TOP 50
Ranked among the top 50 private day schools nationwide.
RANKED Best Private K-12 School in Delaware by
Preschool - Grade 12
LIMITLESS AMBITION
At Tower Hill, our ambition for students is limitless. We empower students to dream bigger. Together, we reach new heights.
MEET OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL
Welcome to Tower Hill, a place of boundless opportunity, deep commitment to community and a culture of mentorship in all that we do. I am thrilled to share more about our beloved school in the pages that follow and look forward to welcoming you personally as you continue your exploration of our program. Most importantly, I am excited for you to meet our people, who make us who we are. There is nowhere like Tower Hill. We are glad that you are here.
SARAH D. A. BAKER, P’36, ’39 Head of School
Tower Hill School was founded in 1919 and has an over 100-year legacy as a national leader in education.
Mission
Tower Hill School prepares students from diverse backgrounds for full engagement with a dynamic world. Each student is provided with an educational experience that emphasizes the development of an inquisitive, discerning and critical mind; the value of being creative and aesthetically sensitive; the appreciation of physical wellbeing; the ability to collaborate and to function as part of a team; and the growth of character.
Philosophy
By combining personal challenge with individual support, Tower Hill is a college-preparatory school committed to building a foundation for lifelong learning in students. We believe that diversity in all aspects of school life broadens and enhances the educational experience. In keeping with our motto Multa Bene Facta—Many Things Done Well—we provide a rigorous and exhilarating program, engaging students in a variety of educational endeavors, while allowing them to develop their individual strengths and pursue their passions.
To emphasize our core values—active citizenship, personal integrity, collective responsibility, team building and collaboration and mutual respect Tower Hill encourages each student to develop a sense of personal worth and to recognize, understand and accept the differences of others.
“When I joined Tower Hill, I was able to make a wide variety of friendships. I quickly learned that people were very welcoming and making new friends was easy for me.
Finding a community of people that fits you, or at least one aspect of you, is easy because of the number of different avenues you can explore. I found a community in theater, classes and sports. The saying “Many Things Done Well” brings with it the power to make many friends in many places.”
- Amal ’26
MANY THINGS DONE WELL
Our motto, Multa Bene Facta, or Many Things Done Well, is a philosophy about commitment, hard work, multifaceted learning and extraordinary achievement.
T ower H ill S c H ool AT A GLANCE
852
Total Students
307 Lower School (TT-Fourth)
234 Middle School (Fifth-Eighth)
311 Upper School (Ninth-12th)
8:1
student to faculty ratio
Average class size of
15
With honors and advanced courses offered in all subject areas, students tackle a challenging curriculum in individually supportive classroom settings.
Diversity
40% of students identify as people of color
Tower Hill School is non-sectarian and welcomes students of all religions.
Students come from
4 states 40 cities and towns
Financial Aid
36% of students receive financial assistance
$4.1 Million provided for families in 2024
• State-of-the-art math and science center with telescope and observatory
• Experiential Outdoor Classroom and new playground, fall 2025
• THE Hub, a newly renovated library and collaboration space
• New in 2025, The Hive offers world-class science labs, a robotics room and flexible learning space to Middle and Upper School students
• Music building with practice spaces and performance theaters
• Woodshop, photography lab and dark room, ceramics studio and design lab
• An apiary, which produces our own Hiller Honey
Education in our Backyard
Rockford Park and historic Rockford Tower are across the street, Copeland Sculpture Garden and Delaware Art Museum are less than a mile away, Brandywine Zoo and Hagley Museum are down the road.
Study Abroad
Australia, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Italy, Martinique, Peru, Puerto Rico, Quebec, Spain and Uruguay
Extended Day and Summer Camp Offered
ATHLETICS (Grades 7-12)
83 athletic state titles
23 DIAA Varsity Teams
39 senior athletes signed with colleges in the past 5 years.
New turf fields and LED video scoreboard
Only indoor track in the state of Delaware
College
100% of students attend a four-year college
98% of the class of 2025 received early admission acceptances
$7.2 Million in scholarships was awarded to the graduating class of 2025.
“THS provides something different academically in each division, which is one of the things I love about the school.
In Lower School, the teachers instill a love of learning for learning’s sake. The teachers knew my children so well as humans and students. All three of my kids couldn’t wait to get to school each morning because their teachers and friends made them feel so warmly welcomed.
Middle School is a completely different experience. The teachers are hard wired to work with students whose brains and bodies are changing at a rapid pace. In Middle School, my children learned empathy. Their teachers modeled what it meant to be responsible and respectful. Teachers in the Middle School also set my kids up for success based on the study skills foundation put in place. The teachers had the patience and expertise to help my kids learn best practices to get organized and prepared to do their best thinking.
In Upper School, the teachers are experts in their field, and they push the students to push themselves beyond what they imagine. My kids were challenged, but they were also supported. The teachers and the advisors in the Upper School know the kids inside and out and care about every aspect of their day, their life, their learning. I continue to be so impressed as a faculty member in the English department and as a parent with the course offerings and the dedication to set students up for success in college and life beyond THS.”
- Jill Zehner, P’24, ’22, ’20
Parent and Former Middle School English Teacher
AN ENGAGED COMMUNITY OF SCHOLARS
Tower Hill has a tradition of academic excellence and delivers an extraordinary liberal arts education. Within our highly relational scholarly community, students are prepared to excel at the next stage and beyond. By nurturing individual growth and potential, our students can discover their gifts, relish exploration and heighten their focus by feeling a sense of freedom. We invest in true scholarship through research-based academic programs while providing individualized support for students’ academic journeys. Students are able to actualize their highest potential and the fullest articulation of their talents from the early years to graduation. Our interdisciplinary approach to education nurtures well-rounded achievers who understand the joy of finding something new to love.
