Shattuck-St. Mary's School - Review #5

The most unique aspects of Shattuck-St. Mary's School are the relationships. I only graduated a few months ago, and I am already nostalgic for the close relationships which I formed over the years. I really enjoyed getting close to my teachers who really helped me out along the way. I cannot imagine where I would be today without that. My teachers really took the time to get to know me personally; they generously helped me with their wisdom and and gave me their valuable time. I can only hope that my college professors will be so genuinly concerned with me. Another aspect I will always find unforgettable are the relationships with the students. Although Shattuck is a small school, I will never forget the diverse group of people with whom good friends with. I know I will forever keep in touch with many of them.

I feel ahead of everybody who attended public school, even though I never actually left home. If I had done that [left home and been a boarder], I would be even better off. The challenging acedemics, the rigorous sports (namely, hockey), and the challenge of meeting new people are well worth the stress and hard work. I feel ready to go to college and face what the world has to offer.

I would have definately worked a lot harder and tried to make "A" honor role a few times, and I would have spent more time in the library at night. It really is a great place to get work done. I would have explored other areas more. Shattuck really has a lot to offer, and I should have taken advantage of that. The theatre is a great learning experince, and I wish that I would have done more with that. I would have explored more options earlier. Unfortunately, I was only in two plays and never even did tech. The music department has great teachers and directors. Orchestra was a lot of fun, and chorus really was a great experience. I would have done a lot more with that.

So many aspects contributed to my good experience, its hard to name one.

What I mostly preach when I toured new students is DO NOT COME TO SHATTUCK FOR ONLY ONE REASON. Shattuck really has a lot to offer, and prospective students should only express interest if they are interested in many areas which the school has to offer. Too many hockey players come to the school for just hockey; most of these people drop out anyway because the find the school to be too much. Besides, it is a huge waste of money to go just for hockey. Although the tuition is lower than all east coast schools, it is still a significant amount of money. A successful Shattuck student usually shows interest in several areas, but most of all is a good student. Do not be intimidated by the rigorous academics. One does not necessarily have to be smart; it is mostly hard work that is the key to success. If you are considering the school seriously, know that it takes a well rounded individual to succeed.

There are advanced placement classes offered in every discipline. The classes are all small, especially in middle school and AP's. I can say that every teacher was overly qualified and really knew the subject well. The workload is not overbearing for the core classes, but it is more difficult if you choose to take higher level courses (which I recommend in order to get your money's worth).

Shattuck has the premier hockey program in the country (but that is about it). Lacrosse is a fast growing sport (played in the spring). I never played Lacrosse, but I wish I had.

The school plays always turn out fabulously. In this field, the teachers are all extremely qualified. I would recommend that all students participate and explore the arts (even jocks).

There is a community service requirement of 20 hours per year. The school newspaper is a great organization. Many students choose to form their own clubs which is a great experience. Most student run activity meets once a week, and they all have a faculty advisor. Two growing activities are the Crack Squad for boys and the Wooden Soldiers for girls. They are of the oldest organizations in the school (in past years they have been short on members, but now they are picking up once again). These organizations are extremely unique and offer good leadership experiences for all their members.

The dorms, especially the boys' dorm, are not really eye candy, but the are really not that bad. I actually never lived in the dorms; my twin brother and I were two of about 50 day students who live around the area, but I do feel that close relationships are definately formed in the dorms, which are small and house only about 50 people each. Roommates are assigned to new students, but room changes are frequent. The dorm parents are all nice and accomodating. The boys' dorm is mostly two per room, but the girls' havge a lot of singles available.

Over the past few years, there have been a lot of improvements to the food, especially lunch. The dining staff are open to requests. There are a lot of vegetarian options. Overall, the food is pretty good. Meals are buffet-style, so no need to mess with meal cards. Usually at the beginning of the year there are assigned tables for lunch, but that usually faded away by the end of the first term.

Faribault itself lacks a lot of character. I feel qualified to say that because I have lived here my whole life. There are only two decent restaurants, but the twin cities is only about 1 hour by car, and there are many van trips to malls in the suburbs. The student activities directors do a good job of listening to the students requests. A lot of trips to plays, sporting events, theme parks, etc. on the weekends.

I thought it was a lot of fun to get to know everybody. There are a lot less groups and cliques than at public school. I really felt that i had a diverse group of friends which I would encourage everybody to try to have. Make friends with international students, students from town, jocks and theatre people. Most people do this, but some don't.