepared my daughters for the next steps to come. They were taught independence, time management, accountability, and perseverance. Teachers worked to encourage them to step outside their comfort zone. Art and athletic programs inspired them to try new things, take risks, and expand their talents in a nurturing environment. Student advisory provided a safety net to help them acquire the skills needed to be successful in high school and beyond.

Exploration and curiosity are taken to the next level as students move into the Upper School. My daughter has learned it isn’t too late to try a new sport. The Upper School provides considerable opportunities to develop leadership skills by mentoring younger students and taking action to improve the world around them. The sky is truly the limit. Sports, drama, art, and leadership, in addition to a robust academic schedule, have all been attainable.

For many of us, the pandemic shed light on what we were missing. For our family, it highlighted what my daughters were missing from their education in our home district. We were searching for a solution that would provide both strong academics and a sense of community. As part of the Tatnall family, our expectations were not only met but exceeded. There are hundreds of reasons to come to Tatnall and many more reasons to stay.

My girls have been provided with a buffet of opportunities to explore. The nurturing environment at Tatnall has allowed them to discover their inner athlete, artist, and advocate. Year after year, we continue to choose this school because of the community that is Tatnall.

—Shannon Slutman

Field Hockey

All-Conference Recognition:

1st Team

Rachael Whitehead ’23

Lydia Colasante ’23

Carolyn Walker ’25

Kate McConnel ’23

2nd Team:

Reese Dolinger ’24

Riley Greene ’24

Tessa Colasante ’25

Honorable Mention:

Charlotte Wilkinson ’25

Olivia Perrin ’23