During the 2024-25 school year, Ashley Hall focused on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) #3: Good Health and Well-Being. Students engaged in meaningful discussions and initiatives around physical and mental health, access to health care, and global well-being. This emphasis allowed our community to explore health from multiple angles, incorporating science, humanities, service, and wellness into a broader understanding of living a healthy life. We are excited to expand our approach as we look ahead to the 2025-26 school year and the program’s fifth anniversary. Rather than centering on a single goal, Ashley Hall will take a holistic perspective on the UNSDGs, integrating multiple goals into school programming to deepen connections and opportunities for student engagement.
A Broader Approach to the UNSDGs
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals consist of 17 interconnected objectives designed to address global challenges such as poverty, climate change, gender equality, and quality education. By introducing the complete framework in a broad and integrated way, Ashley Hall will provide students with a more comprehensive view of global sustainability and the many ways they can contribute to meaningful change. Through this expanded approach, we will encourage students to explore connections between different goals, understanding how progress in one area—such as health (Goal #3)—is deeply linked to others, like clean water and sanitation (Goal #6) or responsible consumption (Goal #12) continuing our trend of deepening connections across studies and areas of learning and building on the Ashley Hall global perspective. Ashley Hall Community Partnerships and Global Education Coordinator Tylery Moseley is looking forward to the wider angle: “I’m excited for students to have access to more connection-making opportunities as they explore the goals as a whole program. I think shifting our approach to open up conversations about all UNSDGs will allow us to dig deeper into our adoption of the program and make it more accessible. The opportunities are endless; I can’t wait to see where the girls decide to take this project in the coming years and where they focus their energies.”
Expanding Opportunities for Engagement
With this shift, Ashley Hall will work to incorporate multiple UNSDGs into a wide range of programs, ensuring that more students, faculty, and community members can engage with sustainability efforts in diverse ways. This could include:
Academic Integration: Encouraging cross-disciplinary learning that ties curriculum topics to different UNSDGs.
Service Learning & Community Partnerships: Expanding local community outreach efforts to align with a broader range of sustainability goals.
Student-Led Initiatives: Providing opportunities for students to take ownership of projects that align with their interests and specific UNSDGs.
School-Wide Events & Conversations: Hosting discussions, workshops, and activities introducing all 17 goals and their relevance to our daily lives across all school divisions.
New Leadership Opportunities: providing leadership roles for students of all ages to engage with eachother through the UNSDG initiative.
Looking Ahead
By broadening our focus beyond a single goal, the School’s aim is to deepen the community’s understanding of global sustainability and foster a greater sense of responsibility and action. The UNSDGs are not just abstract concepts but a roadmap for shaping a better world. By embracing them as a collective framework, Ashley Hall students will be empowered to explore, innovate, and lead with purpose. As we embark on this new approach, we look forward to seeing how students, faculty, and families engage with these global challenges in ways that are meaningful, inspiring, and impactful.
*This article appears in the 2025 issue of Perspectives magazine. To read the issue in full, please click here.
Ashley Hall is thrilled to announce that our beloved Early School Outdoor Classroom has officially been recognized as a Certified Nature Explore Classroom! This distinguished recognition is a reflection of the heartfelt commitment, creativity, and intentional collaboration of our Early School educators, families, and community who brought this vision to life.
This milestone marks a journey that began in October 2022, when Early School Director Diane Fletcher invited Nature Explore—a nationally recognized nonprofit organization committed to creating dynamic, nature-rich outdoor learning spaces—to help envision and design a comprehensive plan for our outdoor classroom. Through thoughtful collaboration, our team brought this vision to life, aligning it with the tenets of the Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum that informs our educational philosophy.
To receive certification, outdoor classrooms must feature a range of defined, purposefully designed areas that foster open-ended exploration and meaningful connections to nature. With great pride, Ashley Hall’s Outdoor Classroom now stands as only the second certified Nature Explore Classroom in the state of South Carolina.
Our Outdoor Classroom is a playground first and foremost, but it’s also a living, breathing extension of the indoor learning experience. It is a space where children can move their bodies freely, develop a relationship with the natural world, and cultivate the habits of flexible thinking, observation, and curiosity that are foundational for lifelong learning.
