From the Head of the Middle School
Upon entering the Hamlin Middle School, one immediately senses a common purpose. Girls and their teachers are engaged in a learning process characterized by inquiry, critical thinking, and relevance. Whether they are examining good and bad friendships among the Greek deities and applying those attributes to their own lives, taking their resting heart rate and noting its increase after aerobic exercise, or using laptops to locate current events, each student is building her competence, confidence, and learning strategies.
Welcome!
The heart of the educational experience at Hamlin lies in the relationships between each student and her teachers. The daily schedule and program are designed to maximize the interaction between teachers and students in a variety of settings. In advisory or the Robotics Club, on the volleyball court or backstage behind the Seussical set, in the snow in Yosemite or in the kitchen of Glide Memorial Church, the faculty and the students engage in learning opportunities that broaden their perspectives and emphasize the valuable contribution that each person can offer to a collaborative endeavor. As a result of these daily, layered interactions, the teachers get to know the girls deeply. They discover how each girl learns best, where each has the opportunity to shine and where each needs support and encouragement. Together, the teachers and students share a love of learning. The regular collaboration among teachers and their focused professional development builds their expertise on the academic, social, and emotional growth of Middle School girls.
Challenging the girls to grow, to learn about themselves, and to become increasingly responsible for their own education requires a strong partnership between the parents and the Hamlin faculty. Parent conferences are scheduled twice during each academic year; in addition, parents are in touch with their daughters’ advisors regularly. Both faculty and parents benefit from a wide number of outside speakers on topics ranging from maintaining a healthy body image to raising psychologically healthy daughters.
As you explore the website, I hope that you can see our commitment to adolescent girls. I invite you to visit for a first hand look at the exciting, innovative educational experience at Hamlin. The girls love their school and are committed to making it an inclusive environment that values both working hard and having fun.
Sincerely,
Erik Carlson
Middle School Head
San Francisco, California