Admission Viewbook, 2021-2022

P R E PA R AT I O N F O R C O L L E G E

Education FOR LIFE

S T. M A R T I N ’ S E P I S C O PA L S C H O O L

St. Martin’s prepares students to thrive in college and in life through Faith, Scholarship, and Service.

Our mission at St. Martin’s Episcopal School is to create well-rounded, highly educated, faithful students. Our faith defines our community by providing students with the spiritual foundation needed to become leaders of tomorrow. When I was a young student at St. Martin’s, I truly identified with the story of our patron saint, Martin de Tours. He found himself in a position to see the face of God in all people from all walks of life. We hold our Episcopal traditions close to our hearts by teaching students to be kind, open-minded, and caring members of our society.

St. Martin’s is second to none! We strive to create a supportive, educational system that is academically rigorous, innovative, and collaborative. We have the ability to teach the whole student through differentiated instruction, and we can individualize each child’s experience. We also have the great fortune of watching students of all ages learn, create, explore, and invent in our Gibbs Family Center for Innovation + Design.

We work to educate students to think beyond themselves, and beyond what they dreamed possible, to bring positive change to the community and the world. Our students develop resilience as they learn to adapt to unexpected changes.

I strongly believe in the value of a St. Martin’s education. I encourage you to come to visit our beautiful campus and meet with our admissions team members. We can’t wait to show you all that St. Martin’s has to offer.

Together we are Saints!

Ford Jones Dieth, Jr. ’89 Interim Head of School

WELCOME WE LCOME

Education

FOR LIFE

It’s no secret that the world is changing before our eyes. As a result, St. Martin’s leaders are constantly working to better equip students to face a future that is largely unknown.

In the 21st century, the school’s primary challenge is preparing its

students for an uncertain, fast-changing, global environment. That, of course, includes ensuring that students are academically strong.

But recent research shows that “deep learning” experiences are the most valuable for students’ long-term development. Input from

parents, faculty, and business and education leaders over the years has reinforced the idea that St. Martin’s students will need more than purely academic skills to succeed and thrive.

Founded in 1947, St. Martin’s is a coeducational, independent school that provides students from 8 weeks to grade 12 with a college

preparatory education focused on development of the whole person.

The StM experience is a journey that goes far beyond academics.

That’s why a St. Martin’s education doesn’t stop at graduation. The

school cultivates total human development and prepares students to

lead purposeful, meaningful, and productive lives. Caring, competent, and engaged faculty members guide students to explore individual

interests and strengths, teaching them how to build upon their gifts as they move through college, careers, and life.

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4 | Welcome

SPIRITUALITY

Values

FOR LIFE

St. Martin’s is based in faith and steeped in the Episcopal tradition; the school integrates spiritual formation into the overall educational experience.

Striving to be an embodiment of the Christian faith,

St. Martin’s community honors, celebrates, and worships God as the center of life.

The Episcopal tradition also calls the StM community to offer love to all people through inclusivity. As a result, St. Martin’s supports the individual faith journey of every student. Students are taught Christian beliefs as well as those of other major world religions, particularly those represented within the student body.

The school seeks to serve God in Christ in all persons, regardless of origin, color, gender, sexual orientation, background, ability, or

religion. St. Martin’s invites all who attend and work at the school — Episcopalians and non-Episcopalians, Christians and non-

Christians, and people of no faith tradition — to seek clarity about their own beliefs, and to honor those traditions more fully and faithfully in their own lives.

As an Episcopal school, St. Martin’s is built on the sure foundation

of Christian love that guides and challenges students to build lives of genuine meaning, purpose, and service in the world they will inherit.

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COMMUNITY

Relationships

FOR LIFE

One of St. Martin’s greatest strengths is its strong community, a diverse group of individuals with many gifts and talents who celebrate their shared values and commitment to core principles.

Families are the centerpiece of the St. Martin’s community.

St. Martin’s values inclusivity and practices it throughout the school, ensuring that all students have opportunities to lead

and learn. Students, families, and faculty from diverse backgrounds are sought and welcomed.

St. Martin’s faculty are among the best and brightest in the region.

Students benefit from caring, supportive, creative, and engaged

professionals who have been called to teach. Faculty do more than just pass on information. They serve as mentors, role models, sounding

boards, leaders, and inspirations to their students. These outstanding instructors believe wholeheartedly in the school’s mission.

While its students, faculty and staff, and families come from all walks of life, St. Martin’s is a place where all belong.

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LEADERSHIP & SERVICE

Service

FOR LIFE

St. Martin’s Episcopal School makes serving others a priority, beginning in early childhood and continuing until graduation.