At Tower Hill, you will experience extraordinary learning opportunities every day. For example, Upper Schoolers apply their classroom knowledge of genetics to hands-on gene editing at the University of Delaware, Middle School students visit the Brandywine River to collect and analyze data about the health of the stream and Lower Schoolers conduct independent research on influential people, and then present to teachers, parents and peers.
“A key difference that makes Tower Hill stand out is the community. It feels more like a family— everyone knows each other and truly cares about building a strong, tight-knit community.
With so many clubs, teams and programs, our school is a great community where you can explore new interests, grow and showcase your talents, and connect with others beyond the classroom.”
- Ore ’28
“As a new student everyone was so welcoming, and I felt like I had been there my entire life!
Sports
were able to help me meet many new people and help make Tower Hill feel like home.
If you love sports, acting, band, robotics and many more, Tower Hill has something for you.”
- Gavin ’28
COMMUNITY
A Shared Schoolhouse
From the moment you walk through the doors into Tower Hill School, you will notice students working together and learning from one another; there is a true feeling of community.
Our students learn primarily under one roof, which fosters an organic connectivity that most other schools can’t begin to duplicate. While the Lower, Middle and Upper School each convene in their own areas of the building, cross-divisional learning opportunities are abundant, allowing our faculty and students to join together, building lasting relationships and creating a true and enduring sense of belonging.
By learning and collaborating in a shared schoolhouse, students build confidence working in diverse groups, talking and interacting with different aged children, serving as mentors and benefiting from their peers. They build confidence when they have leadership roles, share their skill sets and literacy, and build on social skills by interacting with various ages of children. Learning develops within a community.
You will see our fifth grade students reading to their Prekindergarten buddies or boarding buses for the Brandywine Zoo to participate in a collaborative field trip experience. The Advanced Physics II Upper School students will be meeting with the Middle School science classes as part of their end of course projects. An Upper School advisory group will pair with a kindergarten class for mentoring.
These friendships last well beyond the year, continue on past graduation to create our strong alumni network and lasting mentorship connections.
A SHARED SCHOOLHOUSE
EXPERIENTIAL OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
ROCCO A. AND MARY ABESSINIO PLAYGROUND
New Fall 2025
TECHNOLOGY SPACES
Starting in Lower School, typing club, robotics, website design, video editing and coding
GERALD M. LEMOLE, MD SCIENCE CENTER (THE HIVE)
MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL SCIENCE AND ROBOTICS WING
NEELA PATEL CENTER FOR INNOVATION (THE HUB)
The renovated college style Upper School library provides our community with ample collaboration space. The interactive wall display is used across our divisions for presentations and multimedia learning opportunities.
The newly renovated Hive provides worldclass science labs, a robotics room and flexible learning space to Middle and Upper School students. With this new space comes new cross-curricular opportunities for integrated learning across science disciplines, and showcases our award-winning robotics programs. The Hive is designed to inspire and grow a generation of future scientists who use the space as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, exploration and experiential learning in STEM.
ATHLETIC FACILITIES
The athletic facilities include new turf fields and state-of-the-art video scoreboard. This academic year, we’ve completely renovated our locker rooms, bathrooms, Upper School team rooms and athletic trainer facilities.
CARPENTER FIELD HOUSE AND INDOOR TRACK
MATH AND SCIENCE CENTER
DESANTIS FAMILY OBSERVATORY
AMY BICKHART, P’08 Head of Lower School
Mrs. Bickhart joined Tower Hill in 2001 and taught Prekindergarten for 13 years, taking on the additional role of Assistant Head of Lower School in 2009. In 2014, she joined Admissions as Associate Director of Lower School and later, Director of Middle and Lower School Admission. Mrs. Bickhart became Head of Lower School in 2021. She received her B.S. from Western Maryland College, currently known as McDaniel College, and her M.Ed. in elementary education from Wilmington University.
PRESCHOOL
Tower Tots (3 years)-Kindergarten
As soon as the school doors open, Tower Hill Preschool students bring forth enthusiasm, joy and a desire for learning that is matched by the passion, dedication and care of our faculty. Through deep connections, our students and faculty join together to support, encourage and collaborate with one another to further the success of all.
Our robust curriculum offers students the opportunity to take risks, dive deeply and feel fully the fruits of their labor. From beginning readers to budding authors, concrete mathematicians to abstract problem solvers, observers of the natural world to robotic scientists, Tower Hill offers our students a life changing path to the future.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
Responsive Classroom
Our developmental social emotional approach builds a sense of community and shared purpose.
Purposeful Play
Play is integrated into our students’ curriculum intentionally to promote curiosity and discovery.
Academic Foundational Building Blocks
We are laying the groundwork for academic excellence through a multi-sensory approach to phonemic awareness and phonics, daily read-alouds, number sense development through hands-on experiences and the growth of handwriting skills.
Beyond the Classroom
Beginning in Tower Tots, students receive special area instruction in art, library, music, physical education, science, Spanish, technology, theater and wellness.
A Classroom Rich in Resources
Our spaces are intentionally designed to encourage play as the conduit for learning that comes from hands-on, child-initiated and adult-directed play, guided discovery and sensory experiences.
2 Teachers Per Room, Low Student-teacher Ratio
Our faculty and staff are here to make sure your children thrive. This includes providing extra support as well as additional challenges for enrichment.
Differentiated Instruction
Our teachers base their curricula on current early education research and are involved in ongoing professional development to stay up to speed on the latest findings. In the classroom, lessons are built on the tenet that young children gain knowledge and skills through play.
Collaboration with Other Grades
We believe that learning is more impactful within a community. The cross-grade buddy program pairs younger students with older peers, making way for plenty of mentorship and guidance throughout the year.
BEFORE AND AFTER CARE
Early Morning Drop Off 7:30-7:45 a.m.
Extended Day Program 2:45-5:30 p.m.
