Weekly Message from Head of School 2025/09/01-2025/09/05
Dear Keystonians,
Welcome to the new academic year. The energy on campus this week has been purposeful and positive, and it is a privilege to see our students and teachers engage so eagerly from the very first day.
Our theme for the year, “Keystone Dreams,” commits us to a simple idea: that this is a place where ambition is nurtured and potential is realized. This requires intention behind every decision we make—specifically, investing in the people who guide your children and the spaces where they learn.
On the people:
At the heart of our community are our students. This year, we are thrilled to welcome nearly 300 new students and their families to Keystone. They were each chosen from strong pools of applicants at every grade level, a testament to the growing demand for a Keystone education. They arrive with diverse talents and perspectives, and we are honored they have chosen to pursue their dreams with us. Please join me in giving them a warm Keystone welcome.
All our students are guided and inspired by our exceptional educators, to whom we are deeply grateful. This year, we welcomed a cohort of new teachers, each chosen for their ability to connect with and challenge students. In a competitive international hiring market, Keystone’s reputation stands strong—a fact demonstrated by our 100% acceptance rate of offers made at a major international recruitment fair. This selectivity directly benefits every student in our classrooms. Also, we are particularly pleased to welcome back three beloved former Keystone teachers. Their decision to return is a powerful affirmation of the supportive and mission-driven culture we all work to sustain.
My colleagues on Keystone’s Senior Leadership team—what we call the Steering Group-- and I are entrusted with executing the strategic foundation for this work. Our combined 202 years of experience in world-leading schools is a resource we are committed to deploying for Keystone’s benefit. Our collective 29 years of service to this school grounds that global expertise in a deep understanding of our unique school culture and community. We see our role clearly: to serve our teachers, support our families, and ensure that every one of our students has the opportunity to realize their Keystone Dreams.
On the spaces:
This summer, we focused our investments on facilities that directly enable innovation and creativity. The new KEyTEC Engineering and Fabrication Lab is an unrivaled engineering lab for hands-on projects for all students in addition to being the locus of our pilot transdisciplinary classes in 6th and 9th grades. The new Blackbox Theatre in the PAC provides yet another professional-grade venue for artistic risk-taking and expression. These are not merely renovations; they are strategic tools designed to bring our rich curriculum to life. In addition to these major projects, dozens of studios, labs and classrooms were upgraded to ensure the highest quality learning environments possible.
And on a lighter note, on the Quad this month, you will find a striking symbol of our community’s spirit and our Chinese Thread: an art installation by the renowned artist Zhao Bandi, known as “Brook”. This is not merely a decoration; it is a significant piece of contemporary art that serves as a large-scale representation of our commitment to weaving Chinese culture and identity into the very fabric of our school. We see it as an inspiration for creativity, a point of connection for our community, and a reminder of the unique cultural context in which our Keystone Dreams are being realized.
The year ahead is filled with promise. My commitment is to lead with clarity and purpose, and I thank each of you for your ongoing partnership.
Yours,
Dr. McCarren
