st. george's school viewbook
DESCRIPTION
The updated viewbook for St. George's School in Newport, RI. This version was recently redone in the fall of 2014.TRANSCRIPT
A Place to Be Known, Challenged and InspiredApproaching the St. George’s campus from downtown Newport, you spot the Chapel tower on a hilltop in the distance. In a few miles, you turn up the driveway and take in a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean. A walk through campus reveals architecture old and new – colonial brick alongside contemporary glass and steel. You begin to realize that St. George’s is more than the facts – 11 students in the
average class, fac-ulty with advanced degrees. We are a school anchored in tradition and, at the
same time, a school that is continually improving to create the best learning experience possible. State-of-the art buildings reflect our commitment to staying in front of the latest research on teaching and learning - and contributing to that research. Up to date facilities and ease of access to technology allow teachers to connect with students in new ways. Outside of class, faculty investigate teaching and learning
strategies through the Merck-Horton Center’s research program, a cutting edge partnership with the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Best practices from faculty research are applied directly in the classroom, with an end goal of foster-ing success for the 370 bright, inquisitive students who share our faculty’s passion for innovation. Drawn to a school overlooking a vast ocean, St. George’s students seek out ad-venture. At St. George’s, that might mean taking a class with a reputation for being tough, sailing with seven classmates aboard Geronimo or spending a semester working or studying abroad. Students learn what it means to take responsible risks from teachers who know them well, because their teachers also serve as coaches, dorm parents and mentors. After four years, St. George’s students have the academic skills and leadership experience to choose their best next step. They graduate with the confidence not only to succeed in college but also to make a lasting mark on the world.
OLD MEETS NEW
STUDY TIME
From a booth under the sculpture of our mascot (a dragon) at the Hamblet Campus Center & Grill to a study table on the second floor of the Hill Library, St. George's is full of quiet nooks for small-group work.
RENOVATED RESOURCES
A complete renovation of Nathaniel P. Hill Memorial Library in 2011 created new spaces for studying, teaching and learning. Our library contains more than 30,000 volumes, 1,500 reference titles and an extensive audiovisual collection.
The ST. GEORGE’SCULTUREPart of what makes St. George’s so tight-knit is that we have a strong academic culture with its own dialect and sense of time – even its own honor code. In terms of lingo, you rise through the ranks as a third, fourth, fifth and sixth former, not a freshman, sopho-more, junior and senior. When it comes to time, you’ll organize your day planner for a 6-day week that runs Monday–Saturday. (Wednesdays and Saturdays are half-days, which serve as game days.) Before any official learning takes place, you sign an Honor Book. During this annual rite of passage, you line up with your classmates in chapel to sign your name in a book that becomes the record of the whole school’s agreement to live by the Honor Code. That act creates an academic community built on integrity, respect and trust.
“STRONG RELATIONSHIPS EXTEND PAST FRIENDSHIPS WITH PEERS. I HAVE ALSO GOTTEN TO KNOW SOME FACULTY MEMBERS VERY WELL.” ANNABELLE, PROVIDENCE, R.I.
FAVORITESTUDY SPOTS
SETTING AN AGENDA
Before every new academic year, an advisor will work with you to tailor your course selections based on your interests and ability.
ACTION-PACKED AFTERNOONS Afternoon options are endless. After class, you may practice a sport, rehearse for an upcoming play or work with classmates to organize a community service project such as a food drive or a fundraising Dress Down Day.
1 I love the library! It’s perfect for studying. The second floor works for group study, and the third for independent study. It has a place for everyone! It is modern and has fantastic lighting, too. RAY, SHANGHAI,
CHINA
2 I’m a very social person, so for me, the best place to study is my room. It is much easier to focus without so many interesting people around me to talk to. BECKY, JAMESTOWN, R.I.
3 Zane is where it’s at! My dorm is both my study space as well as the place I can hang out with my friends. MEGAN, CHICAGO, ILL.
4 The art room. A big space to spread out all of your books makes the best study space. JILLIAN, WALPOLE, MASS.
4
“HONORS CHEMISTRY IS PROBABLY THE HARDEST CLASS I’VE TAKEN – EVER – BUT I LOVED IT. I HAD A FANTASTICALLY SUPPORTIVE TEACHER WHO MET WITH ME EVERY WEEK.” EMMA, WASHINGTON, D.C.
ACADEMIC EXPLORATION
Your course plan will include core courses and exciting electives like Good and Evil in Literature, Introduction to Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, and Video Art.
LILLY, FIFTH FORM
HOMETOWN: Groton, Mass.
INTERESTS: Marine biology,
soccer, squash, tennis
So why did you pick France? I don’t speak French, but I went to Paris because some of the internships are with the Curie Institute, one of the foremost cancer labs in the world and I really love biology. What was it like traveling with Madame de Horsey?She was our guide to Paris. We stayed with host families, but every day we would meet up at a metro stop and she’d take us around to all these incredible places. She knew all the best museums and restaurants. We definitely ate a lot of good food!
Sounds like you became close.You interact with faculty on such a deep level when you’re with them all day, every day. There are so many funny inside jokes and experiences, you do become really close. How was your internship?It was incredible. I did research with intestinal stem cells. Madame de Horsey knew the director in my lab and they had a close line of communication. I made some great contacts, and it helped me figure out that I want to someday go to medical school and become a doctor.