While hours of service are a graduation requirement, many

students choose to exceed the required hours and continue to

serve, inspired by the personal fulfillment that comes from helping others. Service is an integral part of St. Martin’s culture and mission.

Field trips and community immersion experiences are frequent opportunities to broaden the cultural awareness of students,

to reinforce or deepen learning, and to support student service

projects. Service projects and service learning projects are planned for nearly every grade level, beginning as early as the George Cottage.

St. Martin’s approach to service is expanding with its embrace of design thinking. Since design thinking approaches instruction through exploring solutions to real-world problems, service

projects are now deepening to include engagement in addressing the root causes of issues traditionally addressed in days of

service. The school’s one-of-a-kind Mobile Idea Lab expands its capacity to involve students in the exploration of these broader

issues. This customized vehicle is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and research, design, and prototyping tools. It serves as a multipurpose design studio and classroom-on-wheels. The

vehicle and StM’s Innovation + Design Program are opening up

opportunities for the school, with its students and faculty, to serve as a resource to the community.

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INNOVATION + DESIGN

Mindsets

FOR LIFE

At St. Martin’s learning is not just about thinking, but about doing. The Innovation + Design (I+D) program is turning the notion of a traditional classroom on its head, giving students opportunities to tackle big projects with real solutions for real problems.

Launched in 2013 and modeled on Stanford’s d.school and MIT’s Fab Lab, St. Martin’s design thinking approach is woven through

the curriculum at all grade levels. The I+D program equips students with the skills and mindsets necessary to succeed in college and

in the 21st century workplace, such as adaptability, brainstorming, collaboration, and design.

Working alongside faculty, students integrate I+D projects into core subject areas while engaging in projects that cross artificial subject lines. Students build cognitive and social skills, explore multiple

solutions, and push the boundaries of their thinking beyond traditional answers. The shift to a growth mindset encourages them to become

confident, fearless, empathetic leaders, team members, and innovators.

The Gibbs Family Center for Innovation + Design (CID), a

4,900 square foot facility, is the most comprehensive school-

based maker space in the region. It operates simultaneously as a design studio, prototyping lab, production studio, woodworking

and build shop (indoor and outdoor), flexible classroom space, and

community partnership workspace. The space features 3D printers, modeling software, and video and audio equipment to enable and

support rapid prototyping of ideas, field research, and multimedia presentations.

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Experiences

FOR LIFE

In addition to the appetite for learning developed in the classroom, extracurricular activities and afterschool programs help students discover new interests, hone natural talents, and nurture budding passions that contribute to a healthy, balanced life.

GEORGE COTTAGE George Cottage students may participate in age-appropriate enrichments, some of which may involve a nominal fee. Below is a sample listing of activities.

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES Book Bites Creative Building Down in N’Awlins with Ms. Anita Eating the Alphabet Holiday Desserts Kitchen Science Nature Science Rock-A-Bye Baby Sensory Science Tinkering Yoga

LOWER SCHOOL Lower School students may participate in a number of athletic teams and afterschool enrichments, some of which may involve a nominal fee. Below is a sample listing of activities.

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES Chess Exploding Science Lego Architects Math-terpieces Minecraft Mondays Mixed Media Madness Newton’s Philosophers Strike a Pose (Children’s Yoga) Superhero Workshop Table-Top Games Tower Building 101 Where The Wild Things Are ATHLETICS Cheerleading Cross Country (Boys and Girls) Football (Flag) Lacrosse (Co-ed) Swimming (Boys and Girls) Volleyball “Play Days” INTEREST BASED Art Club Backyard Games Board Games Classic Music Videos Electronics Club

French Club iPad Orchestra Minecraft Club Playmakers Club Ping-Pong Club Science Fiction Movies Theater Club

ACTIVITIES

MIDDLE SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

SERVICE GROUPS Cottage Helpers

INTEREST BASED Art Club Film Club Outdoors Club Performing Arts Club Waffle Club

SPIRIT ORGANIZATIONS Cheerleading Team ATHLETICS Baseball Basketball (Boys and Girls) Cheerleading Cross Country (Boys and Girls) Football (Tackle) Football (Flag) Golf (Boys and Girls) Lacrosse (Boys) Soccer (Boys and Girls) Softball Swimming (Boys and Girls) Tennis (Boys and Girls) Track and Field (Boys and Girls) Volleyball

COMPETITIVE CLUBS Model United Nations Quiz Bowl Science Olympiad Speech and Debate CULTURAL & DIVERSITY CLUBS Diversity Club GSA International Club Spanish Club SERVICE GROUPS Key Club Red Cross Club Student Government HONORS ORGANIZATIONS Honor Council National Honor Society State Rally

