50p
Hope House 1
In 1972, almost 51 years ago, Brentwood became the first all-boys school to transition to co-education and welcome female students. The change was significant, and many modifications were made to accommodate the new students, from small facilities like female washrooms to larger ones like an all-girls house.
Alexandra House, familiarly known as Alex House, was the first girls' house. It was initially named Hope House after the first Headmaster.
After the first iteration of the house, Hope House was formally founded in September 2010 as part of Rogers House. The wings of Rogers were separated by drywall, and Hope House inhabited one wing. Ms Hedquist was a part of Hope House since its creation, initially as an Assistant Houseparent, then transitioning to a Houseparent. According to Ms Hedquist, "Starting the house in the north end of Rogers was very difficult because I had never lived on campus before, and neither had Ms Olzewski, who was working with me. We had to build the house from scratch."
In September 2015, Hope House was established in the current building. Ms Hedquist states, "This time around was much easier since most of the girls already knew what they were doing. The students helped a lot, forming the standards and procedures we follow today. Even though the house was twice as big, it ran more smoothly than ever." Mariana S, Hope '24, commented on the students' involvement in the house, expressing that "Hope House is so special because it feels like everyone has a voice. The adults listen to the girls, and we are able to make adjustments that benefit the whole house."
From the North wing of Rogers to the large building it is today, Hope House has come a long way. However, the students' involvement in the house has been its beating heart since day one.
Neve M, Hope ‘23
Alexandra House, familiarly known as Alex House, was the first girls' house. It was initially named Hope House after the first Headmaster.
After the first iteration of the house, Hope House was formally founded in September 2010 as part of Rogers House. The wings of Rogers were separated by drywall, and Hope House inhabited one wing. Ms Hedquist was a part of Hope House since its creation, initially as an Assistant Houseparent, then transitioning to a Houseparent. According to Ms Hedquist, "Starting the house in the north end of Rogers was very difficult because I had never lived on campus before, and neither had Ms Olzewski, who was working with me. We had to build the house from scratch."
In September 2015, Hope House was established in the current building. Ms Hedquist states, "This time around was much easier since most of the girls already knew what they were doing. The students helped a lot, forming the standards and procedures we follow today. Even though the house was twice as big, it ran more smoothly than ever." Mariana S, Hope '24, commented on the students' involvement in the house, expressing that "Hope House is so special because it feels like everyone has a voice. The adults listen to the girls, and we are able to make adjustments that benefit the whole house."
From the North wing of Rogers to the large building it is today, Hope House has come a long way. However, the students' involvement in the house has been its beating heart since day one.
Neve M, Hope ‘23