John’s Corner

Upper School Director John Schafer discusses a range of topics about the high school experience at Menlo.

You can check out the archive for some relevant past recordings and watch eNotes for new releases throughout the year.

New Releases & Must Sees

New Letting Go: Reflections from Parents of Recent Graduates

 

Course Fair + Conversation Starters

John Interviews Menlo Abroad Tanzania Students

Asher ’26 Guest Hosts an Ask Me Anything with John Schafer

Raising Caring, Kind Kids Who Think Beyond Themselves

Senior Survey 2025

On Transformation vs Transaction

Mental Health Awareness Assembly

 

 A Conversation on Student Wellness

Navigating December Admissions with John & Lisa

Interview with Adam Gelb

Who Should Sign Up for AP Exams?

Evaluating Schools Beyond Rankings

Menlo, AI, and You

 

 

The Best of…

Teaching, Learning, & Curriculum Philosophy

On Transformation vs Transaction
’25 Senior Panel: Reflecting on their Time at Menlo
On Why We Don’t Post Grades Online
Grading Consistency and Fairness Across Like Courses
About our Faculty Evaluation Process


Academic Pathways

Moving Away from APs and Ensuring a Relevant Curriculum
Should My Kid Take AP Exams?
Tips for Incoming Ninth Graders
For Sophomores: What Do We Mean by College Prep?
Navigating Junior Year

Student Well-Being & Support

Accessing the Supports in the Upper School
Helping Your Student Get the Most Out of Tutorial
Thoughts on Stress and Wellness
An Interview with Director of Learning Resources Ryan Dean
How to Prepare for Exams


The College Process

Thoughts on Handling College Admissions News
An Interview with College Counseling Director Lisa Giarratano A Parent’s Perspective on Going Through the College Process 


Parent Education

Transforming ‘How Was School?’ into Meaningful Chats
Insights from Lisa Damour

 

2024 Commencement Address