St. Johnsbury Academy - Review #1

STJ has a beautiful campus, comparable to lots of colleges in the way that the buildings feel and are laid out. The facilities as a whole are really quite nice. There are also such a wide variety of classes and extra-curricular activities available. Whatever your interests are, there is something for you.

I think being pushed academically, socially, and physically was really good. High school can be an emotional time. I had my bouts of depression and anxiety, but overall I felt really supported and I had a lot of friends, a select handful of people who I grew really close to. I also definitely learned how to find and pursue my own interests, which I think is important.

I would have been less of a person pleaser socially, I think. I'm a Christian and those are kinda rare to find in Vermont all-together. I didn't ever really discuss my faith at all because none of my friends shared my beliefs, but there definitely were others who I should have befriended who were more like me I just didn't realize it until later. I made my friends through my sport teams and classes, and my circles just didn't overlap with any other believers that I knew of. BUT it was good to be around people with a variety of perspectives because it helped solidify what I do and don't believe. Overall, the variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures really exposed me to lot and I'm really grateful for that experience.

The community was something else. Truly a close-knit group of students. The pursuit of excellence and the qualities instilled into us as a class are things that still stick with me today. It's a high level institution for sure. 10/10 would recommend.

Be yourself. You'll find your people. If you pursue your interests and not worry about what the "cool" people think, you'll find your like minded people and have a great time. Also, there were so many people in my class that wouldn't have been the stereotypical cool kid, but because they just owned their quarks, people loved them. So just be yourself, be open-minded, kind and compassionate and you'll be great.

I loved the opportunity to enroll in different levels of classes at STJ - I took all honors classes but I was also able to take a couple duel enrollment classes as well, which I preferred over AP classes. The great thing about duel enrollment was I got transferable college credit without having to take an extra half semester of class; it worked better with my schedule and I was guaranteed college credit, whereas sometimes AP credits don't transfer depending on your college. Also, the teachers were just really great. They truly care about you as an individual and want to help you succeed. STJ is a school that pursues excellence, and it really shows in the best way. There's a lot of opportunity for growth.

I loved participating in athletics in high school. It's a super formational time and your coaches can become some of your closest mentors. I was pushed a lot as an athlete and really appreciated it. Eventually I took some seasons off from sports teams to pursue lifting and training on my own, so having such great facilities was a major pro. As a female as well, I was one of the few girls at the time lifting in the weight room regularly, but I was so supported by the staff and coaches even though I wasn't on a sports team anymore. They care so much for you as a human even if you aren't on a team; I can't say it enough how great of an experience it was.

The art department at STJ is truly phenomenal. I'm an Interdisciplinary major now in college focusing on Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Business, and STJ really set me up for success. Clay and Photography were my favorite areas to study at STJ, but there are so many great options that it's hard to pick which classes to take. The facilities as a whole are exceptional, better than what I have access to now in college. The building is beautiful; the teachers are truly talented and push you to do your best, and the quality of the art that comes out of the students is so high. It's a great school for anyone interested in the arts.

I didn't join any clubs that I can remember - I was so busy with sports - but I remember there being literally a club for everything.

I was a day student so I can't speak to dorm like, but from what I could see the facilities were pretty sweet and the dorm students always seemed close.

The food is great, better than most schools for sure, and had lots of options. Also, having the cafe where you can go buy snacks and other things at any time was great.

It's a small town, but its very charming.

It's small enough of a school that you will probably know most people in your class, but large enough that there is always a new face. Overall, people are really close though. I'd recommend joining a sports team though, it's the best way to meet people and develop close relationships.