The genesis of “Beyond Empire” comes from a personal place. As a first-generation American of Trinidadian immigrants, who came to the US amidst Trinidad’s independence from the UK, Stephen Bailey finds that it is imperative to trace these stories. The central questions of the course ask, “What is it to move beyond empire? How do people understand themselves in a new context? How do you reacquire or reinvent yourself?” What underlies the curriculum is the belief that through investing in the literary worlds of other cultures, students can be world scholars and compassionate readers.
Stephen emphasizes reading a breadth of literary styles like poetry, fiction, non-fiction, etc. to think critically about how language is used. With challenging material from authors and playwrights like Tayeb Salih and Lynn Nottage, Stephen asks for courage from both his students and himself; the courage to ask hard questions and to listen to different voices and opinions. “That is where true inquiry begins!”
Swartley Art Gallery Series Presents the Work of Tyson Etienne
The first Swartley Gallery Series of the year features work of former D-E student and pro basketball player Tyson Etienne. “A Journey Seldom Seen” marks Tyson’s first solo exhibition, showcasing nine years of paintings and photography that chronicle his development as...
D-E Honors a Legendary Coach During the Schmid Pavilion Dedication
Beautiful weather was in play for the official dedication of the C. Christian Schmid Pavilion at Solomon Field on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. The guest of honor, longtime former D-E Athletic Director and Coach Chris Schmid (aka “Schmiddy”), was joined by his family and...
Opening All-School Assembly Highlights
Leggett was a field full of smiling faces this morning for D-E’s Opening All-School Assembly, which included encouraging remarks from Head of School Dr. Calleroz White, a welcome address from Student Body President Max Koppelman ’26, and student reflections from Lila...
D-E’s Ethics Bowl Team Wins Gold During International Competition
Over the summer our D-E Ethics Bowl Team, advised by Philosophy and Ethics Department Chair Mr. Joseph Murphy, made it to the TKEthics International Grand Final, held via Zoom on Aug. 29, 2025—and subsequently won the Gold Medal! According to Mr. Murphy, the process...
D-E Ethics Bowl Competes Internationally, Wins Gold
Over the summer our D-E Ethics Bowl Team, advised by Philosophy and Ethics Department Chair Mr. Joseph Murphy, made it to the TKEthics International Grand Final, held via Zoom on Aug. 29, 2025—and subsequently won the Gold Medal! According to Mr. Murphy, the process...
Parent Volunteer Breakfast “Kicks-Off” a Great Year of Volunteering
This morning, D-E parents and guardians attended our annual Volunteer Kickoff Breakfast in the Silberfein Gym. “This event brings in a lot of new members of the community as well as existing D-E parents who can talk about their experiences volunteering,” said Parents’...
Welcome Back to School Barbecue Highlights
The sense of community was palpable throughout the D-E campus during Friday’s Welcome Back to School Barbecue, hosted by the Parents’ Association. Students, families, faculty, and staff from all three divisions gathered on Leggett Field to enjoy lawn games, a photo...
US Assembly on the History of Englewood
D-E’s first Upper School Assembly of the year—which tapped into our “shared history” living in Englewood and the surrounding areas—was presented this week in Schenck Auditorium by Mr. Joel Lee ’17, Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging....
D-E 360° Summer Presents The Lightning Thief
Every summer D-E 360° offers programming that includes musical theatre, an opportunity for students to grow connections, tap into their existing talents, and develop new skills. This year’s production was The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical (Theatre for Young...
First Day of School Highlights: 2025-2026
Happy First Day of School! After stepping back onto the D-E campus this beautiful morning, students in every division greeted their new teachers, posed for pictures, and were warmly welcomed by their respective principals and deans, faculty/staff, and our new Head of...