ALLISON DE HORSEY
ROLES: Global Cultural
Internships Program liaison,
French teacher
What’s the idea behind the Global Cultural Internships Program (GCIP)?It allows our students to connect what they’re doing in the classroom with real world experi-ences while at the same time experiencing this really great cultural immersion program. What are some of the internship opportunities? Interns have worked at PR firms, executive research companies, at hotels. Lilly’s, at the Curie Institute, is incredibly hands-on. After thoroughly explaining to students what’s going on in the lab, they say, ‘Now you do it.’ After two weeks, they’re running full protocol experiments. How does GCIP in Paris help students grow?They arrive not knowing Paris, nervous about what’s to come, but by the end of their three weeks, they’ve got this confidence about them that’s un-believable. At the end of the trip, they know Paris so well, they’re telling me where to go! How do you like trav-eling with students?It’s like traveling with a family – and we become very close as a result.
GOING GLOBALThrough the Global Cultural Internship Program, students gain real world experience while living abroad. For some, it can also mean discovering a life’s ambition.
EXPERIMENTS IN TEACHING Science classes at St. George’s are anything but routine. In biology, your teacher may have you test water samples down at the beach. In physics, you may be asked to play a musical instrument to illustrate the properties of sound.
MUSIC LESSONS
In addition to choir, orchestra, ensembles, bands, groups and guilds, St. George’s offers private music lessons on all orchestral instruments plus guitar, voice, piano, percussion and bagpipes.
7:1Student-faculty ratio
SEBASTIAN, THIRD FORM
HOMETOWN: Washington,
D.C.
INTERESTS: Music, soccer,
tennis
How important is music to you?It’s a big part of my life. A couple times a week, I’ll go into the art center and just let loose, just go and play by myself or with the guys during free periods. It’s nice just to get away from the work sometimes.
Did music play a role in your decision to attend St. George’s?When I was deciding between two schools, I thought about the music and how phenomenal the program at St. George’s was. I could tell which school had the best music program – and the best teacher. What’s Mr. Mudrak like?He’s one of the best teachers I’ve ever had in my life. He’s so humorous and just a great guy. And he knows more than anyone about music. He plays trumpet, and he’s so good, it’s unreal. Do you guys ever jam?Sure! If everyone hasn’t yet arrived at practice, the guitarist starts playing, then me, and then Mr. Mudrak will grab his trumpet. It’s a lot of fun.
ED MUDRAK
ROLES: Music Department
Chair and Director of
Instrumental Programs
What role does music play at St. George’s? It’s just a great outlet for the kids. It’s an integral part of student life, and a very visible part of the community here.
What opportunities are there for students who want to play?There are so many! Orchestra, chamber or-chestra, jazz ensemble and jazz combo, chapel choir, a cappella groups, hand-bell choir. The choir is even doing a tour of Europe in the summer. How did you get to know Sebastian?He was in my Music Theory class, and I was directing the winter musical – a punk ver-sion of “Rocky Horror.” I needed a drummer. Sebastian turned out to be the MVP of the pit band. A punk version of “Rocky Horror”?Yes, the kids wanted to do a punk version and it sounded really different than the version everybody knows. There was a lot of really fast drumming and Seb was going the whole time, 100 miles per hour. The kids loved it! One night he even had the flu and probably still played his best show. We called him “Michael Jordan” after that.
ROCKIN’ OUT Music is an important part of campus life, bringing people together to play or just to listen to everything from classical to jazz to drumming “100 miles per hour” during a punk rock performance of “Rocky Horror.”
STUDENT-CENTERED TEACHING
Our classes are engaging. You'll find that teachers are more likely to lead discussions than to lecture, which means students often have the floor.
“I’M IN A LOT OF DISCUSSION BASED CLASSES, WHERE YOU’RE FREE TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINION AND DEBATE. MORE THAN ANYTHING, YOU’RE ENCOURAGED TO LEARN FROM YOUR PEERS.”
MIA, HINGHAM, MASS.
“A ST. GEORGE’S TEACHER IS ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT TEACHING, WILLING TO SACRIFICE THE TIME NEEDED TO WORK WITH STUDENTS, AND ALWAYS PREPARED FOR CLASS.” AYLA, BRISTOL, R.I.
FAVORITE CLASSES
GERONIMO!
Beginning in your Fourth Form year, you can study at sea on Geronimo, our 69-foot marine research vessel. Or you can set sail sooner with the 7-day Sea Legs Pre-Orientation Program.
VISUAL ARTS
Get your hands dirty at the William H. Drury and Richard Grosvenor Center for the Arts. Here, you can paint, throw pots and weld sculptures. If you prefer the digital arts, you may make movies or create graphics in the editing suite.
1 American Studies. The syllabus is extremely diverse and the style of conversa-tion is always different and amusing. SLOAN, RED BANK, N.J.
2 Latin. I love being able to solve the puzzle of translation while learning about Roman history. ALLISON, PORTSMOUTH, R.I.
3 Marine Biology. Not only was the class itself awesome, but my teacher was truly incredible and very passionate about the subject. JEFFREY, WEST CHESTER, PA.
4 Precalculus. The best part is finding realworld applications of the material we learn. HARRY, RIDGEWOOD, N.J.
5 World Religions. The class opened up my eyes to all the different philosophies out there and gave me a new per-spective. KATIE, MIDDLETOWN, R.I.
5
OFFICE HOURS
Whether you have a question about what you’ve been learning or you just want to check in, you can either schedule one-on-one time with a teacher or bank on an impromptu meeting in gathering places such as the Brown Center, Hill Library or King Hall (pictured).
FAVORITE CLASSES
MASTERS in the ART of TEACHINGIn students’ words, St. George’s teachers are “incredibly approachable,” “knowledgeable,” “enthusiastic role models” who “support each individual student” in class and out. They are subject experts – just as passionate about helping you understand the material as they are in mastering it. They are educators who are interested in teaching content they love and in heightening the learning experience. That’s why St. George’s developed the Merck-Horton Center for Teaching and Learning, which has worked on research with the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The Center supports research by faculty into innovative teaching strategies – research that has resulted in models used by other schools around the world.
