When thinking about next year, I sat down and really wanted to reflect on what makes our school unique and why I would love for you to register your child with us again. I decided the best way I could organize my thoughts was in list format. Here are the top 10 reasons why St. Paul’s is special (in no particular order).
10. Dress Code- One comment made to me by a grandparent on Grandparent’s Day was that all of our students are dressed like, “ladies and gentlemen.” Having a dress code is proven to increase student achievement by encouraging them to concentrate more on academics and less on their wardrobe.
9. Parental involvement- The three-way partnership between parents, students, and teachers is essential to student success. Our parents are more actively involved in their children's lives than any school I have been at. Thank you for being available and responsive when I have a concern or compliment about your child.
8. Community- As the Lower School fills with surfboard pictures in anticipation of Family Fun Night, I am reminded of the great community we have at St. Paul’s Academy. I love knowing every student’s name and who their parents are. I am so grateful to be in such a close knit community.
7. Shared Values and Culture- You have brought your child to our school because you value a good education. You want your child to be under the umbrella of our school's Core Commitments of Care, Engage, Reflect, and Create. This is a shared group of values in our community.
6. Religious teaching- We care about the whole child including their spiritual upbringing. Chaplain Matt teaches ecumenical Christian values, reinforced by our Core Commitments. Your child learns about a wide variety of faiths and we embrace and celebrate the rich religious diversity represented in the student body.
5. Overcrowding vs. our small class size- Public schools tend to be huge and crowded. Classes can include 20-30 students. Our smaller class sizes (maximum 15 students) create a favorable student-to-teacher ratio.
4. Testing- Today, “core curriculum standards” can result in many schools teaching to the test. Public schools receive funds based on how their students perform, so often, children are no longer taught to think, but rather to memorize. We administer the state test at the Lower School in 4th grade only, and we do this just as a comparison marker without the pressure.
3. Comprehensive Program- Our program not only includes excellent academics it also offers a K-12 Spanish program, Art program, Physical Education, Music, and Library. Our students have a myriad of academic options to pursue interests in a variety of disciplines, including the arts, athletics, language, science, music, math, and more.
2. Academics- Students excel at St. Paul’s Academy where they participate in our premier college preparatory program and significantly outperform Bellingham and Washington public school students on standardized tests (including Advance Placement tests). Our devoted teachers average more than 11 years of classroom teaching experience, and each K-12 teacher has a Bachelor’s degree and most faculty members have advanced degrees. Our goal is to give your child the best education we can possibly give.
1. We love your child- The teachers here truly love your child. I wish parents could see the amount of love and understanding that each of our classroom teachers and specialists give each day. Every staff member from the front office to the sibling care teacher knows each child’s needs and strengths. We love your child and hope that they will once again bless us with their presence next year.
