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!

In the latest episode of “On Point,” sponsored by the Schuman Family Foundation, Head of School Mark McKee and Director of Student Wellness Rebecca Heller talk one-on-one about why wellness programs in schools matter. Hear about how educators are addressing the mental health and well-being of their students, and why it’s capturing the attention of private and family foundations. Mark and Rebecca reflect on the evolution of Viewpoint’s comprehensive TK-12 wellness program, and share trends they’re seeing in this space, especially among students in high-achieving schools. You don’t want to miss their “words of wellness” and vision for the future of student wellness at Viewpoint, thanks to the generous support from the Schuman Family Foundation.

In part one of “On Point: College Conversations,” Head of School Mark McKee and Director of College Counseling Rhody Davis talk one-on-one about the evolution of the college admissions landscape. Hear about the top trends that Rhody and her team are seeing now - from the impact of artificial intelligence and the elimination of race-conscious college admissions - to the rising popularity of “ESPN” schools. Mark and Rhody reflect on the significant influence technology has had on all aspects of college admissions over the past three decades. You don’t want to miss listening to their valuable insights, and the changes parents and students can expect as they face the college admissions journey.

In the continuing “On Point” Podcast series and first episode of “Alumni Stories,” Head of Viewpoint School Mark McKee welcomes alumna Mehrnoush Yazdanyar from the Class of 1998 as his special guest. An accomplished global attorney, Mehrnoush graduated from UCLA in three years, earned her JD at USC, and founded her own law firm with multiple offices in California and an upcoming expansion of her practice to the island of Kauai.

Hear about her post-Viewpoint journey as she prepared to deliver the keynote address at the School’s 2023 Commencement Ceremony. Recorded just a few days before graduation, Mehrnoush shares her impressions of today’s campus and students, and recalls her time here as a high school student. During the episode, she also reveals her “passion meets profession” moment that changed the trajectory of her life, and allowed her to learn how to trust herself and realize her dreams. You don’t want to miss this heartfelt and inspiring story.