AMANDA, FIFTH FORM
HOMETOWN: Santa Ynez,
Calif.
INTERESTS: Snapdragons (a
cappella); business; Chinese
How was your trip to China?Amazing. We spoke almost all Chinese except when we were just with each other. We stayed at a Chinese boarding school for the first two weeks, which was really interesting. It’s vastly different than going to an American school. Did you improve your Chinese?I really did. This was a remote little village two-and-a-half hours outside of Shanghai. If you wanted to order a cup of coffee you had to order in Chinese. No one would understand you in English. Was it fun to travel with Mr. Chen?Mr. Chen is a fantastic guy. He’s honestly the sweetest man I’ve ever met in my entire life. He was so positive the entire trip and he really cared about us. He’s a great teacher, too. Very patient. Do you speak Chinese with him back on campus?Whenever I see him, we greet each other in Chinese. I recently competed in a Chinese competition and I did really well and he came up and congratulated me. We always smile and wave and have little conservations –always in Chinese.
XIAOYU CHEN
ROLES: Chinese teacher,
Chinese Immersion Program
director; Dorm Parent,
Advisor
What do you hopestudents will learn from the Chinese Immersion Program?It doesn’t matter how many years you learn Chinese in America, it’s just different over there. There are things you can’t learn in a textbook. It’s a great chance for our students to practice Chinese with local people.
And do they? Absolutely! One day, we visited a park and mingled with Chinese people who invited the students to dance with them! It was so cool.
What was a typical day?We had a martial arts master who taught our students in the morning. Then we had lessons – language, geography, history – and talked about where we were going. So we’d talk about Beijing’s Temple of Heaven one day and then go there the next. This was not a textbook class!
What kind of student is Amanda?Amanda is a very smart student. Very engaged and very involved. I used to work at Radio Beijing and we went to the station one day and some people interviewed us. Amanda’s not shy. She volunteered, “I’ll do it!”
IMMERSED in CHINA Where’s the best place to learn Mandarin Chinese? China! Who is one of St. George’s favorite guides to the country? Mr. Chen, a Chinese teacher with ties to Beijing.
THE COLLEGE MATCH
To help you find the right match, and to help the right colleges find you, the College Counseling Office hosts representatives from more than 100 colleges at St. George’s each year.
120Courses offered
SPOTLIGHT ON THEATER
Show off your dramatic side in the fall play, winter musical or spring dance concert on the Madeira Hall stage. Love theater, but not acting? Make costumes, work the lights and build sets as part of the stage crew.
GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE
Beyond taking Chinese, French, Latin and Spanish language class-es, students can intern in London, Paris or Madrid or take Global Studies and do field research and anthropological work in Iceland, Poland or Panama.
“ST. GEORGE’S SHOWED ME HOW IMPORTANT IT WAS TO FIND THE ‘RIGHT FIT.’ IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE YOURSELF WHEN CHOOSING A SCHOOL.” BECKY, JAMESTOWN, R.I.
A Warm Community That Makes You Feel at Home“Thinking back to the first time I set foot on campus, all I remember is four or five smiling seniors waiting for me at the front circle,” says Jordan of Quogue, N.Y. “Coming into a new school and moving away from home can be tough, but at SG there are countless people to make you feel at home.” “Home.” That’s how St. George’s students think of this place. Boarding
students build unique relationships with friends and dorm parents. Roommates,
residents down the hall, teammates on the floor above, are like family, like “brothers and sisters.” Day students feel the same way. Luc, who commutes from Portsmouth, R.I., says, “I feel just as much at home at school as I do when I’m actually at home.” Students’ sense of warmth and comfort at St. George’s builds over time. Visitors get the picture when they peer into a classroom and watch a handful
of students bouncing ideas off one of their favorite teachers. They see it on the sidelines at a Saturday game, where teachers are out in force to watch those students play. For students here, comfort comes from something as simple as a dorm parent baking cupcakes for a first-year student from Taiwan on her birthday, or an advisor giving a beaming junior a ride into town to get a corsage for the Winter Formal. It’s the product of the hard work and leadership of students themselves – dorm prefects, team captains, club presidents — all of whom work in their own ways to make sure everyone feels included. If the choices you have on the academic side foster a sense of growth and independence, the reassurance you find on the social side provides the support you need to take advantage of that. St. George’s will push you to step up and make the most of being here. And you will, because you’ll know that your St. George’s family is always behind you.
THE SOCIAL SIDE
THE ST. GEORGE’S SPIRIT Our students hail from 31 states and 23 countries. Differences aside, all find the courage to take risks – to try new activities and make new friends.
“I’VE BEEN A PREFECT, HEAD OF CHOIR, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE DRAGON AND A CAPTAIN OF TWO TEAMS. I LEARNED THAT I LOVE TO LEAD, AND ST. GEORGE’S FOSTERS THAT.” HANNAH, CARBONDALE, COLO.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
MEET THE “PARENTS”
Nothing says home like a platter of warm cookies delivered by a dorm parent. Dorm parents host fun events throughout the year and offer up fresh advice daily, creating a family atmosphere.
TAKING THE LEAD
Leadership positions on Student Council and Honor Board reward students with confidence and growth. Aspiring Student Prefects address their peers before votes are cast. Current prefects announce the names of their successors through original skits at a special annual assembly.
1 All I could think when I looked at the chapel, was ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve done it. I’ve gotten into Hogwarts.’ MEGAN,
CHICAGO, ILL.
2 The first time I stepped on campus, students and teachers I had never met before smiled and greeted me with a sincere ‘Hello.’ JULIA, CAPE COD, MASS.
3 I was completely stunned when we first drove onto campus. I loved it at first sight. This school left me speechless, with the Atlantic on my right and the beauti-ful, traditional buildings on my left. Incredible. IZZY,
FORT IRWIN, CALIF.