SPIRIT ORGANIZATIONS Admission Ambassadors Cheerleading StM Squad PUBLICATIONS The Halo The Lyre The Shield ATHLETIC TEAMS Baseball Basketball (Boys and Girls) Cheerleading Cross Country (Boys and Girls) Football Golf (Boys and Girls) Soccer (Boys and Girls) Softball Swimming (Boys and Girls) Tennis (Boys and Girls) Track (Indoor, Boys and Girls) Track (Outdoor, Boys and Girls) Volleyball

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VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

Creativity

FOR LIFE

A rich, varied experience in the arts is essential to educating the whole student, and St. Martin’s students at all levels enjoy ample opportunities to explore their creativity through the performing arts and visual arts.

St. Martin’s arts classes encourage not only creative expression, but

also critical thinking skills. Students discover through hands-on art

experiences that there is often more than one solution to a problem.

Middle and Upper School students are encouraged to perform

on stage or explore supporting roles in set design, lighting design, sound design, and audio recording through 20 performances each

year. Several performance opportunities are open to Lower School students throughout the year as well. Even students in the George Cottage three-year-old classes have chances to perform on the Solomon Theater’s stage.

Students have the opportunity to explore the relationship between STEM and the arts, exploring and creating their own STeaM education through the use of 3D printers, laser cutters, digital

design software, and other tools in the Gibbs CID’s Build Shop

and Woodshop. Technical theatre classes have also begun exploring the capabilities of the space to bring their theatre scenery and prop ideas to life.

In a world where technology is always at our fingertips, St. Martin’s arts programs give students an outlet to discover new ideas, make creative choices, and interpret material in expressive ways. These learning experiences help them hone the skills and mindsets necessary to succeed in college and in life.

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ATHLETICS

Skills

FOR LIFE

Representing St. Martin’s athletic programs requires determination, dedication, and discipline.

It demands the successful allocation of time and effort to academic responsibilities and athletic pursuits.

More than 80 percent of St. Martin’s Middle and Upper School students compete in interscholastic athletics, with more than

20 LHSAA-sanctioned teams striving to win championships.

While St. Martin’s athletes are encouraged to be competitive, they

acknowledge that the process of preparation and competition is more important than the end result.

The school’s athletic programs emphasize self-confidence, good

sportsmanship, and teamwork. Athletes are encouraged to become students of their sports as they develop a meaningful sense of

integrity, personal and collective responsibility, and discipline.

At St. Martin’s, success on the scoreboard is viewed as the product of a communal effort. Coaches don’t just call plays; they serve as

teachers and mentors. Supportive relationships between teammates,

teachers, coaches, and parents serve St. Martin’s athletes well as they develop the work ethic and leadership skills that will remain with them long after the final whistle blows.

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DIVISIONS

AGES 8 WEEKS — 4 YEARS

George Cottage St. Martin’s George Cottage is an early childhood learning program for children eight weeks to four years old. Its activity-oriented approach encourages exploration, nurtures the spirit, and cultivates a sense of wonder while stimulating young children socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically.

The program is inspired by methods developed in the infant and

toddler centers of Reggio Emilia, Italy. George Cottage’s approach

emphasizes exploration and hands-on learning based on the interests and needs of the children in each group. St. Martin’s youngest

students learn and grow in a secure, controlled-access setting designed to promote social skills, decision-making, and play.

The faculty is a community of veteran caregivers who participate

in ongoing training to remain at the forefront of early childhood

education. Low student-teacher ratios and minimal staff turnover combine to create a family of familiar faces as children progress through the program.

The recently expanded and enhanced facility that houses the program provides a physical environment which supports best practices in early childhood learning. Four outdoor classrooms help develop

motor skills, and interaction with their classmates helps little ones grow socially.

George Cottage is an environment rich with exploration, discovery, and growth - the first steps toward a lifetime of learning.

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PRE-K — 4 TH GRADE

GRADES PRE-K — 4

Lower School St. Martin’s Lower School curriculum builds on the strong foundation developed in George Cottage, using a hands-on approach that makes learning part of everything the students do.

The Innovation + Design Program integrates problem solving

into the curriculum and promotes collaboration within the Lower School. Students look forward to working on a variety of design

thinking activities in the well-equipped STeaM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) Lab which features a 3D scanner, 3D printers, and LEGO robotics.

