Saint George's School (Spokane, Washington)

Saint George's School
Address
2929 West Waikiki Road
Spokane, Washington, 99208
United States
Information
School type Private school
Established 1955
Grades K-12
Enrollment 371 (as of 2012-13)[1]
Student to teacher ratio 9
Campus type Rural
Color(s) Red, and white             
Mascot Dragon
Information (509) 466–1636
Website http://www.sgs.org

Saint George's School is one of only a few independent K-12 college preparatory schools in the Spokane, Washington region. The campus is located on 120 acres (0.49 km2) along the Little Spokane River. Saint George's School has a well balanced tradition of academic, artistic and athletic excellence.

History

Saint George's School was established in 1955 as St. George's Episcopal School on the former summer estate of Louis Davenport called Flowerfield. At that time there were 45 students in grades seven through nine. Initially, students were required to share space with the livestock in the stable while construction of the original school building was underway. By 1957, association with the episcopal church was severed and the school name was officially changed to Saint George's School. In June 1959 Saint George's held its first commencement exercises as nine seniors crossed graduation bridge to the music of the Angus Scott pipe band, a tradition that is honored to this day.

Today

Today, the Saint George's School campus consists of the Davenport House (the estate's original home), the Upper School, the Middle School, the Lower School, the Errol Schmidt Athletic Center (ESAC), Metters Gym, The Little Gym, the Lower School Art House, the Caretaker's Cottage, the maintenance cottage, and the maintenance building. Additionally, there are libraries in both the Lower School and the Upper School.

Saint George's is currently composed of 371 students in grades K-12. The student-to-teacher ratio is 9:1, and over 30% of students receive financial aid from the school.[1] Saint George's mission statement reflects the four traits which are emphasized throughout the school: honesty, respect, generosity of spirit, and best efforts.[1]

As a college preparatory school, every SGS graduating senior is accepted into and attends a four-year college or university. Its full-time college counselor works with students and parents beginning in eighth grade to ensure the "best fit" in the colleges selected by seniors. Every Saint George's senior takes the SAT, and they consistently earn the highest or second highest average SAT scores of any school in the Spokane area. In 2010 and 2011, 75% of Saint George's students in grades 10-12 took at least one Advanced Placement (AP) course. Those students scored a 3, 4, or 5 on 82% of their exams, potentially earning college credit.[1]

In 2007, Bill and Melinda Gates were the featured speakers of Saint George's graduation.[2]

In 2011, Joseph Kennedy became the 10th Head of School for Saint George's. Prior to his current position, Mrs. Mo Copeland was the Headmistress of the school, before announcing her plans to resign in a board meeting in 2011. At that time Kennedy served as Head of School at West Sound Academy in Poulsbo, WA, at Island Academy on St. John's, Antigua, and at Riverstone International School in Boise, ID.[1]

In 2014, the school transitioned to the International Baccalaureate Program and officially changed its name to Saint George's International Baccalaureate World School.

Notable events

2001

Eric Malm becomes a presidential scholar[3]

2007

Bill Gates' Commencement Speech

In 2007, Bill and Melinda Gates were the featured speakers of St. George's graduation. Gates was notably quoted as saying:

"Remember, the final measure of your life won't be how well you live, but how well others live, because of you."[2]

Activities

Saint George's consistently performs well at the statewide competition and the Knowledge Bowl, as well as recent success in debate competitions. Their chess team and robotics team have both won numerous awards. Dances, plays, and concerts are well-attended and involve the majority of the student body.

A multitude of traditions are celebrated at Saint George's, including a Dragon Dance on the lawn at the beginning of the year and the seniors walking across the graduation bridge to receive their diplomas. Great use is made of the campus' forest and the adjacent river, and students often organize hikes, rock climbing, and canoeing trips.

Athletics

Saint George's has a no-cut athletic team policy which allows all students to participate in sports regardless of previous experience. Teams compete in the Panorama League of Washington's WIAA Class 2B. Their mascot is the Dragon and their colors are red and white.

Saint George's high school teams have won a total of 19 state championships, including:

In 2008, Saint George's won the Wells Fargo Scholastic Cup, a statewide honor for schools that recognizes outstanding performance in both academics and athletics. The school teams' performances at state competitions throughout 2007-08 and their high grade point averages earned Saint George's the Scholastic Cup for 2B schools.[4]

Demographics

Saint George's School is a racially and ethnically diverse educational environment. A diverse mix of Caucasian, Asian, Latino, and African-American students attend the school. 15% of Saint George's attendees are people of color. 30% of the students receive financial aid.[1]

Notable alumni

External links

References

Coordinates: 47°46′04″N 117°28′17″W / 47.76778°N 117.47139°W / 47.76778; -117.47139

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