St. Mark's School - Review #7

I felt that the teacher-student connection at St. Mark's was something unique, and something I did not realize how unique it was until I graduated. As opposed to college, I felt it was easier and more comfortable to discuss not only classwork and problems in or outside the classroom, but also any other problems or concerns you had. The general sense of comfort and welcoming between all students and faculty was the the most memorable aspect of the school for me.

I think the best thing that happened to me while I was there was the people I met. I could tell as I got closer to the end of my time at St. Mark's that many of the friendships I had would extend way past our St. Mark's time. I felt that many people thought the same thing and knew that St. Mark's created special bonds.

My only advice to kids going to boarding school is to have an open mind. You never know what you will get into when you go to a school with so many opportunities. Try something new.

Overall, I enjoyed everything. I loved St. Mark's and I feel it greatly helped mold me into who I am today.

My final words are to enjoy it while it lasts. High school flies by before you know it, and enjoy it.

I thought the academics were terrific at St. Mark's. The curriculum offers a chance for you to explore new topics you wouldn't be able to at other schools or public schools. Personally, I had never really even seen a word of Latin before attending St. Mark's, and now it is one of my majors in college. I feel St. Mark's gives you a chance to explore a wide variety of studies. The small class size and round table orientation also helps provoke more critical discussion and involve everyone in the class.

The athletics at St. Mark's are extremely valuable and important to a St. Marker's high school experience. The coaches were all welcoming and willing to give anyone a shot, even if they had never played before. Being able to play three sports a year also promotes playing multiple sports as opposed to sticking to one all year round.

The arts programs at St. Mark's are top notch, especially the music department. The faculty in the music department are outstanding, and the performances of the choir and ensemble groups really show it. The energy the faculty in these departments bring is very visible and translates to the performances on stage and in the art room.

The extracurricular activities are decided on between the student run activities committees and the deans office. They collaborate to ensure students have ample opportunities for something to do on campus or take a trip into nearby Boston. Everyone makes an effort to have great activities weekly.

The dorm life at St. Mark's is great, with a large majority of the school boarding. Living in a dorm at a younger age allows you to mature and handle responsibility of your own, while still being able to live with your friends. The Coe House has been labeled one of the top dorms in the country, and has been home to brave and decent men for many years and will continue to do so.

The dining services provide you with three meals a day, and also have a small cafe on campus which is open to provide service in times when the dining hall is closed. The dining hall itself is a spacious room made of all wood, and seems straight out of Hogwarts, which makes dining in here a great experience.

Around the school, there are places to eat downtown and our own golf course a block away that kids can play for free. There are shops and the Natick mall less than 15 minutes away and Boston is just 30 minutes away.

The social life is tremendous at St. Mark's, and displays the comfort level that St. Mark's has. It is common to see anyone talking with anyone, no matter what class they are in. I felt this was a interesting aspect of the school.