New STA parent seeking advice, suggestions, or just plain "I wish I had known X" info

[Anonymous]

Mr. Roper is leaving; the new admissions director is Tyler Casertano, I believe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mr. Roper is leaving; the new admissions director is Tyler Casertano, I believe.

Yes, that's accurate. Hart Roper has been fantastic and will be a big loss -- what a kind, honest, inspiring person to have in that role. BUT happily for STA the incoming AD will be terrific. Current STA Upper School History Teacher and Assistant Head of Admissions for the Upper School. He's a Yale grad, Master's from Columbia's well-known independent school leadership program, admissions experience at STA, has coached three sports at STA, has taught in STA's co-ed summer public policy program, and is incredibly well respected within the STA community by students, parents, faculty. Grew up in the boarding school world (family is in education) so he'll understand that piece too. I'm sure by the time he's 40 he'll be a successful Head of School somewhere so good move by STA to hire him for this position.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New to STA - do they publish which kids made honor roll? If so what are the criteria?

What is the criteria for Honor Roll? Average of 90? 85?

Private schools don't have an "honor roll."

STA doesn't have one in lower or upper school.

My STA son's report card says "honor roll" and "effort roll" this quarter. (Lower School) So there is such a designation, even if it's not publicized anywhere. I have no idea what the criteria are, though.

No C:s and they make the honor roll.

[Anonymous]

For lower school, PP is correct. Upper school does not have an honor roll; the academic distinctions come in specific subjects or at the end of their senior year with the top 10% GPA's receiving cum laude distinction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For lower school, PP is correct. Upper school does not have an honor roll; the academic distinctions come in specific subjects or at the end of their senior year with the top 10% GPA's receiving cum laude distinction.

I think the top 20% get recognition in the Cum Laude Society. 10% are announced early in the fall but it's 20% total. And they have prizes for each subject and for the top couple of students in each grade.

[Anonymous]

What ? where is Hart going ? This is really too bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What ? where is Hart going ? This is really too bad.[/quote

I'm sure STA will make a general announcement at some point. Hart Roper has been at St. Albans for a long time (something like 15 years) including a long stretch as AD. Good people in schools need to move as they pursue leadership opportunities. Good luck to him!

[Anonymous]

Is it gay friendly?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it gay friendly?

I think so. There are probably more two mom or two dad families at some of the other schools, but STA as an institution is welcoming, as is the Episcopal Church. There's an active chapter of GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) in the Upper School. Faculty also very supportive.

[Anonymous]

How hard is it for someone to transition in from public school in 9th grade?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How hard is it for someone to transition in from public school in 9th grade?

Generally not that hard. Socially, if they play a fall sport (which they pretty much have to) it's easy to meet the other kids. Academically, depending on the prior school sometimes there can be a ratcheting up in expectations (for example, for written work), but plenty of kids coming from 8th grade at STA's own Lower School also find 9th grade academics something to adjust to. If you're considering applying, check it out! Their admissions people are friendly and good about answering questions and you should be able to get a feel for the place and if you think it would be something that would be good for your son. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

How would you describe the overall tone of the school? Country club? WASPY? Down to earth? Materialistic? What's it like to be an average middle class parent in this community that has a reputation for having kids of political high-flyers and wealthy kids attending?

Is school predominantly conservative or is it a mix of liberal and conservative?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mr. Roper is leaving; the new admissions director is Tyler Casertano, I believe.

Yes, that's accurate. Hart Roper has been fantastic and will be a big loss -- what a kind, honest, inspiring person to have in that role. BUT happily for STA the incoming AD will be terrific. Current STA Upper School History Teacher and Assistant Head of Admissions for the Upper School. He's a Yale grad, Master's from Columbia's well-known independent school leadership program, admissions experience at STA, has coached three sports at STA, has taught in STA's co-ed summer public policy program, and is incredibly well respected within the STA community by students, parents, faculty. Grew up in the boarding school world (family is in education) so he'll understand that piece too. I'm sure by the time he's 40 he'll be a successful Head of School somewhere so good move by STA to hire him for this position.

Anyone know where Roper is headed?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mr. Roper is leaving; the new admissions director is Tyler Casertano, I believe.

Yes, that's accurate. Hart Roper has been fantastic and will be a big loss -- what a kind, honest, inspiring person to have in that role. BUT happily for STA the incoming AD will be terrific. Current STA Upper School History Teacher and Assistant Head of Admissions for the Upper School. He's a Yale grad, Master's from Columbia's well-known independent school leadership program, admissions experience at STA, has coached three sports at STA, has taught in STA's co-ed summer public policy program, and is incredibly well respected within the STA community by students, parents, faculty. Grew up in the boarding school world (family is in education) so he'll understand that piece too. I'm sure by the time he's 40 he'll be a successful Head of School somewhere so good move by STA to hire him for this position.

Anyone know where Roper is headed?

Why don't you email the school and ask it just like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How would you describe the overall tone of the school? Country club? WASPY? Down to earth? Materialistic? What's it like to be an average middle class parent in this community that has a reputation for having kids of political high-flyers and wealthy kids attending?

Is school predominantly conservative or is it a mix of liberal and conservative?

I would say that I was struck by how down to earth most folks are. I think that's in part because becoming a member of the STA community can be humbling. Someone making a fair amount of money, for instance, will be surrounded by others who make the same, if not vastly more. And for those in the government/public sector, fancy titles and power abound, so it's not really that noteworthy if you are a deputy secretary of this or chief of that or whatever. This has an overall effect of making people focus less on money and titles -- just let's them focus on everything else . . . like normal people.