From the climbing area to the pollinator garden, and the mud kitchen to the open-air gathering spaces, each area has been intentionally designed to nurture children’s innate sense of wonder. Our unique names for these spaces reflect the whimsical spirit and child-centered approach we cherish:
Paw’s Arbor – Entryway
Willow Cave – Gathering Area
Twist & Sing – Music and Movement
Outdoor Atelier – Nature Art
Pathway Through the Plants – Pollinator Garden
Large Loose Parts – Messy Materials
Dig & Discover – Dirt Digging and Mud Kitchen
Road 1909 – Wheeled Track
The Green Hills – Open-Air Discovery
Climbing Area – Play Structure
Building & Construction – Blocks
The Estuary – Water Area
Swings – Forces and Motion
This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of our Early School educators. From designing engaging outdoor experiences to fostering a sense of awe and connection with nature for our students, their passion has been the cornerstone of this journey. We extend our deepest gratitude for their belief in the value of outdoor learning and for the countless ways they bring this philosophy to life each day.
Equally important is the partnership of our parent community. Parents have played a pivotal role—not only in volunteering and supporting gardening initiatives—but also in helping develop the classroom’s vibrant and purposeful signage. These signs aren’t just visual markers; they serve as tools for literacy, engagement, and exploration. Crafted with the children’s own words and illustrations, the signs represent a celebration of place, identity, and shared creativity.
To our educators, families, and students—thank you. Your vision, dedication, and love have made this milestone possible. May this recognition serve as a testament to the beauty of what we can achieve when we dream, design, and grow together.
Ashley Hall and Away: Celebrating the Class of 2025!
With talent, heart, and determination, Ashley Hall’s 47 seniors have left an unforgettable mark on our school community. From academic excellence to leadership and service, this remarkable class has truly done it all—and now, they’re ready to take on the world. We couldn’t be prouder of their journey; their next chapter is just beginning.
🎓 Click below to explore the full list of college acceptances and see where our graduates are headed next!
Ashley Hall’s campus came alive on April 22, 2025, with an unforgettable celebration of Earth Day during our Plant With A Purpose event. The day was a vibrant, bustling blend of community spirit, environmental stewardship, and heartfelt joy. It was an inspiring showcase of what sustainability looks like when a school comes together with intention.
Our School was transformed into a dynamic hub of activity, part farmers market, part environmental fair, all fun! Local vendors—many of them proudly female-owned and operated—set up interactive booths offering sustainable goods, handmade items, and lots of information on local, native flora and fauna. Students, faculty, and guests explored these offerings while engaging in hands-on learning experiences focused on conservation and green living. We even welcomed two Alpacas to campus, an Ashley Hall first!
Educational activities were tailored for all ages, creating an engaging environment for our youngest students through to our graduating seniors. From planting stations to recycling challenges and arts and crafts, the day was packed with opportunities to learn, grow, and get a little dirt under our fingernails—all in the name of nurturing our planet.
Adding a lively soundtrack to the festivities, Ashley Hall student band Spare Change performed live, earning a warm reception from the crowd. Their spirited set created a joyful ambiance that echoed across campus and underscored the celebratory spirit of the day.
The event also featured meaningful words from Head of School Dr. Anne Weston ’73, who offered her heartfelt thanks to the community for embracing the cause and continuing the tradition of leadership in environmental responsibility. Her words reminded everyone of the deep-rooted values that connect Ashley Hall’s past, present, and future.
A highlight of the day was a special visit from Jason Kronsberg, representing Charleston Mayor William Cogswell’s office. In a proud and historic moment, Mr. Kronsberg presented a Mayoral Proclamation officially declaring April 22, 2025, as Ashley Hall Plant With A Purpose Day. The proclamation honors our School’s commitment to sustainability and recognizes our efforts as a model for environmental awareness and action.
Ashley Hall is proud to lead by example, showing that sustainability can be joyful, educational, and deeply rooted in community. We extend our gratitude to everyone who helped make this day so special, including all vendors, special guests, student musicians, faculty, staff, and students. Special thanks to Allison Bowden, Chris Hughes, and Rachael Carter for their dedication and leadership.
Click here for a full list of vendors and more background information on the event.
