Paying It Forward: The Heart of Kingsley’s Parent Ambassador & Host Family Program

by Amanda Donigan Gibbs, Director of Admissions

Welcoming prospective and newly enrolled families to Kingsley is one of the most meaningful and enjoyable parts of my work. This year, I had nearly 100 parent discussions with applicant families, and one common thread really struck me. Almost every family inquired about the community at Kingsley and shared that finding a school community where they felt a sense of belonging was a critical component of their decision-making process. 

I have had the good fortune to work with our stellar Admissions Ambassador Co-Leads, Shelley Brown and Cara Sipprelle, along with dozens of current Kingsley families who volunteer their time to act as Admissions Ambassadors and/or Host Families. One thing is clear—Kingsley’s community is our greatest strength. People show up for each other in ways great and small and extend that same warmth to those who are just getting started. 

What are the Admissions Ambassador & Host Family Programs?

Our Admissions Ambassador Program connects prospective families with current Kingsley parents who volunteer to be a friendly, informal point of connection. These are parents who remember what it felt like to be swimming in questions about independent school admissions and are happy to share their perspective and why they chose Kingsley.

Once a family is enrolled at Kingsley, our Host Families step in. A Host Family is a current Kingsley family that volunteers to connect with a newly enrolled family to ease their transition to our community. Host Families act as a point of contact for newly enrolled families—answering questions (or directing them to the appropriate Kingsley staff member), offering opportunities to connect, and generally making sure new families feel welcome.

Why It Matters

Starting at a new school isn’t just a transition for students; it’s a transition for the whole family. While our faculty and staff are always here to support new families, there’s something especially comforting about connecting with another parent who has been in your shoes.

That’s where our host families make such a difference. A quick check-in, a shared experience, or even a simple “we’ve been there too” can go a long way in helping a new family feel at ease. 

The impact of this program goes well beyond the first few weeks of school. It helps create connections across classrooms and grade levels, strengthening the fabric of our community in a very real way.

At Kingsley, community doesn’t just happen; it’s something we build together. And those small, thoughtful interactions between families are what bring that to life.

Paying It Forward

One of the things I love most about this program is how naturally it carries forward. All of our parent ambassadors and host families were once new families themselves. They remember what it felt like to have questions and how meaningful it was to feel welcomed.

Choosing to become an ambassador and/or host family is a simple but powerful way to give back. It keeps that sense of care and connection moving forward, from one family to the next.

A Shared Effort

While the Admissions Ambassador and Host Family Programs offer a structure, the spirit behind them belongs to the entire Kingsley community. It’s in the conversations at drop-off, the warm greetings at events, and the willingness to reach out and include others.

I’m always grateful for the many ways our families support one another. It’s what makes Kingsley feel not just like a school, but like a place where people truly belong.

And for every new family who joins us, that sense of belonging often begins with a simple connection that grows into something much more.

Want to Learn More?

Email [email protected] to inquire about our Admissions and Host Family Programs. We’re excited to answer your questions and get you started!