I arrived on St. Paul’s School campus to the buzz of “twin day.” Every student was having fun and I saw some very originally dressed twins.

Waiting in the admission office several families had arrived at the same time including a family from Brazil who had a very heavy interview schedule while in the states. St. Paul’s is a richly diverse co-educational community with all faculty and 530 students living tightly together. Each student has “freedom of responsibility” as well as a challenging academic schedule and advanced studies program. Everyone is bound to respect self and each other through the school’s Honor Code.

My tour guide has been at St. Paul’s for three years. Very involved in the St. Paul’s community, she plays three sports, heads a club and studies very hard. I asked her; “if she could change one thing at St. Paul’s what would it be?” She replied “not have Saturday classes.” She made the case that she feels students do not have enough free time.

Every class was animated and engaged. The French class I visited was acting out a play in French. Beautiful student art work was displayed throughout the school buildings. I found the chapel to be absolutely beautiful and the field house must better then some colleges. A new math and science building ($50 million) is proposed. So as not to interrupt the present math and science building, the new structure is taking shape- in horseshoe form- around the existing building.

I enjoyed my visit very much and loved the feeling of belonging on campus. Winding my way through the dirt path ways and side walks to its many buildings around flowing water and beautiful architecture and landscaping set the mood for a wonderful educational community.

St. Paul’s looks for kids with more than great grades, self-motivation, and strong test scores. Ideal St. Paul’s candidates are involved outside of the classroom, sports, visual and performing arts, clubs and really have a dynamic interview.

To learn more about the school, visit: www.sps.edu

Photo credit: Ben McLeod