4 faculty PD days
20+ earning rips
1,800 friendly faces at Jamboree
54 graduates prepared for bright futures
Jumping Ri htIn
Starting with joy
Making connections
Learning by doing t h e y e a r i n P I C T U R E S
Growing every day
Making a difference
Trying new things
Serving together
Building each other up
Celebrating victories
Finding fun each day
Taking what we’ve learned
Enjoying every last minute
From first-day jitters eased by the cheers of teachers in green and gold, to the warm smiles of 2nd-grade buddies guiding kindergarteners to their classrooms, Pinewood's commitment to building a community where everyone belongs was felt from day one. Throughout the year, that spirit of belonging deepened—whether through class trips that forged friendships on kayaks and zip lines, or through the quiet confidence of new students who quickly found their place. This Mission Moment captures how Pinewood's inclusive environment came to life across all campuses and grade levels. Read more →
Above // The sophomore class kicks off the year with a kayaking adventure, building bonds that last.
Below // Mrs. Braunstein’s 2nd-grade Buddy Brigade warmly welcomes students on day one.
Leadership isn’t built in a single moment it’s developed through consistent, meaningful experiences that begin early and evolve over time. At Pinewood, that growth was evident this year in small, everyday actions and larger, high-impact roles. 2nd graders practiced empathy and responsibility through the Buddy Brigade, while 6th graders took ownership of campus events that brought the community together. At Upper Campus, students led with confidence in programs like PEP, connecting with visiting colleges and representing their peers. These experiences reflect how Pinewood fosters leadership rooted in character.
Read more →
Right // Before sunrise, 6th graders get to work in the Middle Campus kitchen, flipping waffles and building community during Pinewood’s World Famous Waffle Day a tradition that brings our community together and builds real leadership skills.
"Thevibestartswiththe6thgraders;theysetthetoneand learntoleadbyexample.Eachyear,I’mamazedbytheirability toworktogethertoupliftandinspireourcommunity."
Ria Walker, Middle Campus PE Teacher and Activities Director
Pinewood alumni continue to shape our community long after graduation enriching the student experience, staying meaningfully connected, and inspiring the next generation through their stories. This year, alumni returned to campus as guest speakers, mentors, and coaches, offering current students real-world insight and encouragement. Beyond the classroom, they gathered at regional meetups in New York City, Washington, D.C., and yes Los Altos Hills, showing that the Pinewood connection doesn’t fade with time or distance. And through the journeys of alumni like Dr. Derek Amanatullah ’94, filmmaker Jon M. Chu ’98, and Dr. Sarina Volari ’10, students see what’s possible when confidence, character, and curiosity take root early. As Chu reflects in his new book, Viewfinder, “They give you the courage to try, and I love that about Pinewood.” Read more →
Left // NYC-based Pinewood alumni gather at one of this year’s regional meetups.
Right // Jon. M. Chu ’98 delivers the 2025 USC commencement address.
Shaped by joy.
Together, we are shaping the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.
Sarah Haun, Head of Lower Campus
We foster inclusion, belonging, and purpose. We give students authentic opportunities to take ownership, lead, and contribute meaningfully to our school community. Socially, emotionally, and academically, our students are ready to confidently go forward.
Brynn Hambly Head of Middle Campus
Our students are challenged to think critically, supported by passionate educators, and empowered to lead with integrity. We prepare them not just for college but for the future they will shape.
Eve Kulbieda Head of Upper Campus
Leaders. Team-builders. Contributors. #PantherVoices2025
Classof2025 Classof2025
Pedro Aldaco Amaya
Arjun Ari
Lacey Armistead
Anya Bhaskar
Caroline Blotter
Jared Bowman
Michael Bradley
Matthew Brown
James Burton
James Cheng
Trevor Chin
Shay Cornyn
Jonathan Detkin
Jolyn Ding
Kaitlyn Dyer
Annabelle Eaton
Sophia Ellis
Zachary Galbraith
Katherine Garr
Meher Gopalani
Leo Gray
Samuel Grillo
Mia Gustavson
Ruby Hannelly
Abigail Kamenetsky
Alakh Kapadia
Arnav Karandikar
Vollory Kuelker
Audrey Liao
Bill Long
Shay Mallempati
Kaavya Mehrotra
Mei Miyahara
Prisha Mohapatra
Violet Negrette
Netane Ofa
Paul Sapilewski
Tim Schusser
Leo Shang
Regan Shee
Michael Shtrom
Christina Tanase
Koh Taradash
Marley Thronson
Julianne Ting
Josephine Tu
Ana Weinstock
Arianna Wessel
Avery Wilson
Kathleen Xie
Rose Xu
Gabrielle Yang
Daniel Young
Jacob Young
Arizona State University
Bates College
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Brigham Young University
Brown University
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Cal State University - Chico
Chapman University
College of San Mateo
Columbia University
Emory University
Gap Year
Indiana University, Bloomington
Johns Hopkins University
Loyola Marymount University
Montclair State University
New York University
Northeastern University, London Scholars
Northwestern University
Penn State University
Pepperdine University
Pitzer College
Purdue University
Rice University
Santa Clara University
Smith College
Southern Utah University
Stanford University
Swarthmore College
The George Washington University
Trinity College
Tufts University
UC Riverside
UC San Diego
UCLA
University of Chicago
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of Rochester
University of San Diego
University of Southern California
University of Washington
US Military Academy at West Point
Vanderbilt University
“They helped me feel more confident about telling my story, especially the parts I thought didn’t matter. They didn’t tell me what to do. They asked the right questions until I figured it out.”
Pedro Aldaco Amaya
My counselor helped me build nfidence in my application and couraged me to persist in writing hat felt most authentic to me. The d result was a well-rounded plication that remained true to who I as as both a student and a person.“ lyn Ding
“The advising team helped me realize my goals, and helped me realistically set high expectations for myself.”
Michael Bradley
“They took the time to really understand me and what I wanted, so that I could make the most educated decisions about applying to the places that were truly right for me. “
Lacey Armistead
“The personalized experience and one-on-one help made the college process much easier than it otherwise would have been.”
Mia Gustavson
Watching these 11 Evergreens — students who’ve been with us since kindergarten — grow up at Pinewood has been a true honor!
Caroline Blotter
Jamie Burton
James Chang
Sophia Ellis
Leo Gray
Abigail Kamenetsky
Alakh Kapadia
Violet Negrette
Josephine Tu
Avery Wilson
Kathleen Xie
2025–26! 2025–26! Herewego, Herewego,