4 I loved stepping onto campus and immediately feeling part of the community. Everyone was so welcoming and helpful during my first few days. TOMMY, WAYLAND, MASS.
4
LIVING ON CAMPUS
Boarders live on campus in 11 dorms. Day students have dedicated study, storage and hang-out spaces, and they frequently stay as late at 10 p.m. on weeknights.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The ST. GEORGE’S STUDENTAsk current students to describe someone who’s a great fit for St. George’s (as we did) and you’ll hear adjectives like, hard- working, talented, adventurous, amiable and genuinely nice. Then there’s funny, bubbly and sociable. And don’t forget moral, responsible and independent. No one person can be all these things all the time. But you’ll quickly learn that participating is the key to making friends; being kind and funny light-ens the atmosphere for everyone; and taking responsibility makes it easier to juggle academics, athletics or the arts, and a lively social life – which may, at times, include playing Frisbee on the quad.
“THE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS FOOTBALL GAME WAS SURREAL. THE WHOLE SCHOOL GATHERED, PAINTED FROM HEAD TO TOE IN RED AND BLACK. IT SEEMED LIKE RIGHT OUT OF A MOVIE.”JEFFREY, WEST CHESTER, PA.
JOIN THE CLUB Interested in reporting? Check out St. George’s campus newspaper, The Red & White. Like to cook? Try the Barbecue Club. These are just two from a list of around 40 clubs you can join – and someday lead.
COME OUT WINNING St. George’s fields 53 teams in 15 different sports. Depending on your skills and talents, you can start out on varsity or work your way up to the highest level. St. George’s competes in the Independent School League (ISL).
LIVING ROOMS
As a boarding student, you form especially close bonds with your peers because they’re more than peers. They’re roommates, hallmates and friends who make you feel like family.
88 Percent of students who live on campus
MOUDY, FIFTH FORM
HOMETOWN: Cairo, Egypt
INTERESTS: Squash, soccer
What’s your relationship with Mr. Mort like?He’s my advisor and my squash coach. We have a great relationship on and off the court. I’ve had a very successful time at St. George’s, and I’m sure it wouldn’t have been the same without him. What kind of a coach is he?I’m a really hard person to coach, especially during the games, because I’m so nervous. But he speaks to me so calmly, with a lot of confidence. He’s one of the few people who can reach out to me when I’m playing. Do you guys ever play each other?Sure! Sometimes he’ll just text me and say, ‘Hey, Moudy, do you want to play?’ I’ve never lost to him, but if I can play like him when I’m his age, I’ll be very, very satisfied.
How has Mr. Mort helped in your transition to the United States?He’s really helped me, being so far away from my family. He’s like an older brother who gives you good advice, a teacher when neces-sary, and a strong coach when I’m not practicing well. I’m very lucky to have someone like him.
COLIN MORT
ROLES: English department
head, dorm parent, advisor,
varsity squash coach
What kind of student is Moudy?He’s very charismatic, interested, and engages with everyone he meets. We hit it off immediately. How do you help international students adapt? With Moudy, it was a lot of one-on-one con-versations. It’s usually the small things – what to eat in the dining hall, expectations as far as homework, being plac-es on time – anything that’s affected by a new culture, which is pretty much everything. What kind of a squash player is he? He’s honestly one of the top 10 players in the world in his age group, but he’s very coachable. A good athlete always recognizes that a coach is important.
How do you typically get through to kids?I try to know the kids as well as I can, so I can help them in as many situations as possi-ble, whether that’s in the classroom or on the court. My goal is always to get kids to do their best work, and I find that getting to know them as well as I can is the best way I can do that.
GOOD SPORTS Ninety percent of faculty members at St. George’s coach as well as teach, creating bonds with student-athletes in the classroom and on the court. In this case, it’s the squash court.
SURF’S UP Second Beach, which visitors can see as they drive into St. George’s, hugs the ocean to the east. Students use the 1.5-mile stretch for surfing, cross country running and hands-on environmental science and marine biology coursework.
CAMERON, SIXTH FORM
HOMETOWN: Middletown,
R.I.
INTERESTS: swim team,
track, soccer, Red & White
student newspaper
Do you and Rev. Lewis surf together much?We sometimes surf together informally. I’ll see him down at the beach. Have you ever met a surfing chaplain before?No, never! He’s pretty good. What kind of a guy is he?I consider him one of my better faculty friends. He’s an all-around nice person. He’s straightforward with what he thinks and how he acts and what he says. He’s just a good guy. Besides the chance to surf, what else makes St. George’s a unique place?The choice of what classes I want to take is great. In public school, everyone takes the same thing. At St. George’s, it’s about the individual. They personalize your education. Since it’s student-driven, you can concentrate on whatever aspect you want to focus on. Ultimately, I want to go to law school, so I can focus more on history and English classes.
And still find time to surf?Definitely!
REV. JEFF LEWIS
ROLES: Chaplain, ethics
teacher, dorm parent,
assistant swim coach
How did you and Cameron first connect?We realized we were both surfers, and I quickly took a shine to him. I coached him on the swim team, too. So you got to know Cameron through surfing?I get to know our students in so many different ways. I teach, so I get to know them as their teacher. I coach, so I get to know athletes really well. I’m also a dorm parent, and as chaplain, I’m meeting kids for all sorts of reasons. It happens naturally here. How does your role as chaplain fit in?Part of my job is to be a presence at the school and let people know that the spiritual is important. But it’s important that I’m the chaplain to everybody. I love that Rhode Island was a state founded on religious tolerance and freedom. Newport is all of that, and it’s right here on campus, too.
There aren’t many surfing chaplains, are there?Well, they do say that surfing is a spiritual experience.
