This past September, the NY Gifted Education Examiner profiled the academic philosophy of The Studio School on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Now, the school is proud to announce the establishment of The Virginia O’Hanlon Scholarship, in honor of the little girl whose letter to The New York Sun in 1897 inspired one of the most famous editorials in American history, Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.

The Studio School is currently housed at 115 West 95th Street, the site of Virginia O'Hanlon's childhood home.

At a ceremony to announce the scholarship, Head of School Janet C. Rotter told the crowd, which included several of Ms. O'Hanlon's relatives:

The children in our school report that they sense Virginia in the building. They have been curious about her, and imagine that the 10-11’s classroom might have been her bedroom. One of the children reported that he heard Virginia speak to him in the bathroom.

Last week, in preparation for this evening, as I read Mr. Church’s editorial to the children of our school, I began about half way through, not to see the words clearly. This was not simply due to not having reading glasses with me. I realized how profound the words were and how moved I was. I had read this editorial before, but somehow in the presence of the children it took on more meaning. My blurry vision helped me see that Mr. Church was expressing what we strive to do as educators: to speak to children in a way that deepens their perception of reality, while enhancing their visions of everything that is possible.

The story of Virginia illuminates how we work at The Studio School and our vision for learning. At the heart of our approach is the relationship and interaction between student and teacher, working through inquiry and collaborative dialogue. The integration of thought and feeling is what opens our vision to connect reality with possibility. Virginia’s question and Mr. Church’s answer speak to what is essential in education—the importance of people asking questions and answering them with both their hearts and minds.

So yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.  And, thanks to her, now there is yet another way to get a Frugal Family Education in New York City.