What is the opposite of a barrier? Access! Access is extremely important to us at St. E’s — it plays a role in almost everything we do. Ensuring access to opportunities for everyone is the heart and soul of equity; for our community, that’s especially true in the classroom.

We provide access to teachers in a way that many schools can’t. Our small class sizes and Middle School Advisory Program guide every student towards reaching their full potential. The advisory program was created to foster student success from both a social and academic perspective, by discussing topics like grades, personal and academic goals, and other important topics like time management, screen time, health and wellness, and beyond.

More importantly, advisory groups are combinations of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to provide a mix of experiences and perspectives and to further social growth. The ability for our middle schoolers to connect with teachers and develop a sense of belonging in the middle school community is a critical foundation for success; every child feeling seen, heard, and challenged at their own level is an invaluable learning experience and something that can’t often be “taught.” But incorporating these biweekly meetings into the school routine has repeatedly proven that pausing for reflection, goal setting, and enriching socialization are all components that make up the Successful Student. Thank you to our staculty for making this happen each and every day!