CATCHING a WAVE Surfing with the school chaplain isn’t as unlikely as it sounds. At St. George’s, it’s just another day at the beach.
“MY FIRST TIME ON THE ST. GEORGE’S CAMPUS, I WAS ALMOST SHOCKED THAT THIS WAS CALLED A SCHOOL, BECAUSE IT WAS TOO BEAUTIFUL.”
JILLIAN, WALPOLE, MASS.
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
King Hall is a whirl of activity as you eat, study, or just hang out with friends. Undoubtedly, you’ll get to know John at the deli counter, a crowd favorite for his sushi rolls and custom wraps.
COMMUNITYBUILDERSSt. George’s is a community. What makes us a community is everything we do together: learn, play, eat, live. Tucking into a table in King Hall for lunch with friends is effortless. A movie night in your room is easy to organize. And you can join fans every Wednesday and Saturday to cheer the St. George’s Dragons on to victory. Then there are the planned events that build community. You’ll attend Chapel and Assembly twice a week, taking part in moments that range from reflective to fun. The Entertainment Committee arranges activities – a hypnotist, a paint dance or live band, an outing to Providence, R.I. – that bring students together on weekends. Annual events such as the Winter Formal and Spring Dance Weekend are designed to include the entire student body.
“ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS TO DO WITH MY FRIENDS IS TO TAKE THE SHORT TRIP INTO NEWPORT FOR NIGHT SKATING AND DINNER. SUNDAY SHOPPING IS A BONUS.” FRANCES,PORTSMOUTH, R.I.
BOARDING BONUSES
ON THE TOWN Newport’s historic streets are abuzz with activity. Whether you want to see a movie at Jane Pickens Theater or just grab lunch with friends, the town has it all.
WINNING FACILITIES Access to St. George’s athletics facilities – which include four indoor basketball courts, four tennis courts, two ice rinks and eight international squash courts – means you can play hard and study hard right on campus.
1 It’s Newport! – a really awesome town right down the road! HANNAH, CARBONDALE,
COLO.
2 Everything you could possibly need is right out your door. MIA, HINGHAM, MASS.
3 Having 20 other guys my own age around all the time is great. CHRISTIAN, NEWPORT, VT.
4 I learned to be more mature and independent. OASIS, QINGDAO, CHINA
5 The friendships I have made have been with people from all over the world. CATHERINE, DALLAS, TEXAS
6 My favorite part is basically having a constant sleepover/summer camp experience with the closest friends you could ever have. TONI, EASTON, PA.
6
IRENE, FIFTH FORM
HOMETOWN: New Bedford,
Mass
INTERESTS: Insight Club
leadership, prefect, cross
country, softball, basketball
What’s Insight? Insight is the diversity club. We work to bring awareness about diversity and the issues surrounding that on campus. We’ll have meetings and guided discussions about recent news and plan events. It’s also a good time for students to hang out. Just hang out?Part of our mission is to help create a home away from home. Dr. Bullock has her house open to us, so on Sundays we’ll pop in and eat all her food or order pizza and lounge on her couch. It really helped me settle in my first year. What kinds of pro-grams does Insight do?We recently did a Mix-It-Up Lunch Day where students were randomly assigned to sit with people they wouldn’t ordinarily sit with. It helped students mingle and interact with new people. How has Dr. Bullock helped you at St. George’s?She’s a role model and a mentor. I feel like there’s someone looking out for me on campus – and she’s like that with a lot of students. She’s really kind of that “parent away from home.”
DR. KIM BULLOCK
ROLES: Director of Diversity,
biology teacher, JV girls
basketball coach
How have you gotten to know Irene? Even before she was head of Insight, we spent some quality time together, which I do with many students of color. They find a haven in my residence. It’s a place to just be yourself. Irene and I share a pas-sion for raising aware-ness about creating an inclusive community at SG. We exchange articles, documentaries, Ted Talks and poetry.
Poetry? Sure. I love spoken word. What’s your goal for students like Irene? My big thing is that I want the students to be comfortable and to make an impact on St. George’s. To start new traditions, so they are imprinted on this school, not just passing through. Irene really loves this school, and it’s because of that that she cares so much about bringing folks in and being inclusive. She’s blossomed into this creative force. She’s got a lot of ideas?She doesn’t come to me and say, ‘Can we do this?’ She says, ‘Here’s an idea. Let’s do this.’ You come to your boss prepared. Irene comes already having thought out a lot, which moti-vates me even more. We have done so much good this year.
PIZZA, POETRY and DIVERSITY At Dr. Kim Bullock’s residence, students find good food, great conversation, and a caring home away from home.
PRIZE DAY
Graduation, or Prize Day, is an emotional event as you gather with friends and faculty one last time. All students leave their mark here: The name of every graduate is carved into the wooden walls of King Hall.
30+Traditions observed on campus each year
RESPECTING TRADITION
From our nearly 100-year-old Christmas Festival to the much rowdier Middlesex Weekend Pep Rally and Bonfire, we celebrate more than 30 traditions together each year.
INSIDE THE CHAPEL
Our Gothic chapel provides spiritual opportunities, from traditional Episcopal services to “chapel talks” – personal remarks by students about life lessons.
“JOINING CHOIR WAS ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS I MADE AT SG. I LOVED THE PEOPLE AND THE ATMOSPHERE, BUT THE RANGE AND STYLES OF MUSIC THAT WE GET TO SING IS AMAZING!” SARAH, NEW YORK, N.Y.
ACADEMICS at ST. GEORGE’S
Do you know what you have in common with every other St. George’s student? You’re one of a kind. How much is your individuality worth to us? Everything. That’s why we put everything we have into inspiring, challenging, and supporting your academic goals – starting with a personally tailored course of study.
