Meet the Stewarts
Rori '23, London '27, EllaRose '32

Throughout your years as a Harpeth Hall parent, what have you enjoyed most about the school community?

Over the past decade at Harpeth Hall, there have been so many meaningful experiences, but what stands out most is the way inclusivity and intentionality are woven so naturally into the community. From the very beginning, we felt genuinely embraced by faculty, families, and students alike. There is a sincere warmth that defines the environment—one that goes far beyond simple greetings.

What truly sets this community apart is the depth of care behind every interaction. It shows up in thoughtful conversations, personal notes from teachers recognizing your daughter’s growth, and invitations for parents to engage and contribute. This level of connection is rare. The sense of care is not only visible—it is deeply felt, creating an atmosphere where support is constant and relationships are meaningful.

How does the all girls mission align with your family values and hopes for your daughters?

The mission of Harpeth Hall —to think critically, lead confidently, and live honorably—closely reflects the values we emphasize as a family. We want our daughters to go beyond surface-level understanding, developing the ability to question, analyze, and form their own well-informed perspectives.

Equally important is the focus on leadership. To us, leadership is a thoughtful and intentional process—one that shapes and refines their abilities as they grow into the women they are meant to become. At the core of that leadership is integrity. Without strong character, leadership has little meaning, which is why the honor code is something our daughters carry with them both in and out of the classroom. With these principles guiding them, they are being prepared to become impactful and forward-thinking leaders for their generation.

What have been the most rewarding parts of watching your daughters navigate their passions and interests while at Harpeth Hall?

Harpeth Hall truly excels at supporting each student as an individual. With three daughters who have very different personalities, we’ve seen how they’ve been encouraged to explore their own interests in their own way. Our two oldest took very different paths—Rori began with athletics and later found her place in the arts, including dance company and serving as a student ambassador, while London gravitated toward service and leadership through volunteering, Model UN, affinity groups, and conferences. In their own ways, both girls were able to discover who they are and confidently express it, and we know EllaRose will do the same..

How did Harpeth Hall prepare Rori for life beyond high school? How do you see London’s college process taking shape? What aspects of their growth have made you most proud?

From early on, the school recognized Rori’s strength as a more reserved leader and intentionally helped her grow in environments alongside more outspoken personalities. Now, as a junior at Spelman College, she has fully stepped into that identity and is flourishing. She actively pursues opportunities that many students might shy away from and carries herself with confidence and authenticity. Watching her growth has been incredibly rewarding. Her journey has also influenced London, who now approaches her own college path with a broad, limitless perspective. Seeing how well Rori was prepared has given London a deep sense of confidence about what lies ahead. What makes me most proud is that both of them are unafraid to be fully themselves—they faced fears early on, which now gives them the freedom to aim high and dream without limits.

What do you hope for your youngest, EllaRose, as she begins her own Harpeth Hall experience next year?

Our youngest, EllaRose, will be joining this fall as a 7th grader and is stepping into this next chapter with confidence, already excited about the sports, clubs, and activities she wants to pursue. This foundation won’t just support her growth—it will accelerate it. We’re looking forward to watching her continue to develop in such a strong and nurturing environment.

What role do parents play in the Harpeth Hall community? How have you built connections with other parents?

The parent community at Harpeth Hall plays an essential role in shaping the overall experience. There is a high level of engagement and genuine support across every part of campus life. Building relationships feels natural because families are open and welcoming, whether you’re joining a committee or attending an event. Connections form easily, creating meaningful and lasting friendships. In addition, I founded Mocha Bear Families, an affinity group designed to support families of color, which further strengthens those connections for both parents and students. Together, this group and the broader Harpeth Hall community create a network of relationships that extend far beyond the school years.

What advice would you give families new to Harpeth Hall? What are you excited for them to experience?

It’s common for families to feel some uncertainty when entering a new space, but my biggest advice is to remain open. While those initial nerves may not disappear immediately, experiencing the culture, the community, and seeing how naturally your child finds her place makes all the difference. Once you witness that “Harpeth Hall magic,” it brings a sense of ease and trust in the process—leading to a truly meaningful and rewarding journey.