Holiday coverage and after school enrichment programs offered
See page 38 for more information
“We were completely blown away by the completeness of the curriculum. The resources Tower Hill School provides are second to none, including impressive facilities, teachers and alumni.”
- Parent of a new kindergarten student
“Our daughter adores her teachers and friends. We could see how happy she was in the learning environment and how she grew as an individual in the past year. You provided her with fundamental life skills in these early years of her education that will shape her for many years to come.”
- Lower School parent
LOWER SCHOOL
First-Fourth Grade
From first through fourth grade, our children are actively engaged in their own learning in a nurturing and supportive environment. As a faculty, we work to enhance what is within each child to help them to find their own voice and place in our school community. At Tower Hill, we emphasize the importance of individual accomplishment and the power of collaborative effort. In doing so, it is our goal to develop inquisitive and creative minds, a firm foundation of academic skills and a passion for learning in each child.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
Healthy Minds and Bodies
We encourage our students to care for their entire person and prepare students physically and mentally for academic endeavors. To support them in this, we offer a variety of programming including Social and Emotional Learning Foundations (SELF), physical education classes everyday, daily mindful moments and brain breaks.
Language Arts
Our students benefit from a balanced literacy curriculum that aims to expose students to a variety of ways they can enjoy reading and writing. Programming includes workshop models, word study, interactive read-alouds and shared reading and writing.
Math
Students build critical thinking and problem solving skills with think! Mathematics that transfers to realworld applications.
Science
In our science classes, students learn about simple machines, bridge building, LEGO robotics, solar power and wind turbines (to name a few).
Coding
Our coding program exposes students to professional programs like Monster Code Lab, Tynker, LEGO Digital Design, Scratch and more.
Essential Technology Skills
Students take classes in video editing, web design, typing and navigating Google Drive.
DEI Education
Incorporating DEI into all aspects of school life opens the eyes and minds of our students through literature discussion and experience.
Reading Buddies
This cross-divisional program offers Lower Schoolers additional support and community building opportunities with their Upper School counterparts while enhancing their literacy skills.
STUDENT SUPPORT
2 School Psychologists
2 Learning Specialists
Small Class Sizes
Each of our students benefits from small class sizes, enabling our faculty to focus their attention on their unique needs and circumstances.
FACULTY
44 Faculty Members
65% Advanced Degrees
500+
Hours of Professional Development
Special Area Teachers
Students receive special area instruction throughout the year in art, woodshop, music, science, Spanish, literacy, library, technology, theater and SEL.
MELINDA MARTIN, P’26 Interim Head of Middle School
Ms. Martin has taught fourth grade at Tower Hill since 2021, has distinguished herself as an extraordinary educator of the whole child and collaborative partner across the school. Prior to her career at Tower Hill, Ms. Martin served as the Primary Program Coordinator at the International Academy – Amman in Jordan. In that role, Ms. Martin managed the curriculum for grades one through five, leading a team of grade-level deans and teachers by enhancing collaborative practices across teaching teams with considerably varied cultural backgrounds and pedagogical approaches. Earlier in her career, she served as a fifth grade classroom teacher and team leader in Jordan and Taiwan, in addition to working with students and adults in a range of educational settings in South Korea and New Zealand. Faculty
44 Faculty Members
72% Advanced Degrees
3 Learning Specialists
Advisory Program Starts in Middle School
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Fifth-Eighth Grade
Beginning in fifth grade, our Middle School helps each student discover and develop their own special talents while refining the essential skills needed to function in a most challenging academic environment. Classes are small. Each student has an advisor and the reporting system allows for specialized narratives at narrowly spaced intervals—all of which helps assure parents that the progress of their child is being closely followed. A strong counseling program reinforces the work of the advisor and Class Dean, and provides parents with additional resources within the school.
All year long, fifth and sixth graders compete in NBA Math Hoops, a fun mathematical board game sponsored by the NBA and run by a non-profit organization called Learn Fresh. Our team recently won the regional tournament in Philadelphia.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
Languages
French, Latin, Mandarin and Spanish
Leadership
Student Government Association (SGA), Global Leaders Program, Lower School Buddies, clubs
Student Wellness
Health and Wellness classes, daily physical education classes in fifth and sixth grade, daily athletics for seventh and eighth grade, interscholastic sports
DEI Education
Middle Schoolers take time to learn new perspectives, share talents, develop empathy and grow their active listening skills.
Seventh and eighth grade LEAD (Leaning into Equity Awareness and Diversity) Conference
disABILITIES Awareness Program
APEX Charter School Partnership
STEM
FIRST LEGO League
Math Olympiad, AMC 8, SIGMA and Math League
Technology: 3D imaging, CAD design, 3D printing, intro to web development and programming (HTML, CSS and JavaScript)
Science: LEGO robotics, experiment design, rocketry
CO2 car design, woodworking, Stream Watch
Art, Theater and Technology classes all four years
98% of seventh and eighth graders participate in band, strings or chorus
20+ Middle School Student Clubs that are built into the academic schedule
Team and Leadership Building Excursions
Middle School at Tower Hill is a transformative stage of learning and discovery, where students bridge the transition from Lower to Upper School with confidence. The program is designed to nurture steady growth while also inspiring leaps of curiosity and independence. Through a dynamic curriculum and supportive relationships, students sharpen their skills, expand their perspectives and emerge well-prepared for the challenges ahead, as seen in their strong eighth grade achievements in math, quantitative reasoning and reading comprehension, below.
Assessments to Inform Whole Child Growth administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) (Eighth Grade Scores in 2024-2025
Class Trips
Cape Henlopen (eighth), Washington, D.C. (seventh), Overnight to Ashland Nature Center (sixth), Sandy Hill (fifth), French Trip to Quebec and Spanish Trip to Puerto Rico
JACK PHILLIPS, EdD Head of Upper School
Dr. Phillips brings his vast experience and commitment to the whole student experience. He graduated with a degree in Physics at Brown University and went on to earn his MM degree in Music Composition from Arizona State University and Boston Conservatory. In 2013 he completed his EdD degree in Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University. He previously served as the Interim High School Principal at The American School in London. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Head of the Middle School and then Head of the Upper School at Phoenix Country Day. Dr. Phillips also taught math and computer science while there.
