One of the major benefits of a boarding school education is an exceptional academic environment. St. Lawrence Seminary has a college preparatory focus, which encourages and promotes academic excellence. And in turn, the expectation levels are high for both students and teachers.
Percent of high school students who believe that their school was academically challenging:
Public School - 50%
Private Day School - 70%
Boarding School - 91%
Percent of HS student who report having great, high quality teachers
Percent of HS student who believe that their school was academically challenging
Percent of HS student who state that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their academic experience
Boarding schools allow students and professors to be available at odd hours. This is a distinct advantage over traditional day schools because the accessibility allows groups to meet, study, and prepare materials prior to a big test or class presentation.
Our community is the heart of St. Lawrence Seminary. Students are placed in fraternities of 10-12 boys that are balanced on grade, culture, and compatibility. These fraternities forge lifelong friendships.
Percent of high school students who claim to have a supportive environment:
Public School - 50%
Private Day School - 70%
Boarding School - 75%
Percent of HS students who Report Being Around Motivated Peers
Percent of HS students who claim to have a supportive environment
The structured environment of boarding school, while challenging for some, is a benefit for many. Students are given scheduled class times, but much of their time spent out of class will be up to them to plan and organize. Students must learn how to prioritize and balance academics, clubs, sports, service opportunities, leisure time, and other extracurricular activities. Our students have to learn how to manage their own time, which better prepares them for college, life in the ministry, or whatever path they choose.
Percent of high school students who felt prepared for college upon graduation:
Public School - 23%
Private Day School - 36%
Boarding School - 78%
Percent of HS student who felt prepared for college upon graduation
Why SLS is ahead of the Game:
St. Lawrence Seminary High School's holistic program focuses on the academics and teaching students - social skills, time management/ organizational skills, and providing a multi-cultural community where they can learn from each other. High school is only four year, but St. Lawrence looks to prepare its students for college and life, inside and outside of the classroom.
We know how important spiritual growth is to help boys develop into mature, well-rounded men. Our Catholic teachings are inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the example of St. Francis of Assisi. We provide students with a wide array of volunteer opportunities and ministry programs to put their faith into practice.
Percent of high school students who report being around motivated peers:
Public School - 49%
Private Day School - 71%
Boarding School - 78%
Percent of HS student who felt prepared for college upon graduation
Percent of graduates who went on to pursue a higher degree
1. What are the qualification standards of the faculty teaching at the boarding school?
When I struggle with my job, when there's anything in life that presents itself as an unsolvable problem, I hear the words of my Latin instructor, Mr. David Gritt, "You Think too much. Just take care of it." That makes me smile and focus on the resolution
- Tyler, SLS Alumni, Class of 2002
2. How is the school’s mission unique compared to other similar schools?
3. How does your school encourage and implement a sense of community between student-to-student and student-to-teacher?
It was not until the middle of my junior year here that I realized SLS was the right school for me. Of course, my years here as an underclassman were extremely fun, but my junior year was a wake-up call for me. If I had not gone to SLS, I would be a totally different person. I would not have gone through all the trials and tribulations of waking up early on Saturdays for a forensics meets or have met the classmates I am able to call my brothers. The one aspect of SLS that kept me going was the community. Over the years, I have picked up small snippets of so many different languages and cultures. The friendships I have made are unforgettable.
- Anonymous Student
4. How will I be able to get in contact with my son when I want/need to?
5. What kind of extracurricular activities are available to students?
6. What kind of financial aid is available to my family?
7. How does your school support students with homesickness?
I was kind of hesitant coming to SLS, mostly because I would have to live here. I still came here because I knew that my rationale for missing home was being blown out of proportion and that it wouldn’t be a bad thing.
- Anonymous Student
8. What student mentorship/discipleship opportunities are available for students?
9. What are the most common words used by alumni to describe their experience having graduated from this boarding school?
St. Lawrence was the first educational, athletic, and life setting where I consistently applied myself
- John, SLS Alumni, Class of 1995
