Educating the whole child – mind, body and spirit.

Written by Gracie Poletti

Set on seven acres encompassing buildings, playing fields and a small stream in Saratoga, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School strives to offer not only excellent academics, but a mindful eye toward developing an inclusive community for students and their families.

Although St Andrew’s, serving kindergarteners through eighth grade, is independently governed by a board of trustees and does not depend on church funds, the school strives to offer an enriched curriculum within the tradition and values of the Episcopal Church.

The goal of the academic program at St. Andrew’s is to prepare students to continue their studies at notable Catholic and independent schools. Test scores are impressive and for more than 30 years, 90 percent of its students have been accepted into high schools of their choice.

The core curriculum at St. Andrew’s is complemented by studio and performing arts, music, physical education, foreign language, world religion, technology, character development, and community service, providing a well-rounded education for students who are encouraged to be lifelong learners.

As an Apple showcase school, all middle school students are given a laptop, and school work is done and submitted online. Lower grades have access to computers in the classrooms, and even the youngest students can experiment with technological devices that drill them on math problems and track their progress. Schools locally and from abroad have come to observe the tech program at St. Andrews.

But it’s not just about academics at St. Andrew’s. The school encourages a strong sense of community and family as well.

Lani Mah, director of admissions, says, “Step back and ask yourself, ‘What are you looking for [in a school]?’ What is the culture of the community? Is it a fit for your family?’” St. Andrew’s emphasizes family involvement and believes a child’s education must grow from a partnership between teachers and parents.

The tradition of Episcopal schools is to educate the whole child – mind, body and spirit. To this end, in addition to fine academics and a thriving physical education program, St. Andrew’s incorporates chapel services twice a week and offers a world religions class for the upper grades.

Because students come from diverse religious backgrounds, chapel services are comprised of broad, universal spiritual messages. The community’s religious leaders from various faiths regularly visit the campus, and field trips to different places of worship, such as a Muslim mosque, are incorporated into the curriculum as well. The goal is to set each student on a spiritual path with an acceptance and understanding of other beliefs.

St. Andrew’s offers individual tours for families at any time, and parents are welcome to observe classes. Interested students in fourth grade and higher may shadow an enrolled student to get a sense of whether they think they would enjoy St. Andrew’s.

Mah advises families looking for schools to “think about the educational journey your child is taking. [St Andrew’s] is not just [kindergarten] through eighth; it’s a journey and an adventure.”

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is located at:
13601 Saratoga Ave., in Saratoga
For more information call: 408.867.3785
or visit www.st-andrews.org