With the next school year starting, Burroughs welcomes the class of 2025 in addition to eleven new freshmen, several new sophomores, four juniors, and an eighth-grader. While the school is known to be inclusive and accepting, transitioning to JBS can be a nerve-wracking experience.  New students are forced to balance factors such as adjusting to the academic environment, making new friends, and fulfilling the sports requirement. Every student who attends JBS is challenged and motivated to stretch their horizons—both academically and athletically.  Characterized by eagerness and enthusiasm, the incoming batch of new students are properly equipped to succeed in a different environment and form new friendships.

Grace Pottebaum (‘22), an incoming sophomore who was homeschooled, stresses her enthusiasm to join the Burroughs community. Her decision to attend Burroughs was founded on the “supportive community, incredible academics, competitive sports, and amazing people.”  Although she is nervous about navigating the newly renovated campus, Pottebaum said, “I’m looking forward to making lifetime friends with not only [my] peers but also the faculty and teachers.” Pottebaum is also looking forward to athletic competition with her diverse skill set demonstrated through her interest in swimming, field hockey, and lacrosse.

Savannah Gafford (‘23), who previously attended Crossroads, is one of eleven new students to join the freshmen class this fall. Although she is somewhat nervous about the increased amount of homework at Burroughs, Gafford said, “I’m very excited to experience things that [her] old school did not have, such as football games.” Gafford added that she chose Burroughs because of its reputation, challenging academics, and many extracurriculars. Gafford is eager to make new friends at Burroughs, and she plans to join the golf team this fall and dance program in the winter.

Kullan Padda (‘25) is joining the new class of seventh-graders and wanted to attend Burroughs because of his family’s influence and the school’s strong reputation. He has a sister who is an incoming sophomore along with two cousins who have already graduated. Padda, like Gafford and Pottebaum, is particularly excited to meet his new classmates. He’s also grateful to be attending JBS with several members of his old school, New City, which will assist with his transition into the JBS community. Like his fellow classmates, Padda stated that he is “excited about academics and a brand-new environment.”

Despite the challenges of attending a new school, all the students will undoubtedly adjust to the Burroughs environment and form unbreakable bonds. Returning students and faculty are eager to welcome the new students. Pottebaum expressed her excitement towards beginning her JBS career and added that she is “extremely grateful to be welcomed into such a special place.”