‘I think … I see… I wonder …’: Schoolwide theme asks what are you curious about?

When Harpeth Hall launched its strategic design process, one of the guiding questions that centered every conversation was: “What do we hope for each Harpeth Hall student — and, ultimately, for each of our graduates?”

The result was a new vision statement, now the school’s North Star.

With a deepening understanding of herself and boundless curiosity about the world, each Harpeth Hall graduate embraces her strengths and leads a life of purpose.

The statement articulates Harpeth Hall's vision for alumnae as they step into their futures.

This year, current students are putting two words from that vision statement into daily practice: boundless curiosity. As the schoolwide theme for 2025-2026, boundless curiosity is showing up everywhere — from classrooms to clubs — in tangible and myriad ways.

"At Harpeth Hall, every student is able to search for herself and always learn more,” one of this year’s student ambassadors said. “The word 'boundless' in this year's statement is proven by the endless variations of expertise that a student can seek."

Across divisions, teachers are building lessons that ask students to research, investigate, create, and pursue deeper understanding.

In the middle school, 6th graders began the year studying termite behavior. They turned a curious question —Why do termites trace a line drawn on paper? — into a hands-on inquiry activity that blended observation and hypothesis-testing. The science department also rebranded their book carts, which are curated by librarians and offer flexible reading and research options for early finishers, as “curiosity carts.”

Students in 7th and 8th grades wrote “Dear Math” letters, an assignment that invited them to reflect honestly on their past experiences with math and gave teachers insight into how students approach problem-solving. And in her 8th grade speech, Grace Stephan used her love of music to explore how a single interest can open the door to deeper inquiry — an idea echoed in this year’s speech prompts, which ask students to reflect on curiosity in their own lives.

The walls have also come alive with questions. In the middle school pods, large bulletin boards featuring student art now pose reflection questions that encourage girls to consider how artists observe, interpret, and imagine. “I think … I see … I wonder …”

In the upper school, students explored the theme through advisory. Each group defined boundless curiosity in their own words, then contributed individual notecards to a collective collage displayed in the Bullard Bright IDEA Lab. The activity asked girls to examine moments when they felt deeply curious, how curiosity shapes learning, and how it motivates change. Their responses — written in short phrases — show a community thinking intentionally about what it means to wonder, question, and seek understanding.

Student leaders say that curiosity is both a skill and a mindset that prepares girls for a world where the answers they seek are rarely simple and sometimes still emerging.

"A lot of times, people think that learning means solving a problem or finding an answer, when in reality, it is often the opposite. I believe the best type of learning is when you don't know the answer and you are longing to find answers."

5 ways today’s Harpeth Hall students say curiosity comes alive on campus

Curiosity has long been a part of Harpeth Hall’s DNA. Ask today’s upper school student ambassadors what fuels their learning and they will tell you it is not just what happens in the classroom, it is how the school encourages them to wonder, research, explore, and think for themselves.

1. Questions are welcome here In every classroom, curiosity takes the lead. Teachers not only welcome questions, they celebrate them by creating space for students to dig deeper and challenge assumptions.
2. Encouragement that inspires Teachers encourage students to think critically, pursue wonder, and explore topics beyond surface-level understanding. The goal isn’t always to get the “right” answer but instead to uncover interesting ideas.
3. Programs and clubs that open doors Premier programs such as Winterim, Global Scholars, SEEK, and the variety of clubs and organizations provide chances to explore their interests and connect curiosity with real-world experiences.
4. Learning for the love of it Grades matter, but genuine understanding matters more. Students say they feel free to learn for the joy of discovery, and that focus makes their academic drive stronger. 
5. Academic spirit that is contagious When classmates cheer each other on, enthusiasm for learning spreads. The collaborative energy between the girls builds a culture of learning that keeps thoughts flowing and curiosity alive long after class ends.

From our community:

“The ‘not perfect’ signs across campus are always there to remind me that I will never have all the answers, nor am I expected to, so I am always ready to ask questions in such a supportive environment.”

“My teachers are so curious and genuinely interested in their subjects. This curiosity infiltrated my mindset and pushed me to take more advanced classes and learn outside of the classroom.”

“I have always been a curious learner but never had the confidence to ask questions. Not only have the teachers at Harpeth Hall given me a platform to become confident but I have also found a stronger sense of pride when asking questions.”

“The three weeks of Winterim, whether it be at school or at an internship, are a time where students are encouraged to learn just for the sake of learning — ask all the random questions or do a deep dive.”

“Curiosity is in the air we breathe at Harpeth Hall. It takes immense confidence and trust to ask questions, to raise your hand in class, to visit your teacher with a question, so Harpeth Hall fosters an environment of confidence and trust.”

“When I first came to Harpeth Hall, I had a very narrow mindset: I knew that I was good at English, and I figured that that was going to be my one serious area of study. But Harpeth Hall encouraged me to explore a variety of subjects, which has increased my curiosity for subjects outside the humanities. For example, through my SEEK project about the physics of roller coasters and my time on the robotics team, I've also become really interested in mechanics and engineering.”

“One of my favorite ways Harpeth Hall has encouraged my curiosity is through Global Scholars. Every rotation, I get the chance to meet with girls and discuss major or minor global events. This is all while doing an independent research project on a subject of my choosing!”

“Success in the classrooms at Harpeth Hall is not defined as grades but rather by your curiosity with a subject and what you do with your curiosity, whether it be doing extra research, asking questions that are non-essential to tests, or just thoroughly doing assignments.”

“I don't see classwork as just a checkbox or something to get over with. Harpeth Hall has nurtured our minds to grasp an understanding of the world that goes beyond tests or essays.”

“My curiosity has grown since coming to Harpeth Hall by constantly being encouraged to ask questions. When surrounded by equally curious girls, you cannot help but be curious to know even more about a subject or topic.”