Before undertaking his administrative roles, Dr. Phillips served as a teacher at Arizona State University, the New England Conservatory Preparatory Program, The Steppingstone Foundation in Boston and Commonwealth School in Boston. He has taught many subjects over the years, including mathematics, physics, computer science, music theory and history.
Upper School Faculty
44 Faculty Members
84% Advanced Degrees
20% PhD or another doctorate degree
UPPER SCHOOL
Ninth-12th Grade
Upper School students at Tower Hill can choose from over 60 electives as they craft their academic program alongside their advisor and Class Dean—two adults tasked with supporting student intellectual and social growth and agency. Our curriculum has classical roots and contemporary branches. It lives, expanding in directions appropriate to student interest, faculty passion and expertise, and world events.
At Tower Hill, Upper Schoolers propose and carry out original research projects, produce college-level writing with careful mentorship, and experience interdisciplinary, exploratory learning in the daily classroom environment.
“Tower Hill boasts an incredible group of Upper School teachers and faculty who lead their classes with extreme expertise and unwavering care. To me, they are essential to the Tower Hill Upper School experience as productive and intimate student-teacher relationships enable every student to thrive academically and personally. Every teacher inspires me to improve just by their sheer passion for teaching.”
- Brandon ’25
“The English department has given me countless opportunities to grow as a writer through independent studies, interesting courses and invaluable feedback on my work. Outside of class time, I’ve conversed with my teachers about our favorite books, discussed our shared passions and asked them for college advice. Their support is what led me to pursue a creative writing major at Columbia University.”
-Hannah ’25
311
Students in Upper School 138 Upper School Classes Offered Honors and Advanced courses offered in all subject areas in the Upper School Study Abroad trips
Global Scholars
3 National Merit Winners in 2025 2025 AP Exams
AP Scholar with Distinction: students: 34, avg. score: 4.39
AP Scholar with Honors: students: 11, avg. score 4.61
AP Scholar: students: 18, avg. score: 4.11
Class of 2025 Testing Means
The Global Scholar Certificate program allows motivated students to explore global studies topics more deeply, combining globallyoriented coursework, service learning, travel and enrichment opportunities. Senior global scholars complete a research project as the final step in earning the certificate.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Upper School students explore and discuss topics about diversity and inclusion, most notably during the annual Symposium, which is organized by students.
of
Leadership Advisory program, peer leadership program - student to student mentorship, peer tutors - Upper School students tutor as part of the student support network, Student Government Association (SGA), The Green Keys - student ambassadors
45 Student Clubs
Upper Schoolers get to participate in everything from Mock Trial to Science Olympiad. If students feel that something is missing, they are encouraged to start their own club!
100% of students attend a four-year college 98% of the class of 2025 received early admission acceptances
The Class of 2025 were admitted to 171 colleges
Tower Hill is rated #24 in the nation #1 in Delaware in percentage of students attending eight top colleges
-The Wall Street Journal
SUMMER SESSIONS
Tower Hill’s College Counseling meets with the rising seniors for mock interviews, essay ideas brainstorming, as well as continuing to update the college list.
COLLEGE COUNSELING
begins in ninth grade
COLLEGE COUNSELING AND NETWORKING
The Tower Hill College Counseling team is firmly grounded in the belief that discovering “good matches” between students and postsecondary institutions is what the college admission process is all about. We care what students think, and we care about where they will feel comfortable and at home. Our team leads programming, hosts college representatives and holds one-on-one meetings to educate students and families about the many different pieces of the college admission puzzle. By senior year, Tower Hill students are well positioned to compete for entrance into first-year classes at colleges and universities that fit students’ aspirations and help them to realize their academic potential.
MOLLY C. ELTON, P’28, ’31
Director of College Counseling
College Admissions Experience: University of Pennsylvania, Case Western Reserve University, Penn State University and Oberlin College
College Counseling Experience: Woodlawn School (North Carolina)
Education: Gettysburg College (BA) and Penn State University (M.Ed)
LINDSAY ACEVEDO ’95, P’33, 34
Assistant Head of School and Associate Director of College Counseling
College Admissions Experience: Yale University
Education: Yale University (BA)
WILLIAM YARNELL
Associate Director of College Counseling
College Admissions Experience: Swarthmore College, Villanova University, West Chester University and Saint Joseph’s University
College Counseling Experience: Salesianum School. Radnor Township School District and Unionville-Chadds Ford School District
Education: Villanova University (BA) and (MA)
CASEY YUROS, P’40
Associate Director of College Counseling
College Admissions Experience: Ursinus College and Neumann University
Education: Franklin and Marshall College (BA)
“The counselling team has helped me in immeasurable ways, starting from the initial college search to essay writing workshops, all my sessions with Ms. Elton and meetings with my parents.”
