Meet Our Families

What factors contributed to your decision to choose St. Michael's for your children and family?

When the pandemic hit, we were homeschooling and found ourselves rethinking everything we assumed about education. As public school grads, we thought that would be our path; but seeing what our kids could do in a more flexible setting opened our eyes. We realized our top priority was finding a school where our kids would love to learn and look forward to each day.

After moving to Jamestown, we explored several schools, but it wasn’t until we attended a St. Michael’s event on Childhood Anxiety that everything clicked. We hadn’t considered the school before (mistakenly assuming it had a religious affiliation) but once we learned otherwise, we reached out right away.

From our first conversation with Sandy in Admissions, we felt seen, supported, and excited. The classrooms were creative and dynamic, the learning was hands-on and engaging, and the focus on the arts really stood out. It felt like the right place for our kids…and it is. We couldn’t be more grateful to have found St. Michael’s.

What has impressed you most in terms of your children's growth and/or experiences at St. Michael's?"

We’ve been continually impressed by how St. Michael’s weaves creativity, confidence, and emotional intelligence into the fabric of everyday learning. The school’s commitment to the creative arts and social-emotional development has had a profound impact on our children.

Each week, they take part in Theater (with multiple performances throughout the year), Music (including learning to play the ukulele), Visual Arts, I-Lab (a hands-on makerspace that feels like a modern take on woodshop), and dedicated mindfulness time. These experiences have helped our kids express themselves, take risks, and collaborate with others in meaningful ways.

We also love how experiential learning is tied into the curriculum (like 4th grade science being paired with weekly sailing lessons at Sail Newport). Opportunities like that not only bring academics to life but also build real-world skills and confidence.

Watching our kids grow into curious, creative, and capable learners has been incredibly rewarding and we credit much of that to the thoughtful, well-rounded education they’re receiving at St. Michael’s.

St. Michael's is a mission-driven school (to build courageous learners and caring citizens who are world ready). How have you seen the mission play into the day-to-day for your child(ren) and family?

One of the clearest examples of the mission in action was our daughter’s fourth-grade Africa project. Each student selected a different country to research and spent weeks learning and organizing that information. The project culminated in a multi-faceted presentation that included a detailed written report, a diorama and tri-fold display, and a science-fair-style exhibition. But what really stood out was the theatrical performance, staged in the round, where students embodied what they had learned and presented it creatively to the community.

It was incredible to see these young students stepping outside their comfort zones, taking ownership of their work, and supporting one another throughout the process. The amount of effort, collaboration, and pride they brought to the project was inspiring, and nearly all of it was completed during the school day.

Our daughter walked away from that experience feeling proud, confident, and deeply engaged. It was the perfect reflection of what it means to be a courageous learner and a caring community member. We love that St. Michael’s doesn’t just talk about its mission—it brings it to life in meaningful, everyday ways.

Please share an SMS memory, experience, or anecdote and how it has impacted your family.

One of our favorite early memories at St. Michael’s was the Middle School winter play. Every year, the school stages a full production, and occasionally they invite Lower School students to audition for younger roles. That year, it was It’s a Wonderful Life; a beautiful story about finding purpose through life’s challenges.

Even though our daughters were brand new to the school, they both auditioned. One was cast, and the other became an understudy. What stood out to us most wasn’t just the performance (which was fantastic), but how welcomed and supported our girls felt by the entire cast (including the older middle school students). From day one, they were embraced as part of the community.

That experience gave our kids not only a stronger love for theater, but also a deep sense of belonging and confidence. It was such a special moment for our family and a perfect example of the warmth, inclusion, and encouragement that defines the St. Michael’s experience.

What factors contributed to your decision to choose St. Michael's for your children and family?

When we first chose St. Michael’s, our oldest was entering 1st grade. Having recently relocated from the Boston area, we were looking for a school that would provide some sense of continuity—and we found that at SMS. The physical campus drew us in immediately: it’s a beautiful, welcoming place, and we had the strong sense that our child would be walking into a second home each day.

What has impressed you most in terms of your children's growth and/or experiences at St. Michael's?"

What has stood out most over the years is how well the school has supported the growth of both of our children—who are, in many ways, very different individuals. Each of them has found space to thrive and develop on their own terms. They’ve built lasting friendships and meaningful connections with teachers who have taken the time to truly know them. That sense of being seen and supported has helped them grow into confident, grounded kids.

St. Michael's is a mission-driven school (to build courageous learners and caring citizens who are world ready). How have you seen the mission play into the day-to-day for your child(ren) and family?

