St. Andrew's School, DE - Review #9

Read more details about St. Andrew's School, DE on their 2024 profile page.
St. Andrew's School, DE
5

About the Author:

Years Attended Boarding School:
2007-2011
Sports and Activities:
Although I am not athletic, I was part of the basketball, volleyball, and crew teams. In seasons where I opted out of sports, I participated in school plays. My community service (not required) was served at a local public elementary school. I was involved in Help for Haiti, Sapphire, and Friends of Africa. I was the class representative and a vestry member in the student government. My senior year I was a Residential Leader.
College Enrolled:
Wesleyan University
Home Town, State:
Brooklyn, NY

Reflections and Advice:

1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
The amazing quality of relationships is unique to the St. Andrew's experience. The school's effort to refrain from a technology dependent social culture forces students to interact with each other. Also, the wonderful student-teacher relationships creates an enjoyable educational environment rather than a stressful one. The majority of the faculty resides on campus and are dorm parents, coaches or advisors. Being in college, where you are pretty much on your own, makes me appreciate how involved teachers were in my life. Even the headmaster made an effort to get to know his students. Having concerned teachers makes a huge difference when you are away at a young age. Another unique aspect of our school is its size. Our small population allows for smaller classes, more intimate dorm life, better student-teacher relationships and a more easy going culture.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The things that I feared the most about St. Andrews became the things that I appreciated the most at the end. Chapel was a turnoff to me when I applied but it became a good time to reflect although I am not a particularly religious person. The limited access to the internet was unsettling to me but it forced me to talk to my classmates and form life long relationships. If I could go back to my boarding school application process I would not go to a different school. St.Andrew's helped me figure out a lot about myself and what I need for a good educational environment. Because of St. Andrews I feel like I am more than just a student but a member of society who can make a difference.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
The biggest advice I can give is be yourself and be open minded. People will love you for your quirks and your differences and you should be open to the differences of others.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
I will always miss the culture at St.Andrews. It is really difficult to explain what I mean by "culture" but it is a combination of social life, teachers, activities and more. The moment you drive onto the beautiful campus you feel the warmth of the St. Andrews culture.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
What you think you might want in a boarding school might not be what you actually want so be open in the application process. I thought I wanted a big school but in reality a small school was the best thing for me.Also, find that faculty member that you click with because it will truly make your experience at St. Andrews that much greater.

Academics:

1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Our classes were small and they were more discussion based rather than lecture styled. I came from a public middle school where rote memorization and repetition could get you the best grade but I could not get away with that in high school. St. Andrew's classes will challenge your thinking and ask you for your opinion and thoughts. Even our science and math classes try to be more interactive. What I loved loved loved about St. Andrew's was that it was not obsessed with numbers. We have AS (Advanced Studies) courses as opposed to AP courses because we don't cater to the tests. We don't have classes dedicated to SAT prep or ACT prep because we don't believe that those test are any real indication of a student's intelligence. That can be unsettling to some parents but it didn't hurt me in the college process.

Athletics:

1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Our athletic department has grown since I graduated. The quality of facilities has greatly increased. For the most part, participation in sports is required. An alternative is participating in the play. St. Andrew's athletics has a good combination of healthy competitiveness and sportsmanship.

Art, Music, and Theatre:

1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
Our arts center is relatively new. We have a great photography, painting, drawing and sculpture classes. There are many options if you are interested in music such as the Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra or multiple singing groups. Theatre is available every season and there are acting lessons available. The dance program is relatively new and has grown since I graduated. The majority of the community is involved in the arts in some way and the greatest proof of that is our arts weekend.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
St. Andrew's has many extra curricular activities and if you are looking to create one, it is pretty easy. We also have many volunteer opportunities. What I like about St. Andrews is that unlike most schools, we do not have mandatory community service. That being said, a substantial number of students participate in volunteer work.

Dorm Life:

1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Dorm life is one of the aspects of St. Andrews that I miss the most. We are unique in that we do not have internet access in our dorms but there is internet access in the common rooms. To most incoming freshman that can seem like the ultimate turn off but by the time your time in high school is coming to an end, you realize how important that was for the dorm culture. The point of limiting internet is so that our social life isn't solely made up of time spent on social media websites. Dorm parents or Residential leaders try to play games or make late night snacks so that students spend time in the hallways. All boys live in founders hall which is the huge main building. Girls live in more separate small dorms. Dorms are divided depending on your year. Seniors are spread around campus to serve as mentors to the younger students. Most of the rooms are doubles.

Dining:

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Breakfast in mandatory for all students but seniors. We have sit down lunch every day except Wednesdays meaning we have assigned seats that rotate every two weeks. On Wednesdays nights we have sit down dinner prior to chapel. The quality of food is pretty good and the dining staff is really good to adhering to food allergies.We also have break which is a time slot in between third and fourth period and snacks are available to students during that time.

Social and Town Life:

1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
There are small restaurants around town but you may need a bike or prepare yourself for a long walk (which could be fun on a nice day). On weekends, there are vans that go to the mall, to the movies, neighboring restaurants or unique events. We have a local grocery store and Walmart trips for your personal needs. My favorite thing about town life was the food. Honestly, I didn't find myself needing to leave campus very often.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
I miss social life at St. Andrews. There are so many different kinds of people and you get know all of them. I remember when I visited everyone was so nice and I thought it was so weird. I thought it was impossible for everyone to be so kind on a daily basis. In reality, we are generally happy. The people are kind and quirky with good humor. Even the teachers are quirky and add to the school social life. The front lawn is the center of social life on campus in the fall and spring.

Daily Schedule:

Weekday
7:30 AM
Breakfast Sign-In
8:00 AM
Classes Begin
12:00 AM
Sit Down Lunch
3:00 PM
Classes End
4:00 PM
Sports Practice
6:00 PM
Dinner Time
7:00 PM
Club Meeting
8:00 PM
Study Hall
10:00 PM
Check In
Weekend
7:30 AM
Breakfast Sign In (Saturday Only)
8:00 AM
Classes (Saturday Only)
11:00 AM
Classes End (Saturday Only)
12:00 AM
Sport Games
11:00 PM
Check In
Read more details about St. Andrew's School, DE on their 2024 profile page.

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description
St. Andrew's School, DE Alumni #1
Class of 2018
5.00 6/22/2019
Dartmouth
St. Andrews not only has the most incredible ethos but uses that ethos among the student body to do good. The small student population allows no one to slip under the cracks, and it’s the. . .
St. Andrew's School, DE Alumni #2
Class of 2015
5.00 7/19/2016
Davidson College
I think that the small student body and close knit community of St. Andrew's makes it very unique. With a student body of only about 300 students, you know everyone's name and they know yours. . .
St. Andrew's School, DE Alumni #3
Class of 2009
5.00 9/11/2012
Temple University
St. Andrew's feels like a second home to me. The teachers are not only dedicated to education and fostering critical thinking in all disciplines, but also in making the school a comfortable and friendly environment. . .
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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Enrollment: 320 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $66,400
  • Acceptance rate: 26%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15
  • Source: Verified school update