This summer, I rewatched The Seven Year Itch—during one of my long Greek afternoons—Billy Wilder’s film starring Marilyn Monroe, which, I had forgotten, features the iconic dress / subway grate scene. I chose to watch it because the title made me smile: I am, after all, beginning my seventh year at The École. Am I, too, about to get restless and find myself tempted by the promise of something new?

Let me reassure you—at least, I hope you will be reassured!—nothing could be further from my mind. Instead, it’s quite the opposite: it feels like I’m experiencing a new beginning. Last year’s move to 115, this summer’s renovations at 206, and the recruitment of Emily and Pauline to strengthen our teams are fundamental milestones in our journey. Milestones that can be seen either as the culmination of everything we have accomplished or as the start of a new chapter. As you might have guessed, I stand firmly in the second camp. Our successes are real, and it is natural that we take pride in them. But the achievements of the past are also—and perhaps above all—the foundations on which we are building our future and that of our students.

That future looks different at each stage of the school. In Maternelle, our goal is to make a proven bilingual model that families value so highly, even more nurturing, effective, and cohesive. We have just two seats remaining in the entire building—and probably not for long—we have already enrolled our first students for 2027! (Welcome, Catharina and Arthur!) In Elementary, where the changes in recent years have been the most significant, the team continues to focus on meeting every child’s needs by (re)examining our practices, our methods, and how we assess learning. Here, too, the numbers are remarkable: we have just 11 places remaining across 1st through 5th Grade, some of which are expected to be filled shortly. Finally, our Middle School continues to grow, with 79 students today and 80 within the next few weeks. At the same time, we continue to respond ever more closely to our families’ aspirations, notably through an elective system that gives our students exciting opportunities to shape individualized educational paths.

In total, 386* students started the new school year on Tuesday, including 70 new students whom we are delighted to welcome and who we know will contribute to the life of The École and help make it the exceptional place we all care so deeply about. For reference, we had 370 students when we came back to school in September 2025; this sustained, controlled growth illustrates the strength and vitality of our school.

All of that said, there are still challenges ahead, and I will have the opportunity to explore some of them in these letters over the coming weeks: the place of AI in education, particularly in light of the directives coming from New York City’s mayor, as well as the PISA test results published this week, which show a worrying decline in student performance, particularly in wealthier countries.

I approach these challenges and undoubtedly others with enthusiasm and confidence—in an economic and political climate in which not every school is fortunate enough to thrive like ours. I am buoyed by a remarkable team that inspires me every day; by the laughter of the children, which we missed so much during the summer and which gives us resolve; and, finally, by my undiminished joy in leading The École for a seventh year. No seven-year itch for me, then. No surprise there; after all, there is nowhere better than The École!

Shana Tova to all those celebrating, and have an excellent weekend, everyone. I look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow at our traditional picnic.

*386 students are enrolled, although some had not yet physically arrived at school on Tuesday.