Peggy Stewart at School

In Short

Set against the backdrops of a picturesque Maryland estate, the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, and a Washington school, this early twentieth-century tale follows fifteen-year-old Peggy Stewart. Used to running her father's grand home, Severndale, Peggy faces upheaval when her worldly aunt tries to take control. To broaden her horizons, Peggy and her friends attend Columbia Heights School, navigating academic pressures, horse training, and social rivalries. Jackson crafts an endearing portrait of youth, responsibility, and unwavering loyalty that captures the simple charm and gentle manners of its era.

The Story

Peggy Stewart is the cherished mistress of Severndale, a historic Maryland estate along the river. Orphaned of her mother, Peggy has grown up managing the plantation with the guidance of faithful servants, her guardian Dr. Llewellyn, and her loving father, Captain Neil Stewart. Her idyllic life hits a sudden reef with the arrival of her aunt, Mrs. Katherine Stewart. Elaborately dressed, ambitious, and lacking the soft grace of Southern tradition, Aunt Katherine gradually preempts Peggy’s role as hostess, causing distress throughout the household.

When Captain Stewart returns home, he quickly recognizes the friction. Concluding that Peggy needs a broader education and exposure to young women her own age, he arranges for her and her loyal companion, Polly Howland, to enroll at Columbia Heights School in Washington, D.C.

At school, Peggy and Polly adapt to strict schedules and a vibrant mix of classmates, including the dramatic Rosalie, the spoiled Lily Pearl, and the discontented Juno. Peggy brings along her prized horses and her clever dog, Tzaritza, whose extraordinary intelligence and discipline astonish both the students and the stern riding master, Dawson. The girls balance their academic studies with riding lessons, Hallowe'en frolics, and visits from midshipmen from the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Peggy’s generous nature wins over her peers, though she must navigate minor jealousies and the strict scrutiny of teachers like Miss Sturgis.

Holiday breaks bring the entire group back to Severndale and Annapolis for dances, theater outings, and festive gatherings. Amid the fun, darker undertones emerge through Jim Bolivar—a local man burdened by past mistakes who refuses to intrude on the estate's high society—and his daughter Nelly, who remains deeply grateful to Peggy.

As the spring term draws to a close, secret escapades by a few irresponsible students culminate in a dramatic midnight fire in the school’s west wing. Peggy's beloved dog Tzaritza helps raise the alarm and is injured in the chaos. Thanks to the prompt action of the firemen and the bravery of those present, everyone escapes safely, but the building and the girls' Commencement attire are ruined, forcing an abrupt end to the school year. The students scatter to their respective homes, while Peggy, her close friends, and a recovering Tzaritza return to Severndale for a joyous June Week, closer and wiser than when their journey began.

How It Unfolds

Trouble at Severndale On a sultry September morning, Aunt Katherine attempts to take command of the Stewart home, disrupting old routines and bringing tears to young Peggy. Captain Stewart returns from his travels, restores his daughter's place at the head of the table, and decides it is time for Peggy to attend school in Washington.

Life at Columbia Heights Peggy and Polly arrive at their new boarding school, where they quickly bond with their room-mates and adjust to rigid bell schedules. Peggy's thoroughbred horses and well-trained dog arrive soon after, delighting the students and completely upending the traditional methods of the school's riding instructor.

Clashes and Celebrations Tensions flare when the strict Miss Sturgis accuses the girls of disorderly conduct, but the warm-hearted principal, Mrs. Vincent, defuses the friction with a festive Hallowe'en celebration. The girls enjoy tea parties with visiting Naval Academy midshipmen, forming close friendships and trading youthful banter.

A Severndale Yuletide The school cohort travels to Severndale and Annapolis for the Christmas holidays, filling the historic mansion with laughter, matinee trips, and formal dances. Beneath the holiday cheer, local man Jim Bolivar reflects mournfully on his wasted youth while expressing deep gratitude for Peggy's kindness to his family.

