Welcome from the Head of School

Dear Friends,

St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s became my professional home in 1993. Since then, it has become much more than that; the students, parents, and faculty are at the center of my hopes and concerns each day. Our families and faculty are more than a community; they are an extended family that cares for one another, promotes one another, and celebrates one another. It is a privilege for me to serve them as head of school.

I consider it my sacred duty to continue St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s founding mission—to bring together children and families of all backgrounds to learn about one another and from one another. Our founder, Mother Ruth, had this vision in 1950, and we renew our commitment to it every day and every year, for the past 70 years. It is in our blood and in our bones; it is at the heart of all we do.

Leading an elementary school is the fulfillment of the dream I had since the start of my career. Early childhood and elementary education provide an essential opportunity to build a strong and lasting foundation that will support and propel our students throughout their lives. Our attention, our efforts, and our resources are focused solely on the needs of children and their early education. This singular focus allows us to provide experiences that make children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn. 

My hope for all of our students is that their educational experiences provide the bedrock upon which they build lives that bring them joy, purpose, and satisfaction. Serving as their head of school brings me all of these gifts and more.

Sincerely,

Virginia Connor
Head of School 

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 A headshot of Virginia Connor, the Head of School for St. Hilda's & St. Hugh's in Manhattan, NYC.

 

Virginia Connor
Head of School

M.A. Teachers College Columbia University

B.S .Wheelock College

 

Appointed in 1993, Virginia Connor is the longest serving female head of an ongoing school in New York City. Virginia has taught every elementary grade and has been a director of lower school, a director of middle school, an admission officer, and a director of curriculum development. Currently, she serves on the Board of Trustees of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), the Independent School Admission Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY), and Dominican Academy.