Educational Excellence Since 1912
Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating students in PreSchool through Grade 12

The Afolalu Family

From the location of the campus to the inviting classrooms and nurturing environment, Dr. Abi Afolalu was hooked on her first visit to Hamden Hall.

Abi and her husband, Dr. Bayo Afolalu, who reside in Orange, immediately enrolled their oldest child, Timi, Class of 2021, into the PreKindergarten class after that visit. The family’s first year in the Hamden Hall community was the 2007-2008 school year. Daughter Tami, Class of 2025, soon followed her brother into the PreKindergarten class several years later.

“I visited the campus and loved the location, the size, the campus, the buildings, and the PreKindergarten room. I could visualize my child thriving in that space, and teacher Claire Rich appeared as though she really cared and loved the kids. Most of all I felt comfortable that he would be in a safe place,” said Abi.

Originally from Nigeria, Abi and Bayo are both physicians. Abi is an internist in North Haven while Bayo has been in private practice since 2009 and is a partner in the Connecticut Kidney Center division of Physician Alliance of CT.

The decision to commit to the Hamden Hall community was an easy one, Bayo said, given the school’s small size and the individualized instruction at each level. He also noted the dedication of faculty members, who she said “bring out the best in every child.”

“We do like the common factor in the private school setting, which is the value and principle offered by the school versus the locale, which is the factor in public school,” explained Bayo.

The family felt the sense of community and the family-like setting that is such an inherent part of a Hamden Hall education. In fact, as a toddler, Tami was already a familiar face in Timi’s classes, according to Abi.

“She looked forward to pick-up time and we would have to stay an extra 20 minutes so she could play in the class playhouse with the other kids while enjoying every bit of attention she was getting,” Abi said.

Over the years, both children have thrived and blossomed into their individual selves, confident and thoughtful. The host of opportunities available to students has allowed Timi and Tami to explore and discover new interests and passions.

“Hamden Hall is a nurturing environment and we love the sense of community in the school. I especially love the fact that I can walk onto campus and ask the first faculty member I see about my child and they know exactly who they are,” maintained Bayo.

Both Bayo and Abi have also immersed themselves within the community as Bayo serves on the Board of Trustees, and Abi is a past room parent and is active in the Parents’ Association.

“We love how every grade prepares you for the next, and we have no doubt that Hamden Hall has prepared our children for what lies ahead. A Hamden Hall education is one of the best gifts we could give our children,” said Abi.
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Hamden Hall Country Day School

About Us

Hamden Hall Country Day School is a nurturing and inclusive community with a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.