- Lily ’26
5-YEAR MATRICULATION 2021-2025
American Musical and Dramatic Arts Academy
American University (10)
Amherst College (2)
Arcadia University
Arizona State University (Tempe) (3)
Auburn University (2)
Belmont University
Berklee College of Music
Boston College (7)
Boston University (3)
Bowdoin College
Brown University (2)
Bucknell University (2)
Cabrini University (2)
Carleton College (2)
Carnegie Mellon University (3)
Case Western Reserve University (2)
Clark Atlanta University
Clemson University (3)
Colby College (3)
Colgate University
College of Charleston (4)
Colorado College (2)
Columbia University
Cornell University (7)
Dartmouth College (2)
Davidson College (4)
Delaware State University (3)
Denison University
Dickinson College
Drexel University (6)
Duke University (7)
Duquesne University
Elon University (10)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Prescott)
Emory University (5)
Flagler College
Florida State University (3)
Fordham University
Franklin & Marshall College (3)
George Washington University (2)
Georgetown University (9)
Georgia Institute of Technology
Gettysburg College (2)
Hamilton College
Hampton University
Harvard University (2)
Haverford College (4)
Howard University
Immaculata University
Ithaca College
James Madison University (4)
Johns Hopkins University (4)
King’s College London
Lafayette College
La Salle University
Lehigh University (3)
Loyola University Maryland
Lynn University (2)
Maryland Institute College of Art
Middlebury College (2)
New Jersey Institute of Technology
New York University (11)
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University (8)
Northwestern University (3)
Oberlin College (2)
Occidental College (2)
Oxford College of Emory University
Penn State University (University Park) (8)
Plymouth State University
Princeton University (2)
Purdue University (3)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (5)
Rice University
Rochester Institute of Technology (3)
Rollins College (3)
Rowan University (2)
Rutgers University (New Brunswick) (4)
Sacred Heart University (2)
Saint Joseph's University (2)
Sarah Lawrence College
Savannah College of Art and Design (3)
Sewanee: The University of the South (3)
Smith College (2)
Southern Methodist University (7)
Spelman College
St. Lawrence University
Stanford University (2)
Stetson University
Swarthmore College (4)
Syracuse University (3)
Temple University (4)
The College of Saint Rose
The New School
The Ohio State University (2)
The University of Alabama (2)
The University of Tampa (5)
The University of Tennessee (Knoxville) (2)
The University of Texas at Austin (3)
Towson University
Trinity College (3)
Tufts University (5)
Tulane University of Louisiana (9)
United States Coast Guard Academy (2)
United States Military Academy at West Point
University of Arizona
University of California (Berkeley)
University of California (Los Angeles) (3)
University of California (San Diego) (3)
University of Cambridge
University of Chicago
University of Colorado Boulder University of Delaware (43)
University of Louisville
University of Maryland (College Park)
University of Miami (4)
University of Michigan (6)
University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)
University of Mississippi (2)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (3)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of Notre Dame (2)
University of Pennsylvania (12)
University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh) (7)
University of Richmond (4)
University of South Carolina (3)
University of South Florida
University of Southern California
University of St Andrews (2)
University of Utah
University of Virginia (Main Campus) (6)
University of Wisconsin
Vanderbilt University (3)
Villanova University (3)
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (7)
Wake Forest University (10)
Washington and Lee University (7)
Washington College
Washington University in St. Louis
Webster University
West Chester University of Pennsylvania (3)
William & Mary (8)
Wofford College
Xavier University
Yale University
2 Lower School Specialists
3 Middle and Upper School Specialists
• Academic Coaching
• Study Skills
• Test Taking Tips
• Writing
2 Full-time Psychologists
Middle and Upper School Advisory
The mission of our Middle and Upper School Advisory Programs is to create a safe and supportive space for students to connect, reflect, create academic goals and discover ways in which they can engage with their school community and beyond.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Teaching and Learning Center (TLC)
Established in 2016, the TLC is a resource for students and teachers who wish to maximize learning processes, address specific academic challenges, engage in best practices, seek support for documented learning differences, or challenge themselves to achieve new levels of excellence.
The TLC serves as the “GPS” for Student Support Guides students to access the “network” of student support. Provides students with learning and study skills and tools. Synergizes the student support team made up of advisors, teachers, Learning Specialists, grade level deans, Division Heads, peer tutors and mentors, school psychologists, nurses, athletic trainers and coaches, our Director of DEI, each student’s family and individual tutors.
TLC
Wellness Center
The Wellness Center is committed to supporting the emotional growth and mental health of all of our students. The Wellness team collaborates directly with students, families, and faculty to lessen the impact of socialemotional difficulties on daily life for students. We strive for each of our students to be self-aware individuals who have contained within them individualized repertoires of coping strategies and self-identified networks of social support. Helping students to develop positive habits of self-care and a true sense of self-awareness are also part of this process. Collectively, these endeavors allow our students to cope as needed and thrive when possible.
Social Emotional Learning Department
Tower Hill is dedicated to helping students with the growth of their character. We consider skills-based Social Emotional Learning (SEL) instruction critical to our mission. In each division, students participate in both stand alone and integrated SEL offerings, such as Social Emotional Learning Foundations (SELF), mindfulness work and peer leadership activities.
Our SELF curricula, programs and initiatives are aligned with the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Competencies, a guiding framework published by CASEL, and designed to ensure that students acquire the essential social and emotional skills necessary for academic success and personal growth. The SEL department works collaboratively with all divisions to ensure that the comprehensive SELF curriculum is aligned with the school’s mission, vision and values. The department is composed of faculty and staff from all three divisions and various departments, including the Physical Health Office and the Wellness Center. The department leads and facilitates SEL-focused workshops, training sessions and parent education programs to support the holistic development of students.
All predicated on a guiding framework from the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL). https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/
CASEL Competencies
Creating opportunities for equity, inclusion and belonging where everyone is inspired to explore their authentic selves.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Building and engaging a more inclusive and student-centered community.
At Tower Hill, we embrace a broad definition of diversity that acknowledges the many ways each of us is unique, including, but not limited to, our various talents, perspectives, goals, ethnicities, identities and religions. Tower Hill School is non-sectarian and welcomes students of all religions and educates students on a wide range of holidays and cultural traditions.
With this broad definition in mind, we hope to create an educational environment in which each person is genuinely valued, respected, included and feels a sense of belonging. We believe that diversity, equity and inclusivity enrich the educational experience and strengthen our overall community.
