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VIEWS FROM HERE 4
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In the late 19th century, Brearley was a radical idea—a school that aspired to change society’s perceptions of girls and women. Establishing itself as an intellectual center offering an extraordinary academic program to girls from across New York City, in a relatively short period of time Brearley demonstrated that girls could equal, if not surpass, boys in the classroom. Well-prepared alumnae soon became pioneers in fields long dominated by men. Today, we remain a school, yes, but for many we have also become an ideal about achievement unconstrained by gender. A singular place that is all about its students—who they are, what they are capable of and what they can become. 49