Meet Our Families
At St. Michael's Country Day School, families join our community for so many different reasons - and stay for so many more.
Whether inspired by a heartfelt recommendation, drawn to our nurturing environment, or seeking a school where their children would be challenged and cared for in equal measure, these families discovered that St. Michael's was the right place for them. What began as a school choice became a second home.
We invited a few of our families to share their stories and reflect on how deeply St. Michael's has shaped and enriched their children and families - helping them grow into courageous learners and caring citizens who are world ready.
"Learning how to listen, how to lead, and how to bounce back from challenges."
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What factors contributed to your decision to choose St. Michael's for your children and family?
We originally joined St. Michael's when we were looking for a well-rounded preschool program for our oldest daughter. She had grown bored at daycare, and we wanted a more education-based, stimulating environment for her. We toured the school and immediately fell in love with the Early Childhood program, as well as the school’s overall approach to learning and the values it instills across all grades—Courageous Learners. Caring Citizens. World Ready. We could tell from the start that this was a community that nurtures the whole child and truly partners with families.
What has impressed you most in terms of your children's growth and/or experiences at St. Michael's?
We sent our oldest daughter to public school for Kindergarten and 1st grade. In those two years, we saw a drastic difference in learning approaches—more test-focused and less personalized. She slowly began to dread going to school. We knew we had to make a change, and we brought her back to St. Michael’s for 2nd grade. The change was almost immediate. She re-engaged with learning, rediscovered her self-confidence, and most importantly—she jumps out of the car each morning excited for the day ahead!
We’re consistently impressed by the sense of community and connection across all grade levels. The Buddy Program, for example, has been such a beautiful experience. Our kids truly look forward to spending time with their buddies. It breaks down barriers between age groups and strengthens the school community in such a meaningful way.
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’ve seen the mission in action in countless ways—from how our children are encouraged to express themselves through drama and the arts, to the way they approach group projects with empathy, collaboration, and creativity. They’re learning how to listen, how to lead, and how to bounce back from challenges. We see their courage in trying new things, their care in how they treat others, and their growing awareness of the world around them. The school reinforces these traits in ways that naturally become part of our kids’ day-to-day thinking and actions.
Please share an SMS memory, experience, or anecdote and how it has impacted your family.
One of the most memorable experiences for us was attending the all-school Winter Concert. Watching students from preschool through 8th grade perform was heartwarming on its own—but what stood out most was how respectful and genuinely supportive each grade was while watching their peers. The younger children were wide-eyed and engaged, while the older students clapped enthusiastically and encouraged the little ones. It was such a beautiful snapshot of the school’s culture—where kindness, respect, and community are clearly part of the everyday fabric. As a parent, it was incredibly moving to see that level of mutual support and joy radiating through the entire auditorium. It reminded us just how special the St. Michael’s community is.
"More confident in asking questions and expressing ideas, and more resilient when facing obstacles."
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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.
"Being seen and supported has helped them grow into confident, grounded kids."
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What factors contributed to your decision to choose St. Michael's for your children and family?
The diversity in curriculum, amount of time spent outdoors and shared values really appealed to us. We feel St. Michael’s is a nurturing place for our children to explore their interests and be exposed to new things with the support of an incredible community.
What has impressed you most in terms of your children's growth and/or experiences at St. Michael's?"
Our children’s social-emotional growth as well as their fueled curiosity all while attaining academic milestones has been most impressive. The teachers have always been committed to making our children’s experience positive and supporting their individual growth.
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?
The emphasis on being a "courageous learner" is reflected in how teachers encourage students to take intellectual risks, ask questions, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. We've noticed our children becoming more confident in asking questions and expressing ideas and more resilient when facing obstacles. As caring citizens, we have seen our children grow in how they view their community and environment.
Please share an SMS memory, experience, or anecdote and how it has impacted your family.
Watching our son read a story he authored and illustrated in front of an audience of students, teachers and parents with enthusiasm and joy was a wonderful moment for us and one of many experiences that illustrate the school’s multifaceted approach to nurturing the growth of our children.
"Thanks to this balanced approach - both supportive and enriching - our children are thriving."
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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.