GLOBAL INITIATIVES
International travel, exchange programs and coursework with a global focus are interwoven into the school’s offerings from the youngest ages. We aim to develop global scholars who are prepared for an interconnected world through numerous cross-cultural experiences that go well beyond the traditional academic curriculum. This approach fosters interdisciplinary discussion and a multitude of opportunities for community engagement.
International trips start in Middle School and Upper Schoolers have the opportunity to take part in travel abroad, exchange student programs, international student programs and service learning experiences. By participating in these programs, students are eligible to graduate with a Global Scholar Certificate.
Evening of the Arts
Visiting Artists
Woodshop
Photography
Darkroom and Digital Lab
Ceramics Studio 2 Kilns
3 Painting and Drawing Rooms
Advanced Studio Art Classes
5 Art Faculty In the 2024-2025 school year, students Won 21 Scholastic Art Awards
ART, MUSIC AND THEATER
Our vibrant arts program offers students numerous opportunities to participate in music, theater, visual art and design. Beginning in Preschool, students are exposed to the performing and visual arts, allowing them to specialize as they move into Upper School—or to continue to sample the variety that the curriculum offers.
Culture is at our doorstep. With the Delaware Art Museum less than a mile away and the Grand Opera House two miles away, our students benefit from multiple opportunities to step out of the classroom and experience the art and music world in the community.
Visual Art and Design
Our thriving art program has a deep foundation. The department includes five faculty members who specialize in different media shaped by a collective 60+ years of teaching. Their undergraduate and graduate degrees have served the school well in helping guide the students in their respective fine arts paths. Students have access to a comprehensive woodshop at the heart of the school, a large photography darkroom and digital lab, a ceramics studio with two kilns and three painting and drawing classrooms at their disposal.
Art and Spanish class at the museum. Seventh grade art and Spanish students took their learning outside of the classroom by walking to the Delaware Art Museum to learn more about Estampas de la Raza: Contemporary Prints from the Romo Collection.
Theater
Our Theater Department gives students a variety of opportunities to strut their stuff on stage, support productions behind the scenes or do both. Plays and musicals in Lower School enhance academic curriculum. In Middle School, students perform in talent shows and the traditional Eighth Grade Show. Fall and spring productions in Upper School involve students on stage in acting roles and off stage in roles as student directors, set builders and light and sound specialists.
Students participate in theater class every year from first through eighth grade.
Music
Through Lower and Middle School, the music program develops our students’ appreciation of music, as well as their instrumental and vocal abilities.
In Upper School, our music offerings expand to include Concert Band, Jazz Band, Concert Choir, Vocal Ensemble, String Orchestra and numerous small chamber groups. Guest performers and clinicians further enhance the program. Concerts in the winter and spring showcase the talents of our students.
The music building provides large vocal and instrumental spaces, along with smaller classrooms and practice rooms.
31 students were in the All-State programs for band, chorus and orchestra in the 2024-2025 school year.
ATHLETICS
Athletic competition is an integral part of the educational and developmental experience at Tower Hill. Many important lessons, such as teamwork, resilience and discipline, are learned on the field, court or track. Beginning in seventh grade, students have opportunities to participate in interscholastic competition, with a wide range of sports offered each season. Athletics are built into the school day as part of our physical education program, making it easy for students to explore new interests, build skills and enjoy the camaraderie of team life.
83
State Championships Won in DIAA Sponsored Sports
6
Gatorade Delaware Players of the Year
2021-2025
486
Student Athletes Earn All-conference Honors
109
Student Athletes Earn All-state Honors
32 Individual/Relay State Championships Won by Student Athletes
2 Full-time Trainers
41 Student-athletes Celebrated at Signing Events
Boys Sports
Fall
Cross Country (US/MS)
Football (US/MS)
Soccer (US/MS)
Winter
Basketball (US/MS)
Indoor Track (US/MS)
Swimming/Diving (US)
Wrestling (US/MS)
Co-ed Squash (US)
Spring
Baseball (US/MS)
Golf (US)
Lacrosse (US/MS)
Tennis (US)
Co-ed Tennis (MS)
Track and Field (US/MS)
Girls Sports
Fall
Cross Country (US/MS)
Field Hockey (US/MS)
Volleyball (US/MS)
Winter
Basketball (US/MS)
Indoor Track (US/MS)
Fitness/Yoga (MS)
Co-ed Squash (US)
Swimming/Diving (US)
Spring
Golf (US)
Lacrosse (US/MS)
Soccer (US/MS)
Tennis (US)
Co-ed Tennis (MS)
Track and Field (US/MS)
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
At Tower Hill, we believe every student has the potential to be a good leader by developing a repertoire of skills that are grown through hands-on work. Leadership opportunities for students begin in the Lower School and continue to grow throughout Middle and Upper School.
Lower School Service Learning
Research and Presentation Opportunities
Buddy Program
Middle School
Student Council
Clubs
Good Morning Middle School (student run newscast productions)
Student-led Assemblies and Announcements
Shadow Day Buddies
Lower School Buddies
Upper School
Research Opportunities
Student Government
Student Senate
Global Scholars
Green Keys
Clubs
Youth Environmental Summit Opportunities for Publication in newspapers like The New York Times
Boards
Arts
Athletics Discipline
Environmental
Global Initiatives
Honor Service
Social Justice
Student Life
Wellness
The Summer Institute Leadership Course
Environmental Summit
Tower Hill students and faculty attended the annual Youth Environmental Summit (YES!) at University of Delaware for the past three years. The conference is organized by our students for their peers outside of Tower Hill who may be concerned about environmental stewardship. Several students worked on the planning process and gave presentations as part of the break out sessions.
Youth
(YES!)
