Virginia O‘Hanlon Scholarship

The Studio School, which from its inception has celebrated the promise and curiosity of every child, is proud that its school building was once the home of a famously curious child…

For more than a decade, The Studio School dreamed of finding a permanent home. When 115 West 95th Street became available, little did we know the historic connection it would have for us as educators. Imagine our delight when we discovered that our new home was the site where Virginia O’Hanlon lived when she penned her world-famous letter to the New York Sun, asking “Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?” Virginia grew up to be a teacher, principal, and activist for children’s rights, who believed that all children, regardless of social background, should have the same educational opportunities. It seems just right that Virginia’s former home will always be filled with the laughter and energy of children at work.

Virginia’s spirit of curiosity is at the heart of The Studio School Approach. In December of 2009, to commemorate the life and work of Virginia, The Studio School established the Virginia O’Hanlon Scholarship Fund, so that we may educate children to take their place in the world with integrity, compassion, and a lifelong love for learning. The Fund provides need-based scholarships for students of merit, and honors not only Virginia’s personal quest for truth and knowledge, but also her life as an educator and advocate for children.

Committed to continuing Virginia O’Hanlon’s legacy of learning and inquiry, we firmly believe that one young person can make a difference in the world. In the spirit of this belief, we hope you’ll make a gift and join us in helping children have faith that “The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see,” as Francis Pharcellus Church wrote in his eloquent response to Virginia’s query.