The Webb School community celebrated the start of its 157th academic year with photos and an All-School Chapel on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

The first All-School Chapel of the 2026–27 academic year officially began with a special entrance by the 51 members of Webb's Class of 2027, who were met with cheers and applause as they returned from their Senior Class Trip. In her opening remarks, Webb's Head of School, Dr. Polly Parker, recognized the profound impact that the choices we make each year can have on our experiences, relationships, and, ultimately, who we become.

Dr. Parker noted that, like a GPS, members of the Webb community can use the start of a new school year to “recalculate” their destination—taking responsibility, apologizing, learning from the past, and choosing a better direction than ever before. "Here at The Webb School, you are not only learning mathematics, science, history, languages, literature, and the arts. You are here to grow into people of integrity, courage, compassion, and strength,” Dr. Parker said. “Let us begin this school year committed not only to becoming stronger students but also to becoming thoughtful, honorable, and compassionate people."

For more than a century and a half, The Webb School has provided opportunities for students to lead and serve their communities in meaningful ways. Students were reminded of this today, as Webb's new school Chaplain, Mr. Michael Masters, shed light on the hundreds of senior class portraits that adorn the Follin Chapel walls, encouraging those seated before him to "seize the day"—to make life extraordinary—so that they, too, will be remembered for the ways they've shaped their School's history. "This is your chance to grow into and navigate your character; to leave a legacy for the next generation," he said. 

With purpose, integrity and a commitment to becoming the best versions of themselves, students departed the Follin Chapel both energized and eager to make a difference during the 2026–27 school year.