Midnight Sensation During the spring term, a covert scheme by two troublemaking students leads to a disastrous late-night fire that sweeps through the school's west wing. Tzaritza suffers injuries while helping in the commotion, and though the girls escape harm, the destruction of their Commencement dresses forces the school to close early.

Homeward Bound With Columbia Heights shuttered, Peggy gathers her closest companions, including the recovering Tzaritza, and returns to Severndale for June Week. The girls look forward to the Naval Academy festivities, their bonds permanently strengthened by the trials and joys of the year.

The People

• Peggy Stewart: A capably independent fifteen-year-old orphan of motherly care who has successfully managed her father's grand Southern estate. She desires harmony in her home and loyalty among her peers, standing up to petty snobbery while remaining modest despite her wealth.
• Polly Howland: Peggy's fiercely loyal, straightforward best friend. Outspoken and athletic, Polly despises hypocrisy, openly protects Peggy from schoolyard teasing, and rejects restrictive fashion for freedom of movement.
• Mrs. Katherine Stewart (Aunt Katherine): Peggy's aunt by marriage, whose humble origins and subsequent vanity drive her to seek social status. She attempts to supplant Peggy as mistress of Severndale, sparking the conflict that sends Peggy off to school.
• Captain Neil Stewart: Peggy’s loving, perceptive father, who recognizes his daughter's maturity while ensuring she receives a proper education alongside girls her own age.
• Mrs. Vincent: The empathetic, forty-year-old principal of Columbia Heights School who governs her students with affection, youthful spirit, and gentle discipline rather than harsh rules.
• Juno Gibson: A wealthy, stylish student who initially appears cold and discontented. Bound by tight, high-fashion corsets and formal airs, she gradually learns to relax and enjoy genuine friendship.
• Jim Bolivar: A remorseful, down-on-his-luck local man whose late wife came from high stock. Recognizing his own failures, he holds profound gratitude for Peggy, who saved his daughter Nelly.

In Its Own Voice

"To this add three thoroughbred horses and a snowy dog, an old colored servitor, for Jerome had come out with a message from Harrison, and it is a picture to be appreciated."

A description of the timeless elegance that characterizes morning life on the Severndale estate.

"I have never considered myself superior to anyone, but I do consider Peggy Stewart superior to any girl I have ever known, and I think you will agree with me when you know her better..."

Polly Howland boldly defends her best friend during a sharp confrontation with a strict teacher.

"Peggy Stewart and Polly Howland are thoroughbreds an' thoroughbreds ain't capable of no low-down snobbishness."

Jim Bolivar explains to his daughter why the young heiresses treat everyone with natural grace and respect.

What It's Really About

Beneath its cheerful surface of riding lessons, schoolgirl pranks, and Annapolis dances, the novel explores the transition from sheltered childhood to self-possessed young adulthood. It contrasts true gentleness of spirit—characterized by unselfishness, kindness to animals, and respect for others—with superficial social climbing. Through Aunt Katherine's vanity and Juno's restrictive fashion, the narrative critiques artificiality, championing instead physical health, practical competence, and natural dignity. Above all, the story emphasizes that true class is revealed through character and loyalty rather than wealth or elaborate pretense.

Why Read It Today

Peggy Stewart at School offers a delightful, nostalgic window into early twentieth-century American youth culture, combining the warmth of family life with the lighthearted camaraderie of a girls' boarding school. Readers who enjoy classic domestic fiction, stories centered on equestrian life, or historic military-town atmospheres will find much to admire in its spirited cast and vivid settings.

Modern readers should be prepared for period elements that reflect the era in which it was written. The novel includes phonetic rendering of African American dialect through the domestic servants, as well as distinct class distinctions typical of early 1900s juvenile literature. However, Jackson balances these historical realities with a genuinely affectionate tone and a brisk plot filled with animal intelligence, teenage humor, and lasting bonds. It remains an uplifting, easygoing read that celebrates sincerity, outdoor vigor, and the enduring strength of female friendship.