FGS Voices

Tabitha Simmons P’22 with sons Dylan McDean, left, and Elliott McDean ’22, right.

For more than 170 years, the vision Frederick Gunn articulated has inspired the lives of all of us who are a part of The Frederick Gunn School community. In January, we caught up with Tabitha Simmons P’22 to inquire about her family’s experience at Gunn. Simmons is a New York-based stylist, designer, creative director, a fashion editor at Vogue. She has two sons, Dylan and Elliott McDean ’22.

Q: Why did you choose The Frederick Gunn School?

A: I remember when Elliott and I did quite a lot of tours; we did day schools as well as boarding. He saw the engineering department [at Gunn] and his eyes lit up. He really loved that. He loved the community and the atmosphere of the school. We loved that it was small. It has great advantages because you know everybody in the school. He’s friends with freshmen as well as seniors. He’s doing entrepreneurship, which he’s absolutely loved. I think Mr. Becker is a phenomenal Head of School. I think he’s brilliant, and he’s another reason we chose the school.

Q: How has Elliott grown in his time at The Frederick Gunn School?

A: He’s actually really enjoyed learning much more than where he was. He has recognized his strengths and weaknesses, and I think he’s become a lot more independent. It sort of sets you up for college. I’ve seen a real shift in that. He’s really self-advocating. I think he’s really enjoyed school.

Q: What are your hopes and dreams for Elliott?

A: I want my children to be really happy and well-adjusted. I hope he does something that he loves. I hope he takes on something he really loves in college. I hope he does something he’s really passionate about so he won’t have to work a day in his life.