OverviewSt. George’s is a coeducational boarding and day school
that offers students in grades 9-12 a comprehensive
college preparatory education. In classes that range
from Biology to Welding, students explore their interests
through core requirements and electives. Our classes
average 11 students, ensuring that each student receives
the individual attention he or she deserves. Learning
here happens through discussion, debate, inquiry, and
active observation.
Academic RequirementsTo qualify for a St. George’s diploma, students must
fulfill these basic requirements.
ENGLISH: Four years of study, including English IV.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES: Study through Level III in one for-
eign language in consecutive years. The foreign language
requirement can be met with either a classical (Latin) or
modern language (French, Spanish, or Chinese).
HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE: Two years of study, one
must be U.S. History, AP US History or American Studies
MATHEMATICS: Complete Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra
II, and Precalculus.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES: Two semesters of study for stu-
dents entering in their Third Form, one semester of study
for those entering in their Fourth or Fifth Form year.
SCIENCE: Two yearlong laboratory science courses. Bi-
ology, chemistry, physics and AP Environmental Science
fulfill this requirement.
THE ARTS: Two semesters of study in art, music or
theater.
AdvisingBefore school begins in the fall, new students are
assigned a faculty advisor. Students work with advisors
to navigate St. George’s graduation requirements and
choose electives. They also lean on their advisors for
support when it comes to questions about roommates,
academic struggles, homesickeness or general
adjustment issues. Formal advisor/advisee meetings
take place on a weekly basis during Advisory. Because
we want your advisor/advisee relationship to be strong,
we give you the option to change advisors, so that you
might find someone you can relate to and who can
relate to you. Finding a comfort level is important,
because students interact with their advisors frequently
in a variety of settings – in the classroom, in the
dormitory and in sports.
Independent StudySixth Formers can learn more about an area of interest
by pursuing independent studies with help from a
faculty sponsor. To be considered, students must write a
detailed proposal outlining their plan and project goals,
signed by their sponsor.
Advanced PlacementIn addition to honors and upper level courses, we offer
22 Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Prerequisites may
include a score of 3 or better in the AP exam of a
related course, a teacher recommendation or permis-
sion from an academic department. St. George’s offers
AP courses in the following subjects: Studio Art, English,
U.S. History, Modern European History, Economics,
American Government and Politics, Chinese, French,
Latin, Spanish, Calculus (AB) and (BC), Statistics, Music
Theory, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science.
After ClassA packed afternoon schedule keeps students busy
once classes are done for the day. Instead of physical
education, all students are required to play at least
one interscholastic sport per year. Upper Formers
can substitute a Student Designed Faculty Sponsored
Activity (SDFSA), or a theater performance for a sport.
SDSFAs allow students to explore personal interests, like
breakdancing or beekeeping. Dinner follows afternoon
activities. Next, students head into study hall, which runs
from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Nathaniel P. Hill LibraryRenovated in 2011, our library serves as a study space
and research center for students and teachers. It features
30,000 books, an extensive audio visual collection,
five study rooms and two classrooms, both equipped
with LCD projectors and drop down screens.
66Percent of faculty who hold
advanced degrees – 12 of which are doctorates
Exploration AbroadSt. George’s students gain new insight into what it
means to be part of a global community through
cultural immersions and exchanges.
GLOBAL STUDIES SEMINAR
The Global Studies Seminar is a yearlong elective for
Sixth Formers. They travel to countries such as the
Dominican Republic, Iceland, Panama, Poland and
Senegal to conduct research on topics ranging from
economics to culture and globalization before
presenting their findings to a panel of faculty.
GLOBAL CULTURAL INITIATIVES PROGRAM (GCIP)
Students gain professional work experience through the
GCIP. For three weeks, students live in Paris, London or
Madrid and intern for partner organizations such as the
Curie Institute and the Institute of Material Sciences.
STUDENT EXCHANGES
St. George’s students and faculty travel to partner
schools in Jordan, Iceland, China and South Africa
where they attend classes and live with host parents.
St. George’s hosts students and faculty as well.
GERONIMO
Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Formers can take part in a 6-week
excursion through the Caribbean aboard Geronimo,
our marine research vessel. When they need a break
from sailing, schoolwork and research, they dock and
interact with locals in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and the
Dominican Republic.
Merck-Horton CenterThe Merck-Horton Center for Teaching and Learning is a
valuable resource for the entire St. George’s community.
Through a partnership with the Harvard University Grad-
uate School of Education, teachers conduct scholarly
research focused on student engagement. Research
outcomes include yoga in the classroom and innovative
partnerships between departments. Students work with
the Instructional Services team to strengthen study skills
including time management and note taking.
College CounselingFormal college counseling begins in students’ Fifth Form
year. In large groups, small groups and one-on-one
sessions, our counseling staff informs students about
the application process. They also work closely with
each student to assess his or her interests and weigh the
importance of factors such as school size, location and
extracurricular activities. We host college fairs, offer
essay writing workshops and hold mock interviews for
our students. We also invite college representatives on
campus for information sessions and admission
interviews. Our students know their counselors from
classes, sports or interactions on campus, making
college counseling a candid and often informal process
conducive to finding each student the best “fit.”
College Matriculation Members from the Class of 2014 are currently attending the colleges and universities listed below.
