Before coming to D-E, History Department Chair, Arika “Ari” Easley-Houser taught at Rutgers Prep and several colleges and universities, including Montclair State University and New York University. A socio-cultural historian focused on United States history, she received her Ph.D. from Rutgers University and a certificate in school management from the Harvard Business School. She was recently selected for a National Association of Independent Schools Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads. Now in her third year of heading the department, Easley-Houser speaks to the importance of historical inquiry for students and how the history curriculum must reflect and respond to the diversity of students. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Kindergarten Zoo 2026 Highlights
A cherished Lower School tradition recently returned to Mr. Rocky’s Field—the annual Kindergarten Zoo! This year there were “new facts and a new class whose interests really shined through,” said Kindergarten Teacher Ms. Meghna Mathur. “We tell them that you become...
6.9.26 Final Week Update
D-E Middle Schoolers Participate in ‘Teens for Peace’ Program
Five of D-E’s 7th and 8th graders were recently honored by the Englewood Rotary Club’s Teens for Peace Program, which involves several other schools in the area and culminates with the planting of a “Peace Pole” somewhere in Englewood. Zorena A. ’30, Ken E. ’30, Vicky...
Middle School Talent Show Highlights
Bravo to our Middle School (MS) performers who showcased their talents during the annual MS Talent Show earlier this week! This year’s show included a poignant duet of the song “For Good” from the hit musical Wicked; inspiring, impressive solos in voice, violin,...
Middle School Athletics 2025-2026 Highlights
Way to go Middle School (MS) Bulldogs! D-E MS Athletics has wrapped-up after a fantastic series of Fall, Winter and Spring Teams seasons. MS students and their coaches enjoyed watching a highlight reel of their entire 2025-2026 year in sports, at a recent assembly. We...
Commencement 2026: Relishing ‘Moments of Awe’ Now and in the Future
Caps off to the Class of 2026! On a clear, crisp Sunday morning, the D-E community celebrated our seniors reaching the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. Commencement 2026 was called to order with a ceremonial bell-ringing by Student Body...
Sixth Graders Present Their Experimental Designs
This morning, sixth graders presented weeks’ worth of group research, experimentation, and data analysis during the Sixth Grade Experimental Design Fair in Hajjar Auditorium. Teams worked together to select a topic of interest, which required consensus and...
Parents’ Association Hosts Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
D-E Parents’ Association recently hosted their annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on a beautiful morning beneath the tent on Leggett Field. Head of School Dr. Calleroz White P ’27, ’28, ’33 gave opening remarks, thanking volunteers who’ve worked hard this year as...
6.1.26 A Message from the Upper School Dean: End-of-Year Updates
All-School End-of-Year Assembly 2026 Highlights
The All-School End-of-Year Assembly, held under the big tent on Leggett Field, marks the final time all divisions gather together to be in community. In remarks given throughout the event, Head of School Dr. James Calleroz White said these moments ensure that “we’re...