Why SMS?

Reason #1: Well-Rounded Program 

“Too many schools are cutting back on their arts programs, but St. Michael’s understands the value of balancing rigorous academic study with a foundation in the arts. This has taught our children confidence in themselves as well as exposed them to things they may never have tried.” SMS Parent

SMS has a rigorous academic program that provides both appropriate enrichment and support. In addition to their core academic courses, our students are immersed in a diversity of Arts opportunities that not only build confidence and public speaking skills but also allow students to discover their passions. Creativity is celebrated, nurtured, and taught. Our program is also balanced by physical education, mindfulness, leadership opportunities, and outdoor education.

Reason #2: Exceptional Faculty

“During my visit to St. Michael’s, it was very clear to me that each and every teacher teaches to the individual child, not just a group of children. Teachers at St. Michael’s know each and every one of the children they teach and it is obvious that they truly care.” SMS Parent

Our teachers challenge each child across all areas of the curriculum and also provide early intervention. St. Michael’s teachers embrace all children, guide them, and most importantly, truly care about and accept each one for who they are as a person. Teachers encourage each other to be on the cutting edge and always have the child in mind. Our teachers differentiate to an amazing level.

Reason # 3: Meaningful Student-Faculty Relationships

“Teachers never stop teaching the whole student and the curriculum. Every teacher answers my son’s questions every time. Because my son’s teachers are so supportive and always help him before he falls, my son trusts his teachers as leaders.” SMS Parent

Our students and faculty have deep personal connections and relationships. These close connections allow our teachers to engage students in meaningful and relevant discussions and class experiences. Teachers develop their instruction with each individual student in mind. One teacher said, “I know my kids really well. I know about their siblings, pets, likes, dislikes. I have a trusting bond with them. They know they can come to me with things, and I am able to read and judge their moods. I build relationships with the parents as well so when I need to approach them with an issue, there is a foundation there we can work from.” Simply put, our teachers put their students first.

Reason #4: Inclusive, Diverse Community 

“St. Michael’s is an extremely warm and nurturing environment, one that I have not found elsewhere. We have found our sweet spot here on the island and feel incredibly blessed to be part of such an incredible environment.” SMS Parent

St. Michael’s is proud of its commitment to an inclusive community and diversity on campus. Our student body is one that encompasses a wide variety of learning styles and as well as socio-economic backgrounds. St. Michael’s also has a vibrant international student presence, with students from countries such as Norway, Sweden, Israel, Australia, Germany, and the UK.

Reason #5: Success in Secondary School and Beyond

“As parents of four SMS graduates, we have covered a span of 17 years at St. Michael’s.  Two of our children went on to Moses Brown School and two matriculated to St. George’s School and now our oldest is graduating from Syracuse University.  I recognize that every family’s definition of ‘success’ might be different.  For us, success boils down to whether our children have the skills and confidence to manifest their own goals; the resiliency to overcome challenges, and strong character that makes us proud as parents.   Each of our kids are so different and yet they each have found success on their unique paths.  Have they received the highest academic honors, sports awards, leadership awards, etc… yes.  Did the St. Michael’s curriculum prepare them well for high school….yes.  But the biggest contribution St. Michael’s made towards our definition of success was that  each of our children felt cared for, valued, and respected.   It is because of the care and devotion of each faculty and staff member and the strong community of families, that each of our children has the foundation to find success in their years after St. Michael’s.  Some say ‘it takes a village’ and the St. Michael’s community is that village.” SMS Parent

-Chris and Bethany Di Napoli
Luca ’12, Marco ’15, Juliana ’17, Roman ‘19

Our students engage in a personalized, comprehensive secondary school advisory program that helps them to find success and confidence at the next level. Whether it be in public or independent schools, our students find extraordinary success at the secondary school level and beyond, with secondary school acceptances for this year (2020) and last year including St. George’s School, Portsmouth Abbey, Moses Brown, Lincoln, Wheeler School, Rocky Hill School, The Prout School, Miss Porter’s School, Pomfret, Brooks School, Georgetown Preparatory Academy, Tabor School, and Millbrook School.

“We knew St. Michael’s was the right place for our children from the onset.  Not only is it a warm nurturing environment for the preschool age children, St. Michael’s is also a place for academic rigor.  We found that not only were our children well prepared for high school, the fundamentals of correct studying techniques combined with the advanced teaching, made them and many in their class, on the headmasters list at their high school every semester.” SMS Parent

George and Susan Petrovas
Zoe ’16 and Sophia ’17

We Believe in Your Child’s Future
After St. Michael’s Country Day School, our students make their way to a number of independent secondary schools, parochial schools, and public schools. Below is a list of independent schools to which our students were accepted from 2016 to 2021.

Classes 2016 – 2021

schools

Admissions Process

Important Dates to Remember
  • February 15, 2024: SMS applications are due for the review and selection process.
  • March 1, 2024: Families are notified about admission decisions and financial aid grants.
  • March 1, 2024: Beginning of the Rolling Admissions season where applications will be accepted and students admitted based on space available.

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