American UniversityBabson CollegeBarnard CollegeBoston CollegeBrown UniversityBucknell UniversityCarnegie Mellon UniversityColby CollegeColorado CollegeConnecticut CollegeCornell UniversityDartmouth CollegeDavidson CollegeDuke UniversityElon University
Franklin and Marshall CollegeGeorgetown UniversityGeorge Washington
UniversityHamilton CollegeHobart and William Smith
CollegesJohns Hopkins UniversityKenyon CollegeLehigh UniversityMiddlebury CollegeNew York UniversityNortheastern UniversitySewanee: The University
of the South
Southern Methodist University
Saint Lawrence UniversityTrinity CollegeTufts UniversityUniversity of MiamiUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of RichmondUniversity of St. Andrews,
ScotlandUniversity of VermontUniversity of VirginiaWake Forest UniversityWashington and Lee
University
24420-class sailboats in
St. George’s fleet, which is the largest of its kind at
a high school
LIFE atST. GEORGE’S
St. George’s is made up of friendly, well-rounded students. They work hard in their studies, but aren’t afraid to let go and explore new interests. Add to that a collection of highly qualified teachers who are more than teachers – people you’ll get to know as coaches and dorm parents, too. Together, students and faculty create a campus vibe that is fun and engaging.
A Day at St. George’sStudent days are active, filled with demanding academ-
ics, intense athletics, and creative expression through
the arts. Days begin with chatter over breakfast at King
Hall. A short walk takes students to their classes for the
day, where they explore a mix of required courses and
electives. Depending on form year, students participate
in a sport, theatrical production or a community service
project for their afternoon activity. On Mondays and
Fridays, the entire school comes together to share
announcements during Assembly. On Wednesdays and
Saturdays, students have athletic games in the afternoon.
Tuesdays and Thursdays have a dedicated time slot for
chapel service. After a full day, students make their way to
the dining hall for dinner, then gather for club meetings.
Day students and boarders spend time in dorms, in the
library and in common areas during study hall. Then day
students head home, and boarding students check into
dorms at 10 p.m.
Dorm LifeOut of 365 students, 88 percent are boarders. Nearly 85
percent of faculty live on campus, too. As dorm parents,
faculty provide support ranging from homework help
to advice. Faculty spouses, their children and even their
pets add to St. George’s family feel.
Third Formers live with roommates in the dorms.
Returning students participate in room selection lotter-
ies each May. Most dorms house upper and lower form
students together. Pizza and pancake nights hosted
by dorm parents build bonds between students across
forms. Elected student prefects are tasked with making
dorm living a positive experience for all students.
Dorm common areas house special events. They also
make perfect study spots for small groups or individuals.
Wi-Fi access connects students to online resources, includ-
ing email and Skype for video calls to family back home.
Athletic LifeAcross the Hilltop and in state-of-the-art facilities (which
include two ice rinks, an indoor track, 4 indoor and 10
oudoor tennis courts, and a squash center), 84 percent
of students fulfill the required afternoon activity by play-
ing sports. And they play hard. Students compete fiercely
during Wednesday and Saturday “game days” – which
may mean face paint for cheering classmates.
St. George’s fields 51 interscholastic athletic teams.
All compete in the Independent School League (ISL), and
most sports cater to varying levels of play. From thirds to
varsity, students are encouraged to use each season to
explore new athletic interests. And our list is extensive.
Check out the sports offered at St. George’s:
BOYS INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS
Fall
Cross-Country (varsity, JV)
Football (varsity, JV, thirds)
Soccer (varsity, JV, thirds)
Winter
Basketball (varsity, JV, thirds)
Hockey (varsity, JV)
Squash (varsity, JV)
Swimming (varsity, JV)
Spring
Baseball (varsity, JV)
Lacrosse (varsity, JV)
Tennis (varsity, JV)
Track (varsity)
GIRLS INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS
Fall
Cross-Country (varsity)
Field Hockey (varsity, JV, thirds)
Soccer (varsity, JV, thirds)
Winter
Basketball (varsity, JV, thirds)
Hockey (varsity, JV)
Squash (varsity, JV)
Swimming (varsity, JV)
Spring
Lacrosse (varsity, JV, thirds)
Softball (varsity, JV)
Tennis (varsity, JV)
Track (varsity)
COED INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS
Winter
Squash (thirds)
Spring
Golf (varsity)
Sailing (varsity, JV, thirds)
53Interscholastic athletic
teams
85Percent of faculty who live
on campus
Clubs & ActivitiesStudents expand their academic scope and personal
interests through St. George’s clubs, governing councils
and publications. They snap photos for our yearbook,
The Lance; perfect the plus-que-parfait over pastries
in French Club; and plan Dress-Down-Days for charity
through the Community Service Council. Here is a full
list of active student organizations at St. George's:
tt Art Clubtt Art Counciltt Athletic Counciltt Baking Clubtt BBQ Clubtt Big Brothers/Big Sisterstt Book Clubtt Brass Ensemblett Chapel Choirtt Classics Clubtt Community Service Counciltt Double Dutch Clubtt Dragon (school literary magazine)tt Entertainment Committeett French Clubtt Gay/Straight Alliancett Global Issuestt Handbell Choirtt Health Counciltt Hilltoppers (male a cappella)tt Insight (multicultural organization)tt International Clubtt International Relations Clubtt Italian Clubtt Jazz Ensemblett Lance (the school yearbook)tt Library Associationtt Music Guildtt Orchestratt Red & White (school newspaper)tt Rock Guildtt Sailing Clubtt Snapdragons (female a cappella)tt Spanish Clubtt Step it Up!tt Student Counciltt Student Tech Supporttt Surfrider Foundationtt Women in Leadershiptt Young Liberalstt Young Republicans
Student LeadershipLeadership at St. George’s takes many forms. There are
elected members of student government and the Honor
Board and team captains who strategize plays and boost
team morale. Student Council members represent the
ideas and opinions of the student body. Dorm and day
prefects monitor living and study areas and make sure
all students feel included in dorm activities. School and
senior prefects, who campaign for votes and support,
serve as liaisons between students and faculty.
AssemblyTwice weekly, the entire student body, faculty and staff
gather to celebrate news through creative performance.