“I’m interested in politics and American government. I took courses on journalism and rhetoric in English. I ran the Young Voters’ Club and was the Secretary for Tower Hill’s Model UN. I’m really grateful for the support I received in starting up the Young Voters’ Club from the school. Planning assemblies, debates and events was a lot of work, but at Tower Hill, I had support that allowed the club to thrive and engage with the student body.” - Josie ’25
Original Research
Real-world learning experiences are invaluable for producing scholarly work products, and students in Advanced Chemistry had the chance to apply their knowledge by conducting original research at Agilent Technologies. The students were mentored by Dr. Samuel Haddad. They also received guidance from Agilent employees John Gavenonis P’29, ’33, who is a Tower Hill Trustee, parent Mike Zhang P’26 and their Tower Hill teachers, including Dr. Steven Harris.
The students’ research centered on the effects of an invasive species—the spotted lanternfly, or lycorma delicatula—on the honey produced by honeybees in and around Pennsylvania.
At Agilent, the samples were tested using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) machines, which separate and analyze chemicals in a given sample. This testing determined chemical traces of ailanthone in the differing honey samples.
“Dr. Haddad guided us and explained the process that we would use to analyze different samples. It was a super intriguing experience and I’m extremely grateful that Tower Hill offered this opportunity to students like us.” - Daniel ’25
The Summer Institute: Foundations in Leadership
The Tower Hill Summer Institute aims to provide students with enriching academic opportunities that foster curiosity, creativity, as well as personal and intellectual growth. The Institute offers a diverse range of courses and experiences designed to inspire exploration across various disciplines and interests. By engaging students in meaningful learning outside the traditional academic school year, we strive to cultivate self reflection, critical thinking, strengthen problem-solving skills and encourage a lifelong passion for learning. The Summer Institute opportunities will challenge students to build confidence and prepare them for future academic and professional endeavors.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Clubs
Clubs are a great way for students to participate in extracurricular activities both in and out of school. They can help develop interests and encourage a sense of responsibility and service to our school and the larger community. Students are encouraged to participate in at least one club, but many find they enjoy being involved in multiple clubs. The clubs we offer vary each year depending on the interests of the students. Any student may start a new club at the beginning of the school year by signing up and finding a faculty sponsor. Club leaders must check in with their Student Government Association representative once a month to share with them what they are doing and attendance.
Upper School Clubs
Abuelos y Tu
All Terrain Club
Art Club
Astronomy Club
B+ Club
The Bee Team
Black Student Alliance
Book Club
Business Club
Chess Club
Computer Science
Crocheting & Knitting Club
Dance Club
D&D Club
Debate Club
Diversity Club
East and Southeast Asian Student Association
EPEW (Empowered People Empower Women)
Finance Club
HSE - (Hui shuo English, can speak English)
HOSA
International Food Club
Logos-Philosophy Club
Lit Page
Math League
MENASA
Mock Trial
Model UN
The Movie Club
Optimism & Origami Club
Pride Club
Red Cross Club
Rendez-vous French Club
Robotics
Rodney Street Club
The Rubble
Speech Club
Spirit Club
Science Olympiad
Tomorrow’s Leaders of Delaware
Writing Club
Young Voters Club
The Tower Hill Robotics Club hosts the FIRST Robotics Delaware State Championship every year. Over the past five years, we have had multiple team wins and individual awards.
The Service Learning Board rolled out several initiatives that continue to strengthen the ties we value with our local community.
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
Sarah D. A. Baker became the 11th Head of Tower Hill School on July 1, 2023 after serving two years as the school’s Head of Upper School.
Ms. Baker grew up in Philadelphia, attended The Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square, PA, and went on to graduate summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Duke University. She started her teaching career at Agnes Irwin School teaching both Latin and History to Middle and Upper School students before returning to her alma mater in 2007 to work in its Development Office. In 2010, Sarah moved to Episcopal’s academic divisions, becoming Upper School Form Dean, and later in 2014, being appointed Chair of the English Department.
Sarah completed her Master’s Degree in Education in the Independent School Leadership Program at the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania in 2010, and she continues to serve as an Associate Instructor and mentor in the program. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS).
In 2016, Sarah became the Assistant Head of the Upper School at Collegiate School in Richmond, Virginia. After a successful five years in that role, she came to Tower Hill School to serve as Head of Upper School and now as Head of School.
Board of Trustees
Benjamin duPont ’82, Chair
Gina Ward, Vice Chair
Isabella Speakman Timon ’92, Secretary
Marna Whittington, Ph.D., Treasurer
Suzanne Ashley
Mark Bussard, MD, ’90
Kimberly Wright Cassidy, PhD
Régis de Ramel
Robert DeSantis
John Gavenonis, PhD
Jack Flynn, MD, ’81
Laird Hayward ’02
Catherine Miller
Rodney Morrison
David Nowland ’85
Lisa A. Olson ’76
Matt Plumb
Logan Read ’10
H. Murray Sawyer, Jr.
Sonal Sheppard
Genelle Trader ’70
Carmen Wallace ’93
Earl Ball, EdD, Emeritus
Sarah Baker Head of School and Ben duPont ’82 Board of Trustees Chair
“Our daughter loves going to Kaleidoscope! It gives her an opportunity to extend the learning and fun from her school day at Tower Hill. The staff does such a wonderful job with activities and opportunities for free play that she actually misses it when she doesn’t go.”
- Jennifer Cresswell,
Parent
Tower Hill School
Kaleidoscope aims to provide each child with a positive, safe and enriching after school experience. As an extension of the Lower and Middle Schools. This program aims to engage children in activities to support diversity of interests as well as cognitive and physical abilities. Children enjoy down time and a snack before heading to an enrichment program, completing homework or engaging in free play with friends. The Kaleidoscope program is held in its own building on campus and has its own resources.
Kaleidoscope Extended Day
Preschool - Sixth Grade
Extended Day is offered for Tower Tots through sixth grade with pickup times at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The program offers students the opportunity to unwind from their busy day, interact with friends, engage in a variety of after school activities and receive help with daily homework from teachers.
