WILMINGTON, Del. – On Wednesday Sept. 9, Nativity Preparatory School of Wilmington will begin the 2026–2027 school year with a new tradition centered on brotherhood, belonging and community.
On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Nativity Prep will host its first annual “Opening Day: Tunnel of Love,” bringing together families, faculty, staff, alumni, board members, community partners and friends of the school to welcome approximately 55 young men back for the first day of school.
Beginning at 7:45 a.m., supporters will line the entrance to Nativity Prep, forming a “Tunnel of Love” and cheering, encouraging and celebrating students as they arrive. Students will begin entering the building at approximately 8:00 a.m.
The message behind the morning is simple: You matter. You belong.
“We want our boys to walk through our doors on the very first morning and physically see what we tell them throughout the year, that they are surrounded by people who believe in them,” said Dr. Altina Herbert, Principal of Nativity Preparatory School of Wilmington. “The Tunnel of Love is about joy, belonging and brotherhood. Before we ask our students to learn, lead and grow, we want them to know that this entire community is standing behind them.”
The Tunnel of Love reflects Nativity Prep’s commitment to educating and supporting the whole young man. The school believes that students thrive when they know they are surrounded by a community that sees their potential, holds them to high expectations and is invested in their success.
Opening Day will bring that community together in a visible and memorable way. Parents and families will stand alongside teachers, alumni, board members, corporate and community partners, volunteers and supporters to create a pathway of encouragement for students as they begin a new school year.
“We want our young men to understand from day one that Nativity is much bigger than the people they see inside the school building every day,” said Dr. Tony Alleyne, President of Nativity Preparatory School of Wilmington. “There is an entire community standing behind them, rooting for them and invested in who they are becoming. What better way to start the school year than for our boys to literally walk through that community on their way into school?”
Nativity Prep hopes the Tunnel of Love will become an annual Opening Day tradition, setting the tone each year for a school community grounded in high expectations, brotherhood, belonging and a shared commitment to the success of every student.
About Nativity Preparatory School of Wilmington:
Nativity Preparatory School of Wilmington (Nativity Prep) stands as a tuition-free, private faith-based middle school, dedicated to boys from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Nestled in Wilmington, Delaware, Nativity Prep offers a holistic, structured, enriching, and inclusive education, welcoming students of any faith.
The school delivers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on both academic rigor and character building. At Nativity, students evolve into scholars, artists, athletes, and gentlemen, fully equipped for their academic futures as well as their personal growth ahead.
Founded in 2003 by the Oblates of St. Francis De Sales on the centennial of the Salesianum School, Nativity Prep thrives in the heart of Wilmington’s inner city. Despite its modest size, the school embodies the belief that monumental achievements start small. Over the years, Nativity Prep has transformed the lives of its students, boasting 171 graduates continuing their educational journeys, leaving a lasting impact on both them and their families.
