[1] Westover School was founded in 1909 by Mary Robbins Hillard "to provide young women with a liberal education in a community which would contribute to the development of their character, independence and sense of responsibility."

[2] The daughter of a clergyman, Hillard was educated at the Collegiate School for Young Ladies in Waterbury, Connecticut; and at Abbot Academy in Andover, Massachusetts.

She taught at Miss Porter's School in Farmington, Connecticut, for six years, where she met her lifelong friend, Theodate Pope Riddle.

A great square building surrounding an open quadrangle was built in place of an old apple orchard.

In the general character of the building, the endeavor has been to combine appropriateness with beauty, so that the charm and dignity of the academic and domestic atmosphere shall be an unconscious but elevating influence endearing the place to all coming under its associations."