Campuses & Community

Spirit & Traditions

Large crowd of children, teenagers, and adults seated and standing outdoors on a school lawn, many applauding. A sign in the foreground reads “STEVENSON” and “PK, K & 8.”

Traditions That Last a Lifetime

From the first day of Pre-K to commencement, Stevenson traditions create a shared sense of belonging that grows with every student. Whether celebrating school spirit, exploring the outdoors, reflecting together or honoring important milestones, these experiences bring our community together and become some of the memories students treasure most.

Belonging Begins Here

Buddy Program

One of Stevenson’s most beloved traditions connects our oldest and youngest students on the Carmel Campus. Eighth graders are paired with Pre-K and kindergarten buddies throughout the year, walking them to class, reading together, and sharing special activities. These friendships foster confidence, leadership and connection while creating meaningful relationships that span generations of Stevenson students.

Move-Up Ceremony

Each spring, students gather to celebrate an important milestone as they move on to the next chapter of their Stevenson journey. The Move-Up Ceremony honors growth, celebrates accomplishments and looks ahead with excitement to the opportunities still to come.

Celebrating Community

Spirit Week

School spirit comes alive during Spirit Week. Across every division, students celebrate with themed dress-up days, class pride and creative activities that bring energy and excitement to campus. While each division puts its own unique spin on the tradition, the goal remains the same: building community through fun, creativity and shared experiences.

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Reflection & Connection

Vespers

A cherished residential tradition, Vespers provides an opportunity for selected seniors to share personal stories, life lessons and moments that have shaped their journey. Through honest reflection and meaningful storytelling, students strengthen the bonds of community while celebrating the experiences that define their time at Stevenson.

Holiday Traditions

The holiday season is one of the most joyful times of the year at Stevenson. From Pre-K students singing carols to Lower and Middle Divisions performing arts programs and the Upper Division Winter Instrumental Concert, music and celebration fill the season. Boarding traditions—including cookie decorating, tree decorating, festive gatherings and programming planned by the student-led Christmas Tree Committee—bring warmth and connection to campus during the holidays.

Large crowd of students and adults seated on a grassy lawn outside campus buildings, with trees and buildings in the background. A small sign in the foreground reads “PK, K & 8.”

School Spirit in Action

All-School Assemblies

Throughout the year, the Stevenson community gathers to celebrate achievements, recognize student accomplishments, enjoy performances and share important moments together. These assemblies bring students, faculty, families and staff together while reinforcing the values and traditions that unite our school.

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Celebrating Milestones

Grade 8 Traditions

The transition to the Upper Division is marked by a week of memorable experiences celebrating the Class of Grade 8. Students enjoy special outings, community service, time with faculty and a graduation ceremony that recognizes their accomplishments while preparing them for the next stage of their Stevenson journey.

Senior Traditions

Senior year is filled with meaningful traditions that celebrate achievement, friendship and the excitement of what’s next. From Senior Week favorites like College Sweatshirt Day, Senior Dog Day and the Senior Luncheon, to Cum Laude, Community Honors and Awards Day, Baccalaureate, Senior Vespers, Senior Dinner and Commencement, each milestone recognizes the accomplishments of the graduating class. Seniors also create lasting memories together through beloved traditions like the student-led Senior Sunrise at the beach to welcome their final year and the end-of-year rafting trip, celebrating the friendships and experiences they’ve shared throughout their Stevenson journey.

For boarding seniors, the celebration continues with traditions that reflect the close-knit residential community. Senior Coffee, held following formal dinners, provides a relaxed opportunity to gather with classmates, faculty and residential staff to reflect on the year, celebrate friendships and enjoy the final months of boarding life together. These special moments honor the unique bonds formed through living and learning alongside one another before graduation.

A smiling person in a soaked black Stevens shirt splashes water outdoors while holding a large water-filled balloon; another person’s legs are visible in the background.

A Community Connected by Tradition

At Stevenson, traditions are more than annual events—they are shared experiences that connect generations of students, foster lifelong friendships and strengthen our sense of community. From the excitement of Spirit Week to the reflection of Vespers, from a Pre-K buddy’s first day on campus to a senior’s walk across the graduation stage, these moments shape the Stevenson experience and create memories that last a lifetime.

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