Seventh - Eighth Grade
After our older students finish their regular school day, Extended Day provides a continuation of the attention and guidance received in Tower Hill’s classrooms. Extended Day is available until 5:30 p.m. for seventh and eighth graders who are not picked up directly after sports practices.
Kaleidoscope Holiday Coverage
Kaleidoscope will continue to stay open when school is closed (except for national holidays). Children attending holiday care will experience a fun, hands-on program that is thoughtfully planned to appeal to all ages.
After School Enrichment Programs
Our Enrichment Program offers students in Tower Tots through sixth grade the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, such as dance, graphic design, chess, Chinese, field hockey, martial arts, music, painting, science, soccer, theater and yoga.
ARTS AND MUSIC
Acting Dance
Knitting
Painting
School of Rock
EDUCATIONAL FUN
Chess
Chinese
Coding
Crafts
Science Explorers
Spark Business Academy
SPORTS
Cheerleading
Field Hockey
Martial Arts
Yoga
Soccer
Tennis
ART CAMPS
Drawing and Painting
Photography
Silver Hammer Workshop
DAY CAMP
Bowling Crafts
Field Trips
Swimming
EDUCATIONAL AND STEM CAMPS
Chess Masters
Code Ninjas
Lego Robotics
Readiness Camp
SPORTS CAMPS
Baseball
Basketball
Field Hockey
Football
Lacrosse
Soccer
Tennis
Track and Field
Volleyball
Wrestling Clinic
Summer
Tower Hill at
Summer at Tower Hill offers many fun and engaging opportunities for Lower, Middle and Upper School students on campus, including a variety of summer academic programs.
TUITION AND FEES
2025-2026 School Year
Tower Hill School is committed to keeping tuition rates as reasonable as possible without sacrificing the quality of education upon which our reputation is founded. We commit to providing the best teachers and the best educational experience possible for your child.
Tuition
Tower Tots
$20,000
Grade 2 $29,100
Grade 3 $29,100
Grade 4 $29,100
Grade 5 $32,500
Grade 6 $32,500
Grade 7 $34,700
Grade 8 $34,700
Grades 9 $37,900
Grade 10
$37,900
Grade 11 $37,900
Grade 12 $37,900
Dining Room Charges
Tower Tots/Prekindergarten
$1,150 Kindergarten $1,150
Grades 1-2 $1,300
Grades 3-4 $1,380
Grades 5-8 $1,670
Grades 9-12 $1,720
Other Fees
Comprehensive Fee (all grades) $250 International Fee (if applicable) $2,500
FINANCIAL AID
The Tower Hill School financial assistance program is designed to make a Tower Hill education possible for all families based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds. Any candidate that is applying for admission at Tower Hill from Prekindergarten through 12th grade is eligible to apply for financial aid. Tower Hill is proud to use the Clarity Application to determine a family’s level of financial need based on the information that families share in the application, which includes assets, income, expenses and debts.
$13,100 average aid award
36% of our students received financial assistance
$4.1 Million provided for families in 2025
The application typically takes < 30 minutes
ADMISSION PROCESS
Thank you for your interest in Tower Hill School. Admission to Tower Hill is competitive, so we recommend prospective students and their families begin the application process in early fall of the year before entry. To be considered for our first round of admission decisions, our application deadline is early January. We will start notifying first-round applicants of the admission decision in mid to late January. Applications received after our January deadline are still considered, dependent upon space availability in the specific grade.
Meet The Admissions Team
LaRita Gordon
Director of Enrollment Management lgordon@towerhill.org
Linda Palmer
Admission Office
Administrative Assistant lpalmer@towerhill.org
Matt Twyman ’88, P’25, ’25, ’28 Director of Upper School Admission and Financial Aid mtwyman@towerhill.org
Alyssa Worrilow, P’38, ’40 Director of Lower and Middle School Admission aworrilow@towerhill.org
What are you looking for in a Tower Hill candidate?
During the admission process, we strive to come to know our applicants well through visits and conversation, as well as our review of school records, interviews and testing. The goal of the admission committee is to determine if Tower Hill can provide an optimal learning environment for each applicant. For our youngest applicants, we also ascertain if the child is developmentally ready for the program.
Tower Hill students display a natural curiosity and a drive to excel—in academics, the arts, athletics and beyond. Our students are caring and collaborative; they are enthusiastic learners, supportive teammates and thoughtful friends.
Application Steps
1 2 3
Complete an Inquiry Form
Click Inquire to fill out the form. You will receive an email to finish activating your online account
Application Materials
All application materials will be on your onlinechecklist once you inquire. Details and directions about how to upload or request these materials will also be on your checklist.
Preschool (Tower Tots-Kindergarten)
Current and previous year progress reports. If your child is not currently enrolled in a school, these will be waived
A letter of recommendation from the primary teacher submitted online through the application checklist
A playgroup with an informal assessment
Lower School (First-Fourth Grade)
Current and previous year report cards/grades
A letter of recommendation from the primary teacher submitted online through the application checklist
4 5
Application
Complete and submit an online application through your online checklist
Shadow Day or Playgroup
Schedule a shadow day or play group with our admission staff
Application Materials
Complete and submit all necessary application materials through your online application checklist
A shadow day which will include assessments. Rising first graders will partake in a playgroup with an informal assessment
Middle School (Fifth-Eighth Grade)
Current and previous year report cards/grades
An interview that will be conducted during the shadow day
Fifth Grade
A letter of recommendation from the primary teacher submitted online through the application checklist ISEE testing
Sixth-Eighth Grade
Three letters of recommendation from a math teacher, English teacher, and Principal or Counselor submitted online through the application checklist
ISEE or SSAT testing
Upper School (Ninth-12th Grade)
Current and previous year report cards/grades
Three letters of recommendation from math teacher, English teacher, and Principal or Counselor submitted online through the application checklist
ISEE or SSAT testing
An interview that will be conducted during the shadow day
