<p>Buses started leaving SPS at 4am this morning and by 6am they were all gone for vacation. So you may not get your answer preppossibly. Today the old Payson Sciencer center is being demolished. There is a link here: [Lindsay</a> Center for Mathematics and Science](<a href=“http://lcms.sps.edu/]Lindsay”>http://lcms.sps.edu/) if anyone want to see the action. When the students return it will be magically out with the old.</p>
<p>are applied music or noncredit music lessons taken in addition to course load? there are many interesting humanities electives and classics courses after first year.
how do evenings work? clubs, music theatre rehersals how much do they conflict?</p>
<p>and about classics program, do you simply take some courses in classics or is there something else in the program, meetings vs, i heard that there are exams while applying and at the end of school years?
at groton they take music as course, how much participation is possible in addition to courses? theatre is taken as sport so evenings are all for service and clubs?</p>
<p>What would you all say the community is like regarding religion at SPS. Does the religion play a major role in the community that an atheist or agnostic would feel left out? Are there a lot of people that aren’t very religious on campus? This was sort of touched upon on this thread but not that much. I guess I’m just wondering how much you are reminded of religion on a typical day, like do you have to say grace before you eat and fully participate in chapel?</p>
<p>ELIZZZZ- applied music classes are taken for credit and taken as a class. Noncredit music is scheduled during a free block and usually meet once per week. It would be in addition to your course load. Evenings are typically for studying and club meetings as well as rehearsals for orchestra, band, chorus, etc. I am not familiar with the details of Classics program or theater program although I know both programs are top-notch. Feel free to email either admissions or department heads with your questions. I’m sure they would be happy to help. :)</p>
<p>helloel - The Episcopal messages of love and tolerance are universal. Many students on campus are not Christian. The chapel meetings that take place 4 times per week are more like school/community meetings. There are religious readings hymns during the first 5 minutes but the readings often span different religions. My child is not religious and never felt that the Episcopal roots of the school were overbearing or a cause for concern. No grace said at mealtimes.</p>
<p>helloel - religion is definitely part of the culture at St. Paul’s (the school was named after a Christian saint, after all)… You have chapel four days a week and there is typically a religious theme. That being said, while the school has a Christian background, all denominations are made to feel welcome. There is no grace before meals and chapel isn’t “intense”.</p>
<p>Oh I see. About what percent of Sps would you say is religious?</p>
<p>My guess, and it’s only a guess, is that 70-80% of the kids come from some type of religious background.</p>
<p>Oh, okay. Do you go to sps right now?</p>
<p>I have a child who is a third-former…</p>
<p>National average is 83% belong to some denomination. So SPS is like most of the country. Nothing is imposed and exposure is to a wide range of beliefs and non-belief. Having St. in the name should definitely not discourage anyone.</p>
<p>We have sent two children to SPS and we are not Christian. Chapel is/was their favorite part of the day. A time when the whole community comes together. Twice a week they have a short reading from the Bible and twice a week they choose other readings (from other religious texts, poetry etc… Think of it more as a school assembly in an extraordinarily peaceful and beautiful space.</p>
<p>Well said spsrent.</p>
<p>I’m new to this. My son applied for 2012 at St. Paul’s. I know nothing about the private school area, as I am a public school graduate as is my husband. However, when we went to see St. Paul’s my husband wanted to go back to school. The buildings and grounds were beautiful. My son gets good grades A’s B’s. Did not do very well on the SSAT test (but I’m not really sure how to read those results). He has a passion for football and really wants to play for a private school. He thinks he would have a greater chance playing for a great college. However, my son lacks the communication. I don’t know how is interview went. So, I am eager anticipating the March 10th date. With so little slots to fill and it seems that so many kids apply to these schools (who knew) I wonder if he has a shot?</p>
<p>^ no one can answer those kinds of questions really, just wait until March 10.</p>
<p>@KAR1969: (Is your name an nod to the license plate from the old TV show “The Prisoner”)?</p>
<p>IMO, SPS has one of the most stunning campuses extant. </p>
<p>It is regarded by many (myself included) as one of the finest schools in the country. The flip side of that is that is an extremely selective school. As Enemy notes, no one but an SPS AO can really tell you if your son is a likely admit. Candidly speaking, if he is not great at communication/had a bad interview and had below average scores…it’s going to be an uphill battle.</p>
<p>But again, who knows, maybe SPS needs a nose tackle this year and your son just happens to fit that need.</p>
<p>SevenDad - I can’t say that is the case. Just my initials and the year I was born :-)</p>
<p>Thanks for the insite. We got a good vibe from the admissions officer when we meet afterwards, but he could have just been being nice. My son is a full-back, middle linebacker, running back, but he will play any position just to play :-)</p>
<p>We will wait and see. I’ve warned him to be prepared for the worst and that it is not the end of the world. He applied to 3 schools, so maybe there is one in there. Thanks</p>
<p>The fact that he’s good at football will certainly help.</p>
<p>If Craig Vandersea gave him the interview and he knows about him.</p>
<p>Yes, he is a very good football player. Has played since he was 7yrs old. Also, a lefty pitcher and first baseman. Has made all-stars 3 years in a row. Has wrestled as well. He knows someone (freshman) there now who plays on the varsity hockey team. We met with coach Vandersea and submitted some video clips…I know my son would love to be a part of rebuilding the football program at SPS!</p>