The strong academic structure of the Lower School is enhanced

by nurturing teachers and staff. Students also benefit from gifted

professionals who teach music, physical education, religion, science, art, Spanish, and technology.

Lower School classes are small by design with fewer than 20 students

per section, ensuring a low student-teacher ratio. A learning specialist is available to help teachers assess growth in academic skills and to support students throughout the year. Optional after-school

enrichment programs reinforce lessons learned throughout the day.

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5 T H — 8 T H GRADE

GRADES 5 — 8

Middle School St. Martin’s Middle School offers a challenging, well-rounded curriculum that meets the intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of young adolescents.

Faculty develop cognitive reasoning skills, social skills, and growth mindsets in their students through inquiry, experimentation, and

service. The Middle School curriculum encourages students to explore various sports, languages, service opportunities, and clubs as part of a well-rounded educational experience.

In addition to academic core classes of English, social studies, science, math, and global language, courses are offered in fine arts, study

skills, and religion. Design thinking projects are embedded across the curriculum. The Middle School community gathers every week for chapel services.

Experiential learning — a holistic model based on a process where

students first obtain knowledge, then perform a related activity, then reflect on the experience — is a focus in Middle School. Students

have regular opportunities to participate in carefully planned gradespecific retreats and off-campus excursions, including week-long, out-of-state class trips in seventh and eighth grades.

Students advance to the Upper School self-assured and prepared as a result of the lessons learned in Middle School.

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9 T H — 12 TH GRADE

GRADES 9 — 12

Upper School St. Martin’s Upper School challenges and inspires students in a way that not only prepares them for success in college, but also in life.

This belief in lifelong learning guides the Upper School curriculum.

St. Martin’s students and their teachers engage in open-ended

conversations, encouraging students to think critically and collaborate professionally. The result is robust classrooms where students thrive.

Students have opportunities for electives, honors programs, and

Advanced Placement classes. St. Martin’s challenging Upper School curriculum is enhanced by myriad extracurriculars, weekly chapel services, cultural enrichment activities, and servant-leadership

opportunities. Faith and service are woven into student life through religion courses and daily interactions with dedicated chaplains throughout the school.

This emphasis on academic achievement, personal enrichment,

spiritual growth, and the skills and mindsets required in a global, 21st-century world gives students the foundation they need to thrive in college and beyond.

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COLLEGE PREP WE LCOME

Opportunities

FOR LIFE

College preparation is at the heart of the mission of St. Martin’s Episcopal School. The college counseling office works individually with students to provide a customized search and application experience.

The program begins informally in the freshman year with course

selection advice, and culminates in a personalized search for each

student’s best-fit colleges. Seniors benefit from individual attention

and support throughout the college application process, with access

to the counselor during weekly application workshops. Students may visit with the counselor more often by appointment.

St. Martin’s also offers a four-year career exploration program that includes job shadowing, college visits, guest speakers representing a variety of professions, analysis of students’ results on the Strong

Interest Inventory, and guided career research. In addition, seniors are required to participate in a two-week off-campus internship

that encourages community engagement and immerses students in workforce environments of interest to them.

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WHOLE-CHILD APPROACH

Preparation

FOR LIFE

St. Martin’s cultivates total human development, from academics to art and athletics to music, to prepare students for purposeful, meaningful, and productive lives.

St. Martin’s believes in lifelong learning, placing emphasis on

critical thinking and professional development for the skills we need

tomorrow, not simply today. This approach enables students not only to thrive in excellent colleges, but to continue to succeed long after graduation.

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Education

FOR LIFE

St. Martin’s students are known and cared for.

It is the place for families who seek an excellent education that encourages students to discover their passion, and provides the tools to develop their gifts.

Families are encouraged to learn more about St. Martin’s Episcopal School on a guided campus tour with an admission representative.

Application Process INQUIRE ONLINE Visit stmsaints.com/admission and use the form to submit an online inquiry.

VISIT THE CAMPUS Guided campus tours are typically conducted Tuesdays - Thursdays by admission representatives.

SUBMIT APPLICATION Submit an application online, along with a $50 application fee.

SPEND-A-DAY Set up an on-campus Spend-A-Day for students applying for grades pre-k through 12th.

SUBMIT TRANSCRIPT Complete and sign the records release form.

St. Martin’s will request a confidential transcript from the student’s current school. The teacher recommendation will be completed by the student’s current school.

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MISSION STATEMENT

“We prepare students to thrive in college and in life through Faith, Scholarship, and Service.”

STMSAINTSLA

@STMSAINTS

STM_SAINTS

stmsaints.com | 504.736.9917 225 Green Acres Road | Metairie, LA 70003