Skits, song and dance during Assembly reveal game
dates, fundraisers and student accomplishments.
Student leaders also announce special events and club
meeting dates.
TraditionsSt. George’s celebrates more than 30 traditions each
year. Headmaster’s Holiday means canceled classes
and a day of much deserved rest. Bonfire flames draw
crowds after the Middlesex pep rally.
ChapelThe Chapel is the site of bi-weekly services. A formal
Episcopalian service on Thursday features prayer and
songs sung by our 55-member student choir. Seniors
lead informal Tuesday morning service, where students
who have volunteered to address the community share
prepared stories about honor and individual growth.
Both services allow for reflection.
Weekend LifeWeekends at St. George’s begin with half-day classes on
Saturdays. Then, students compete and cheer friends
on during afternoon athletic games. With spirits high,
students spend time socializing on campus, hanging
out by the beach or exploring nearby Newport. Quick
meet-ups at Empire Tea and long dinners at Pasta Beach
are student favorites. Each weekend, the student-run
Entertainment Committee (EC) hosts cool nighttime
events. From DJ dances to movie nights, these events
keep our students entertained all year around.
40+Student organizations
APPLY to ST. GEORGE'S
While high academic achievement is the most important factor in gaining admission to St. George’s, we work diligently to ensure that every admitted student is the right fit for our community.
The St. George’s student is open to change. He or she
appreciates innovation and challenge. The admission
process begins with an admission officer reviewing
each student’s complete application. Next, at least three
experienced admission officers evaluate application
materials independently. This process allows us to get
to know our students deeply before making enrollment
decisions. With our knowledge of individual student
backgrounds, academic history, and extracurricular
interests in mind, we can work closely with students to
plan their paths at St. George’s once they are admitted.
Admission StatisticsSTUDENTS WHO APPLIED FOR ADMISSION SEASON 2013-2014
TUITION
Boarding students: $54,100
Day students: $37,200
FINANCIAL AID
Awarded for 2013–2014: $4 million
The Admission ProcessSTEP 1: In the summer, fall or early winter: Schedule a
personal interview by calling the Admission Office at
401-842-6600, or by emailing admission@stgeorges.
edu.
STEP 2: Register for the SSAT, the ISEE or the TOEFL.
Tests are administered in the fall and winter of each year.tt SSAT (Secondary School Admission test). Most 9th
through 11th grade candidates submit SSAT scores.tt ISEE (Educational Records Bureau Independent
School Entrance Examination). Candidates may
submit ISEE scores.tt Candidates taking the PSAT or SAT between Septem-
ber and January may submit either of those scores.tt International Students must submit the Test of English
as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as well as take the
SSAT or ISEE.
STEP 3: Complete and return the final application forms.
The final application includes:tt Application (Candidate Statement)tt Parent Informationtt School Reporttt Current English Teacher Recommendationtt Current Math Teacher Recommendationtt Special Interest/Talent Form (optional)
TuitionThe present charge for tuition and residence for one
year is $54,100. Tuition for day students is $37,200.
After a student is accepted for admission, an enrollment
deposit of $4,000, which is credited to the final school
bill, reserves a place. The deposit is waived for families
who demonstrate appropriate financial need. In order
to help families meet their educational expenses beyond
financial aid grants, payment options are available.
Visit www.stgeorges.edu for more information on
specific options.
Financial AidSt. George’s is committed to enrolling a talented and
diverse student body and believes that financial need
should never discourage a student from applying for
admission to St. George’s School. St. George’s imple-
ments several programs to enable parents to finance
the cost of their child’s education and aspires to provide
opportunities to all students, regardless of their family’s
financial circumstances. At St. George’s, the total cost
per student exceeds the cost of tuition, so, in a very
real sense, all students receive financial aid. For some
families, further assistance is necessary and St. George’s
has several options available. These include financial
aid grants, monthly payment plans and loans.
Visit www.stgeorges.edu for more information on
specific options.
Accepted (218)
Enrolled (116)
Applied
(765)
31Percent of students who
receive financial aid
VISIT withST. GEORGE'S
The best way to understand what St. George’s has to offer is to witness the traditions, feel the energy and experience the warmth of our community for yourself.
A Typical VisitA visit provides a chance for our admission staff to meet
prospective students and their parents, to help them to
more clearly define their school search and to better
imagine how they might fit into our school community
and programs.
A typical visit consists of a talk with a member of
our admission department, a tour of the campus with a
student guide and a family conference with one of our
admission associates.
SCHEDULE
Visits are only scheduled while classes are in session
(with the exception of the summer months). If possible,
appointments should be made in advance, either by
telephoning or emailing the Admission Office. The
Admission Office visit schedule is as follows: tt Mondays: 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. tt Tuesdays: 9:00 a.m.–noontt Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m.–noon tt Thursdays and Fridays: 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. tt Saturdays: 8:00 a.m.–10:20 a.m.
The St. George's Today Program: Be a Dragon for a DayThe St. George’s Today program is designed for
candidates and families who wish to explore the school
for a longer period of time and in greater depth than is
possible during a traditional visit.
On these occasions, visitors will be able to attend a
variety of student and faculty panels and campus tours
will be arranged, as well as class visitations, for students.
Families who have already visited the school are
invited to schedule a return for one of the St. George’s
Today programs. Conversely, families who attend a St.
George’s Today program have the option to arrange for
a personal interview as our schedule permits or to return
to the campus at a later date.
As it does for prospective candidates and their
families, the St. George’s Today program also provides
an opportunity for guidance counselors and educational
consultants to see the school in action.
In offering the St. George’s Today program, our goal
is to provide a comprehensive visit to those who are
in the early stages of the school search process. These
programs begin at 7:45 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m. Please
call the Admission Office at 401-842-6600 in advance to
reserve a spot.
