Indeed, financial aid can be a mystery. But it shouldn’t be. Transparency about policies, procedures and priorities is indicative of a well-run program that aims to take away the mystery.
It should be noted that part of the mystery is that different ‘types’ of schools have different types of programs but if families don’t recognize the difference in schools, then the differences in programs can contribute to the confusion.
Topics: Insider, School search, become ready, Looking at private schools, Financial Aid
Teacher recommendations are a key component of most independent school admission decision making. While grades provide a mark of actual achievement in a class, teacher recommendations provide the context and the insight a simple grade cannot.
Imagine two scenarios. The student has a B+ in math, which seems perfectly respectful. In one scenario, the recommendation helps the admission committee realize that the student has missed some homework assignments and the teacher feels they are capable of much more but that the student has ‘settled’ for the B+. In the second scenario, the admission
Topics: Insider, Upper School, Academics, Middle School, Lower School, co-ed
Show me how you use your time, and I will show you what you value.
Historically, efficient and maximum use of classrooms was what drove school schedules. It wasn’t about student learning; it was about making sure two classes weren’t in Room 23 at the same time. In the last 50 years, school schedules have instead focused on student learning. Accordingly, as our understanding and knowledge of student learning continues to evolve, so should school schedules...even if Room 23 has been in the same place the whole time.
A hallmark of St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes is our tremendous faculty. Their expertise and experience keep us focused on the student experience and how the program is best delivered. Over two years ago we began the process to review our schedule and be sure it still had students and how they learn best at its center. This has been a massive JK-12, school-wide initiative that affirmed much of what we were doing brilliantly as well as let us build and capitalize on that to reallocate our time to reflect our values and our approach to education.
So, how will that look next year for our youngest Saints in Lower School? Just a very few highlights of this exciting initiative include:
Topics: Insider, dare greatly, Teachers as experts, become ready, Academics, Lower School