We also see the mission of the school—building courageous learners and caring citizens—reflected in our boys’ everyday lives. Each of them demonstrates that mission in different ways, whether through their academic interests, creative pursuits, or investment in friendships and community. Most importantly, both have developed a sincere understanding of what it means to be of service to others, and we’re grateful to St. Michael’s for helping to instill that value.

Please share an SMS memory, experience, or anecdote and how it has impacted your family.

The buddy program has meant a lot to both of my boys during their years at St. Michael’s. When they were younger, it was wonderful to see them gain confidence and excitement from the support and attention given by their older buddies. Later, as older students themselves, stepping into mentor roles helped them develop patience, empathy, and a deeper sense of responsibility. It’s been rewarding to watch them grow and mature through such meaningful interactions, and I’m grateful they've had this experience.

What factors contributed to your decision to choose St. Michael's for your children and family?

After spending five wonderful years living in Japan, where our children attended a large international school, we were looking for something different on our move home — a smaller, more nurturing learning environment. We wanted a place where our kids could truly know their classmates, feel seen by their teachers, and be part of a close-knit community. Our son had moved to Tokyo as a toddler, and we felt that transitioning to a smaller school would help ease the adjustment as we settled into a new chapter. It was also important to us to find a school that could support both of our children academically and emotionally, ideally under one roof — something not always easy to find in New York City, where many schools are single-sex. The learning support program at St. Michael’s deeply resonated with us, and the fact that both our children could thrive together in the same nurturing environment was a huge gift.

But what truly set St. Michael’s apart was the warmth of its community. From the moment we arrived, we felt not just welcomed, but embraced — part of a school culture that extended far beyond the classroom. It felt like home, and that made all the difference.

What has impressed you most in terms of your children's growth and/or experiences at St. Michael's?"

In the two years our children have been at St. Michael’s, we’ve watched them truly blossom — not only academically, but as curious, confident, and engaged individuals. The school has a remarkable way of nurturing the whole child, sparking their imagination and encouraging them to explore the world around them with wonder and purpose. What we’ve especially come to value is how learning at St. Michael’s goes far beyond textbooks. Whether it's through projects connected to the environment, the local community, or global events, our children are constantly inspired to think deeply and care deeply. This broader approach has made their education feel meaningful and alive.The learning support program, in particular, has been a gift. It has made a profound difference in our daughter’s academic progress and, just as importantly, in her confidence and love for learning.

Thanks to this thoughtful, balanced approach — both supportive and enriching — our children are thriving. They look forward to going to school each day, excited to learn, ask questions, and discover more about the world. It’s been an incredibly fulfilling journey, and we feel so fortunate to be part of this community.

St. Michael’s is a mission-driven school (to build courageous learners and caring citizens who are world ready). How have you seen the mission play into the day-to-day for your child(ren) and family?

St. Michael’s mission-driven approach has had a deeply meaningful impact on our children, shaping them into thoughtful, curious learners who care deeply about the world beyond the classroom. They ask big questions — about the environment, the economy, politics, and poverty — not just out of academic interest, but from a genuine desire to understand and make sense of the world around them.

This growing awareness and empathy is nurtured through the school’s hands-on, purpose-driven activities. Whether it’s participating in the Ocean Hour Farm project, taking part in Earth Clean-Up Day, making blankets for animals at the Potter League, or exploring different cultures through projects on Africa that weave together art, theater, and literature — our children are constantly encouraged to connect their learning to real-life issues and global perspectives.

One of the most special aspects for us has been the Buddy System, which runs throughout the year. It’s a beautiful example of how St. Michael’s teaches children the value of community, mentorship, and kindness. Watching our children grow not just in knowledge, but in compassion and social awareness, has been one of the most rewarding parts of our journey at St. Michael’s.

Please share an SMS memory, experience, or anecdote and how it has impacted your family.

While we’ve shared many meaningful moments during our time at St. Michael’s, one that will always stand out is our very first experience at the annual Halloween Trunk or Treat event. It was pure magic — the entire school community coming together to celebrate in the most joyful, creative, and spirited way, all from the trunks of their cars! What struck us most was the overwhelming sense of togetherness. Parents went all out with their decorations, and the school's enthusiastic involvement made the day feel truly special. From “trick-or-trunking” to the sweetly spooky activities hosted by the school, every detail was filled with care, fun, and heart.

Our children had the time of their lives — laughing with classmates, collecting treats, and soaking in the festive spirit. But even more than the fun, it was the sense of warmth, belonging, and community that made the day unforgettable. In that moment, we truly felt what makes St. Michael’s so special — a place where every child and every family is welcomed with open arms.