Like many aspects of life, high school evolves, slowly transforming over decades. Regardless of the school, various cultural, academic and social differences play a role in faculty and student lives throughout high school. Janet Williams explained one of the “ obvious [differences] is always sports for girls. [I went to high school] pre-Title IX…so when I was in high school, there was only one [option], and it was being a cheerleader.” 

For social studies teacher David Zalk, “one [difference] is that things were much more formal then [compared to] now. There were sort of stricter rules about everything.”

For math teacher Susan Kreisle and chemistry teacher Williams, who went to rural schools in Kentucky and Michigan, respectively, the Upper School’s academics are much more rigorous. Kreisle explained, “My school didn’t have particularly high academic expectations.” However, having attended Blake, Zalk believed that “the [current] level of rigor that is expected of student work is much diminished.”

While reflecting upon the college process in high school, Williams observed, “There seems to be a greater anxiety level among kids than I remember among people my age…everybody had worries, but I see more anxiety than I used to.” Kreisle agreed, explaining that part of the equation is “strik[ing] a balance…I think that’s the challenge.”

High school has changed, and will continue to do so. Kreisle stated, “don’t go get too wrapped up in it all…college will come. I think there’s a thinking ahead that you don’t enjoy the moment.” As Zalk explained, “There is this tremendously wide range of people’s experiences in high school…some are in their element, and other people can’t stand it [and] can’t wait to get out. I had a great time in high school, but I’m sure that was not a universal experience.”