NMH Mission

Education for the Head, Heart, and Hand

Northfield Mount Hermon engages the intellect, compassion, and talents of our students, empowering them to act with humanity and purpose.

The NMH Board of Trustees developed and approved this mission statement in 2009. Board members, along with students, faculty, and staff, also look to a set of core values for guidance and inspiration: excellence, respect, integrity, persistence, creativity, and teamwork.

These fundamental values are manifested in our community through:

  • A teaching and learning culture that helps students become versatile problem-solvers, compassionate thinkers, and effective communicators.
  • An innovative academic curriculum that offers choice and challenge.
  • Vibrant, engaging, and expansive co-curricular programming.
  • Transformative responsibilities and experiences, including the work program, social-justice programs, global study, and sustainability initiatives.
  • An opportunity for and encouragement of spiritual development through religious traditions, exploration of the human experience, and appreciation of the natural world.
  • The expectation and practice of egalitarian ideals, especially honesty, civility, hopefulness, curiosity, and tenacity.
  • A commitment to cultivate a community of individuals who are willing and able to be meaningful contributors rather than mere consumers.
  • Embracing diversity in all its forms and challenging attitudes in conflict with genuine multiculturalism, equity, and social justice.

A bird's eye view

 

Rob Werner ’79

This environmental lobbyist wants to talk to you about climate change.

Nhu Hoang

My philosophy is: Fail early, so you can eventually succeed.

Tabatha Collins

Struggling in a class doesn't mean that you are not good at it.

Camryn Crocker

I ask myself, “What would I want if I were a student here?”

Gretel Schatz, Director of the Dance program, instructs a dance student.

I want dance students to engage their own memory and intellect.

Hugh Silbaugh

"I’m a teacher and a dean. Teaching always comes first."

Becca Malloy

Science isn't just talk, but it certainly helps.

Mary Hefner

I love teaching AP Bio. The kids are highly motivated.

Eugene

“The best thing about NMH is the connections you make.” 

Connor

“NMH challenges students to innovate and persevere while keeping in mind the effects of our actions on the community."

Taneyah

“This community gives me the resources to grow as a student and discover passions I never knew I had.” 

Anna

“I am confident in myself and my abilities to succeed, thanks to NMH.”

Miles

"I love the freedom I have to explore what I am passionate about."

Leighlani

"NMH gives us space to experiment and gradually to grow into ourselves."

Noah

"I noticed how welcoming everyone was when I first came to campus.”

Ayleen

“The first step to excelling at NMH is embracing your own individuality.” 

Tayhee

“I appreciate the bond faculty and students have at NMH.”

Marissa

"The community at NMH is unlike any I’ve ever known, and for that I am grateful.”

Olivia

"NMH allows me to be myself in the classroom and ensures I am an articulate, curious, and courageous student.”

Aksorn

“I was initially surprised by how relaxed, yet academic, the environment is."

Maggie

Dance has taken this creative learner on an artistic journey. 

Xiaoxian (Lily)

 “My teachers told me to use my own voice, and they pushed me to think about what I really believed in.”

Abby

"The curriculum here is hard, but it’s the right amount of hard."

Ngone

“The academics are extremely rigorous, but because of the way teachers present things, it’s like, ‘I have school today!’”

Eli
Eli

“The learning you can do in a study-abroad program can outweigh anything else you can do even at a school like this.” 

Kevin

“NMH encouraged me to explore new things, try everything, and see what’s best for me.”

Isabella

“You’ll always find a place here as long as you just be yourself.”

Melvin

“There is a community here that cares about you.”