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What We Must Do for St. Andrew’s “Make no mistake: this will be challenging, demanding work for all of us.”
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chools have distinct moments in their histories, times when they feel stretched, challenged, inspired or discouraged. Schools to a degree reflect the joy, confidence, anxiety and values of our national and global culture, but most of all, schools reflect the goodness, brilliance, maturity and grace of its faculty. Schools never stand still. They either reach for or define new levels or definitions of excellence or fade into periods of mediocrity, doubt and fear. The move from excellence to mediocrity can happen in a flash, especially in a 21st century world of rapid change and pressures of every kind. As we begin the 2013-14 school year, St. Andrew’s has reached a moment of enormous opportunity. This year represents an historic phase in the evolution of this unique school. It is now in our hands whether or not we will respond to the challenge or squander the opportunity we have worked so hard to develop. The moment arises, first of all, from the good work St. Andrew’s has done as a school and community. Our duel focus on cultivating the intellect and inspiring the spirit of our students has led us to the development of a school culture that affirms and transforms students and faculty alike. Rather than surrendering to a culture that lowers expectations for student work, ownership, stewardship and maturity, St. Andrew’s has charged students to lead in the classroom, dorm and school and engage in the most profound and complex issues facing our nation and world. At a time when the media, parents and students often see education as a commodity, St. Andrew’s has asserted, emphasized and defended the principle that a great education deepens the very foundation of our civic life, our democracy and our place in a global community. As we studied the art of rescue last year, we realized that the most powerful 3
