Where the Future Begins: Celebrating the Class of 2026
There are moments in a school year that feel bigger than the calendar can hold, and College Announcement Day is one of them. Each name called, and each college revealed, carries years of growth, challenge, and quiet determination, all leading to this turning point where what’s next finally comes into focus.
Every year, College Announcement Day is a mix of anticipation and reflection, of excitement for what’s ahead and gratitude for everything that led to this moment. It’s one of our favorite traditions at CDS, not just because of where our students are going, but because of the journey it represents.
On the morning of April 20, Upper School students, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the next step for the Class of 2026. One by one, their stories unfolded, each name paired with a future that has been shaped by years of hard work, growth, and discovery.
Before the first announcement was made, Mr. Guarino, CDS Director of College Counseling, paused to reflect on the path that brought this class here. Behind every student's college decision are many late nights, rewritten essays, conversations about possibilities, and the courage to take the next step.
Ninety-nine seniors, each with their own ambitions and aspirations, submitted a remarkable 902 applications to 198 colleges and universities across the globe.
This class approached the process with intention. Many chose to pursue early decision opportunities, committing to schools that felt like the right fit, and a strong majority saw that commitment return with acceptance. Nearly every student earned merit or athletic scholarships, a testament not only to their academic achievements but to the depth of their talents. Among them are National Merit scholars, student-athletes preparing to compete at the collegiate level, and leaders who have left a lasting mark on our community.
The Class of 2026 will continue their journeys across 19 states and the District of Columbia, stepping onto campuses where they will study, compete, create, and grow into the next version of themselves. Some will take the field or the court as collegiate athletes. Others will dive into research, the arts, business, or fields still waiting to be discovered. All of them carry with them the foundation built here.
What makes this day especially meaningful is not just the destinations, but the people who helped make them possible. As faculty and staff filled the room in their own college colors, it was a visible reminder of the guidance, mentorship, and encouragement that have shaped this class over the years. Teachers, advisors, coaches, and counselors walked alongside these students, offering both steady support and honest perspective when it mattered most.
Our College Counseling team has been at the heart of that journey. Through every decision, every question, and every moment of uncertainty, they have been a constant source of reassurance and celebration. They have championed our students, and their families, not only in the big, visible moments, but also in the quiet ones that happen behind the scenes.
As the announcements began, starting with those who could not be present and continuing through the rest of the class, the room shifted from reflection to celebration. Applause echoed. Smiles spread. And with each name, the future felt a little more real.
College Announcement Day is not an ending. It is a beginning.
To the Class of 2026, we are proud of who you are, and even more excited for who you are becoming. Wherever you go next, you carry a piece of CDS with you, and we cannot wait to see all that lies ahead.
Click HERE for all of the College Announcement Day photos.