There’s nothing quite like watching a child walk into school with a smile on their face. A close second is hearing a child express how happy or excited they are to go to school.

While education can be challenging at times, it should also be rewarding and enjoyable. At St. Barnabas, we’ve found that students are the most excited and inspired to learn when they feel a sense of belonging. In fact, we’ve modeled our school around this concept. From our small class sizes to our community-focused approach, we’ve intentionally created a school where students feel welcome, supported, and like a part of something bigger than themselves.

Here are some of the key ways we foster a sense of belonging in school.

Small Class Sizes

Smaller class sizes mean that each student receives more individualized attention. If they have a question, the teacher can take time out to answer it. If they need a concept explained in a different way, the teacher can take time to offer a more tailored explanation.

But small class sizes also have another important benefit: they foster a sense of closeness. Because class sizes are kept small, our faculty can take the time to get to know each student as an individual. Your student receives more than knowledge; they receive true support from their educators.

We’ve also found that small class sizes help students get to know one another better. Our students feel like they’re a part of a close-knit group working together to achieve their learning goals. When your student struggles with a concept, their peers can help support and encourage their learning. Peer support makes learning challenging concepts seem so much more achievable!

Shared Values

At our Christian private school, our shared values help us foster a nurturing, supportive environment where students can feel like they truly belong. You may have heard or read these three words before: Faith, Virtue, and Excellence. We’ll keep on repeating them because it’s these three words that make St. Barnabas the school we’re all so proud to be a part of.

Our shared biblical Faith creates the cornerstone of our relationship with God and with each other. We act with Virtue, behaving honestly and truthfully in support of one another with no expectation of reward. And, in our pursuit of Excellence, we strive to make the best of the unique gifts and talents God has given each one of us. We celebrate one another and our differences as we each strive for Excellence, through Faith, by way of Virtue.

Standards of Ethical Conduct

Our Standards of Ethical Conduct is not just a document we throw around. It’s a set of principles we all seek to embody. While there are many reasons we honor these standards, one of those reasons is to ensure we continue to offer an environment where all students feel supported, welcome, and encouraged.

One of our standards is to value the worth and dignity of every person and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Every student has unique passions and talents, and every student has a voice. We see it as our duty to support and encourage them as they grow those talents and learn to use their voice.

Our Standards of Ethical Conduct also state that we “shall not unreasonably deny a student access to diverse points of view.” Rather, we encourage independent thinking and support students as their perceptions and opinions grow, change, and mature. We want students to feel comfortable expressing themselves. Students develop a sense of belonging when they feel supported and permitted to share their honest thoughts and views – even if those thoughts and views are different from the majority.

Extracurricular Activities

Our school places a high value on academics, but we also acknowledge that education extends beyond the classroom. Our robust campus life and extracurricular programs give students opportunities to form friendships and explore their unique talents in a more relaxed environment.

Perhaps your child has a talent for soccer or basketball. Perhaps they love singing or playing an instrument. We’ve developed athletics and arts programs where students can learn, grow, and lean into their passions. We celebrate and foster these gifts, helping students to feel supported not only academically, but personally. Our students grow to understand that whether they’re an athlete, an artist, a singer, or a scientist, they belong here.

Are you seeking a community-focused, faith-driven education for your child? Contact us to learn more about St. Barnabas Episcopal School. We’d love to meet your family and tell you more about the ways we foster a sense of belonging and student support.