"We are so proud that our commitment to a traditional, rigorous academic program has had such great results. But our students are learning something more. The Golden Rule, Ten Commandments and the emphasis we place on personal responsibility truly become a certainty that our kids can internalize. We call this the Heart of Stanwich, and it is our hope that every child here will use this heart to guide them wherever life takes them."

Pat Young
Headmistress

Character Education

Be the Best You Can Be
Help Others Be Their Best
Make God's World a Better Place

On a daily basis, in countless ways, The Stanwich School encourages students to embrace the Judeo-Christian values by which it hopes they will live. From the moment students arrive each morning and shake Mrs. Young's hand, their values-based education begins. All students attend morning meetings which build community and instill in students a sense of purpose and belonging. Meetings begin with song and end with a non-denominational prayer. During meetings in each House, students recite the Pledge of Allegiance, recognize birthdays and student achievements, and discuss the issues of the day.

Weekly values and ethics classes are taught to students by the Headmistress and the Head of House. In the Primary House, these classes include a story with a pertinent moral or lesson. In the Intermediate and Junior Houses, classes involve discussion of current events and adolescent issues. Students maintain a "values notebook" and are assigned homework relating to class discussions. Monthly mottos and themes are emphasized by teachers throughout the day. The "Stanwich Seven" guide these themes across all the Houses: Courage, Compassion, Commitment, Forgiveness, Honesty, Wisdom and Joy.

Teachers model the behaviors that the school advocates such as kindness, generosity, perseverance and service to others. At assemblies, teachers are invited to relate personal experiences that underscore these messages. Teachers eat lunch and spend recess with their classes; they get to know the "whole child." Many teachers also attend student activities after school such as drama productions, art festivals, sporting events and social gatherings. As one teacher observed, "Stanwich, in a word, has value. It is a place where people are treated fairly and good moral lessons are learned. I truly believe that the moral lessons rub off on the students, which ultimately will make them better people."

A special book is chosen for students in each House to read over the summer. The book reflects the mission of the school and forms the basis for activities during the first week of school in the fall. The Stanwich School recognizes that parents and families are an essential and integral component in encouraging students to embrace its values. Therefore, parental involvement is actively promoted in many aspects of school life. Many parents attend morning meetings and assemblies to hear the school's leaders emphasize the school's mission and show their support for what the school is trying to accomplish. Many school events such as community service projects and forums for guest speakers are organized by parents. Parents participate in monthly values assignments and are called upon to discuss their life experiences with students. Parents are also asked to read a book each summer that reflects the school's mission. The Headmistress then discusses that book with parents in the fall.

The school has also established unique traditions that reinforce its mission. For example, each year the school celebrates Charter Day, the anniversary of the founding of the school. Students reflect on what Stanwich means to them, guest speakers address the importance of the Stanwich mission, and a School-wide community service project is undertaken. Of course, birthday cake is served as well!