Guiding Principles

The specific objectives of St. George’s are to give its students the opportunity of developing to the fullest extent possible the particular gifts that are theirs and to encourage in them the desire to do so. Their immediate job after leaving school is to handle successfully the demands of college; later it is hoped that their lives will be ones of constructive service to the world and to God. Today we continue to teach our students the value of learning and achievement, service to others and respect for the individual. We believe that these goals can best be accomplished by exposing students to a wide range of ideas and choices, in the context of a rigorous curriculum and a supportive residential community. Therefore, we welcome students and teachers of various talents and backgrounds, and we encourage their dedication to a multiplicity of pursuits — intellectual, spiritual and physical — that will help to enable students to succeed in, and contribute to, a complex, changing world.

St. George’s School admits qualified students of any religion, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, or mental or physical disability to all the programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other policies and programs.

St. George’s School values diversity, which exposes each member of our community to the rich and wonderful variety of the human race. Our experiences are shaped by many factors, including age, ethnicity, family structure, gender, gender identity, nationality, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic standing. We believe that exposing students, faculty and staff to a wide range of ideas, experiences and cultures, examining and challenging preconceptions, and exploring different ways of thinking enhances the learning experience and reflects the school’s educational mission. This inclusive approach helps to foster a welcoming, supportive and healthy residential community that embraces differences and promotes genuine respect for each individual. In today’s complex, changing world, we continue building and sustaining a diverse community at St. George’s to achieve a clearer understanding of our roles in an interconnected global community, and to prepare us for lives of constructive service to the world.

Honor, trust and respect are values that lie at the heart of St. George’s School. Creating a healthy moral climate is a task that faces every generation of student, faculty and staff. In a complex world, we inevitably confront situations that challenge our integrity. Recognizing these challenges, St. George’s seeks to help students develop clear values and practice a strong code of ethics.

 

The school’s Honor Code encompasses all aspects of school and student life. Honor, as defined by this code, pertains not only to academic integrity, but also to individual behavior, including personal honesty and respect for other people and property.

 

The Honor Code is not intended to delineate all possible infractions, but rather, to help foster a climate of humility, kindness, trust and respect on which all members of the community may rely.

 

To this end, St. George’s School expects all members of the community to act honorably, and to encourage others to act honorably.

 

Every academic year at St. George’s begins with the Honor Code Chapel Ceremony during which our student leaders enter their signatures into the Honor Book. Each form gathers separately to talk about the meaning of the Pledge and to sign the Honor Book, thereby making a symbolic commitment to create an inclusive learning environment marked by honor, trust, kindness, humility and respect on the Hilltop.