In the latest episode of On Point, Head of School Mark McKee sits down with two long-standing members of Viewpoint’s parent community, Kathy and Amir Heshmatpour P’19, ’29, to discuss philanthropy, and the deeper journey of finding a cause that matters to you. The Heshmatour family has been extraordinary partners to Viewpoint over the years, and they’re also the Presenting Sponsors of our upcoming 43rd Annual Benefit on May 2, focused on the cause of student access and opportunity. Kathy and Amir share their personal philanthropic journey, why they chose children and education as causes to support, and the importance of leadership and advocacy. This episode provides valuable insight for anyone trying to find their cause, and how it can enrich lives. Their conversation also underscores how events like our Annual Benefit bring the community together to power collective philanthropy.

In the latest episode of On Point, Head of School Mark McKee sits down with Director of College Counseling Rhody Davis to discuss the evolving college admissions landscape and what today’s students and families need to know.Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience at Viewpoint School and prior work in admissions at the University of Chicago, Rhody shares insights on early application trends, the importance of authenticity, and how relationship-driven counseling helps students build strong, distinctive profiles. Their conversation also offers practical guidance for navigating expectations, managing the process with perspective, and trusting that each student’s path will unfold in the right way.This episode provides valuable insight for parents and students seeking clarity, perspective, and reassurance in an increasingly complex process—while reinforcing a central message: with the right guidance, authentic choices, and trust in the journey, students will find the path that’s right for them.

In the newest episode of On Point, Head of School Mark McKee sits down with Assistant Head of School for Enrollment, Laurel Baker Tew, to talk about navigating the independent school admission journey.With more than two decades of experience at Viewpoint and as a respected voice in the national enrollment industry, Laurel offers perspective on what families should know as they begin their search, common misconceptions about the process, and how to identify the right fit for each child.Their conversation also explores broader trends shaping the independent school landscape, from demographics and financial aid to innovation, trust, and the growing number of educational options.This episode offers practical advice and thoughtful guidance for parents who want to better understand what sets independent schools, and Viewpoint, apart in 2025 and beyond.

In the latest episode of On Point, Head of School Mark McKee sits down with Film Department Chair Catherine Dunn and film teacher Monica Hoenig. Having recently wrapped our annual Film IV Symposium, they talk about how the program nurtures our students' creativity, and prepares them for a changing world. From curriculum to the film festival circuit, they explore the depth and breadth of our offerings for Seventh through Twelfth graders. Hear their insights on how film education not only builds technical and storytelling skills, but also fuels a courageous mindset and inspired leadership.

In the latest episode of On Point, Head of School Mark McKee sits down with Music Department Chair Kristin Herkstroeter and instrumental music teachers Kim Gonzalez and Greg Zilboorg. Fresh from last week’s Fifth through Twelfth Grade Strings Concert and preparing for the upcoming Sixth through Twelfth Grade Band Concert on March 18, they discuss the role of music education in shaping students’ TK-12 experience.From curriculum to pedagogy, they explore how music at Viewpoint is more than performance—it’s an essential part of learning! Hear their insights on how music builds skills, fosters creativity, and enriches the student experience at every grade level.

In the latest episode of “On Point,” Head of School Mark McKee is joined by our three Choral Music teachers, Hannah Lande (Primary School), Ashley Nguyen (Lower School), and Carrie Dietsch (Middle and Upper School), to talk about how music education propels our mission, vision, and values at Viewpoint. Hear how “it’s more than magic in our choral classrooms,” and how it’s rooted in curriculum and pedagogy. Mark and our talented teachers dig into why music education matters in a student’s TK-12 journey, and share a day in the life of their classrooms. You don’t want to miss this magical episode. Go behind the curtain with us!