Hello! I am a freshman at SPS, and I would love to answer any questions about my school or the application process!
Hello! Thanks for making this thread! I am applying as a fourth former as I am currently a freshman at my high school. I was wondering what the load of homework is like on a daily or weekly basis, and what it was like to adjust coming to a boarding school. Also, how you managed to get through the time between sending in your application and waiting for the admission decision. Thanks! 
Hi! That’s really nice of you to make this thread I know that SPS has chapel service pretty often, do you guys actually enjoy chapel?
How would you describe the kids at SPS in detail?
Hi @SportyStudent21! The homework here differs from form to form, they tend to ease up on the third formers depending on the teacher. As you get older, the more work you will have. For me, on a daily basis I’ll always have work to do, but I’m just getting ahead on work that’s due for future classes. On a weekly basis I’ll most likely have only one or two exams and a few quizzes (for upperclassmen this will be a little different, they’ll sometimes have a few jam packed into a day). I came from a public school, so I thought the transition to boarding would be difficult, however, SPS did a great job of introducing me into campus life. The first few days you spend doing fun orentations, spending time with your dorm (each dorm does an off-campus trip, mine went canoing), and activities to get to know your dorm better. The hardest part of the transition for me was how to use my time wisely, but adults and peers are always there to give you advice. You’re getting your news soon, so I can only imagine the stress and excitement you’re going through, as I experienced the same thing a year ago! Just stay strong, and always stay positive no matter the outcome
Hi @revellodream, I personally love chapel in the mornings, and at first I thought I was going to hate it when I applied. However, I can’t think of a better way to start the morning! We have many inspirational speakers come in, and several of our own students give chapel talks as well. Chapel is simply a great place to decompress in the mornings before a test or a long school day. I find the kids at SPS to be very invinting and inclusive. In the past, I tended to be more introverted, but at school I have no problem talking with whoever is on the path, at the dining table, or in hargate. They student body is very diverse, and I think each person has something unique to bring to a conversation. Like any typical school, there are certain friend groups, but everyone is welcoming to hang out with someone that they generally don’t see as often. I think the people here definitely testify to the awesome environment here on campus.
Since St. Paul’s School has left the ISL athletic league & joined the former Five Schools Association–now Six Schools (Andover, Exeter, Choate, Deerfield & St. Paul’s) will SPS be recruiting & admitting PGs to better compete in this sports league ?
At this point SPS has no plans to admit PGs. They don’t admit seniors, either, and require 2 years at SPS in order to graduate. Football is in the Evergreen League, btw.
Good. It will be interesting to see how well SPS fares in the new sports league as the other five schools do admit PGs.
^No PG plans to my knowledge.
From the website: “St. Paul’s enrolls approximately 150 new students in the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Forms (grades 9, 10, and 11) only in September of the academic year. SPS does not accept applications from students applying for only one year.”
We knock their socks off without PGs. B-)
Great ! But the object might be to get the puck in the goal…
Hockey is overrated! – A Southern Mama
Ok, here is a smiley face to soften that outrageous statement.
Actually, SPS does have a strong hockey program. See http://www.nepsac.org/page/2853.
Girls: https://www.sps.edu/page/team-detail?fromId=188970&Team=7121&SeasonLabel=2017±+2018
Boys: https://www.sps.edu/page/team-detail?fromId=188970&Team=7119&SeasonLabel=2017±+2018
Honstly, SPS has never put huge emphasis on sports compared to some other schools. I don’t expect that to change to a large degree.
Then why did SPS leave the ISL & switch to the Five Schools Association if not for enhanced athletic competition ?
Because they give regional scholarships that aren’t always need based which is against ISL policy.
Does the move to the Five-Now-Six Schools League mean SPS will start an interscholastic swim team? That would be neat. NMH has a new swim coach who played water polo and swam at Suffield for Andy Lowe. By all accounts she’s pretty committed to improving the NMH swimming program and starting a water polo program. The other four schools have plenty of excellent swimmers, so SPS will be losing out on some good competition if they forgo swimming.
They do have a club swim team that competes. Whether they go to a varsity team or not, I don’t know. In the past they haven’t wanted to stretch the student body too thin in terms of sports offerings.
Thanks for answering all my questions. It was really helpful. I will also be coming from a public school, but as a tenth grader so I kind of have the hang of high school… (I think) @SPSgal
What mail carrier does SPS use for the letter on M10?