Celebrating Leadership: The Black Student Union’s Impactful Black History Month at Ashley Hall
At Ashley Hall, the Black Student Union (BSU) led a powerful and thought-provoking Black History Month experience, demonstrating the impact of student leadership and the importance of amplifying diverse voices. Through strategic planning and a commitment to meaningful dialogue, the BSU curated a dynamic series of events, including two engaging speaker panels featuring accomplished Black professionals. These discussions gave students invaluable insights into perseverance and the power of representation. By spearheading these efforts, the BSU not only honored Black history and culture but also fostered an environment of learning, reflection, and empowerment within the school community.
As a student-driven affinity group, the BSU fosters dialogue and cultural awareness year-round. Their leadership in shaping this year’s Black History Month celebrations brought fresh perspectives to campus, offering students an opportunity to engage with real-world experiences of adversity and triumph.
On February 7, an impressive all-female panel was invited to speak to Upper School students, marking the first of two discussions. The speakers shared journeys of perseverance, leadership, and innovation, inspiring students to embrace resilience in the face of challenges. Their diverse backgrounds in education, research, technology, and advocacy offered valuable perspectives on navigating adversity and making meaningful contributions to their communities.
Dr. Tamara Butler, Executive Director of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, is a dedicated scholar and advocate for cultural preservation, blending her expertise in education and African American studies to uplift historical narratives. Ms. Michelle Simmons, Chief Academic Officer for Charleston County School District, has dedicated nearly three decades to shaping academic excellence and ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive. Ms. Courtney Waters, Executive Director of Teach For America SC and former Charleston County School Board Vice-Chair, continues her mission to transform South Carolina’s education system with urgency and equity in mind. Finally, Ms. Tanqueray Edwards, a leader in AI adoption and business innovation, shared her story of resilience and determination, illustrating the power of technology and strategic leadership in shaping the future. Together, these women exemplified strength, purpose, and the importance of empowering the next generation.
The second panel, held on February 20, featured another inspiring group of professionals who shared their experiences of success in their respective fields. Pars Edwards, a seasoned financial services professional with over two decades of experience, emphasized the importance of strategic financial planning and relationship-building in helping clients reach their goals. Ms. D’Anna Frasier, an educator and counselor, spoke about her journey from teaching to counseling, highlighting her passion for guiding students toward better decision-making and future success. A dedicated mother and active community member, she continues to balance her career with service. Mrs. Deronda Washington, who serves as the Senior Associate Director of Student Leadership and Fraternity and Sorority Life at the College of Charleston, shared her experiences mentoring and shaping student leaders and spoke about how she takes pride in helping students grow into their full potential. Similarly, Mrs. Shavon Harris, a senior leader in technical program management, discussed her extensive experience in software testing, process improvement, and IT services. As an advocate for STEM education, she actively supports robotics programs and serves as chapter president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Each panelist provided valuable insights into the impact of mentorship and making meaningful connections, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Beyond Black History Month, the BSU’s work continues year-round as they strive to promote awareness and inclusivity on campus. Through ongoing programming, discussions, and mentorship initiatives, they ensure that celebrating Black excellence and the conversation around belonging remains an integral part of the Ashley Hall experience. Their dedication to amplifying diverse voices and fostering an inclusive culture underscores the lasting impact of student-led advocacy and celebration.
The 2024 Ashley Hall Christmas Play
From trimming the tree to baking cookies, holiday traditions powerfully unite us during this special season. At Ashley Hall, our school family’s most cherished (and long-standing) tradition is the annual Christmas Play. On Dec. 12, 2024, 160 Ashley Hall students of all ages gathered in the historic and ethereal St. Matthew’s Church to perform this beloved production for the 100th time.
First presented in 1924 under the direction of school founder Mary Vardrine McBee, Ashley Hall’s annual Christmas Play has brought the medieval Chester Mystery Plays to life with our student’s creativity, passion, and artistic excellence.
From the dancing jesters to the angelic Red Choir, this beautiful retelling of the Nativity story has remained a cornerstone of the Ashley Hall experience for generations of students, families, alumnae, faculty, and the greater Charleston community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable evening. Your support makes this timeless tradition possible. And, of course, bravo to our hard-working students who shone brightly on and off stage. We’re grateful to have shared this special moment with all who could join us.
Relive the Centennial Performance of The Christmas Play
Ashley Hall is a K-12 independent school for girls, with a co-ed preschool, committed to a talented and diverse student population. We consider for admission students of any race, color, religion, and national or ethnic origin.
