What Makes SLS Upper School Exceptional?
SLS Teachers Go Above and Beyond
Ask any student or alumnus what stands out about SLS, and you will likely hear, “My teachers.” SLS teachers are both scholars and innovators. They guide students in their mastery of traditional academics while pioneering college-level curricula across disciplines, including emerging technologies and leadership studies. They challenge you with a rigorous curriculum and support you every step of the way.
Support from your teachers extends beyond the classroom. They get to know you, care about you, and help you become the student—and person—you want to be. Your teachers are part of a team that includes your dedicated Compass Coach, advisor, coaches, grade-level deans, and a Well-Being and Academic Support team.
SLS teachers go Above&Beyond, so you can too.
Exceptional Fact: We offer 30+ innovative and challenging college-level Advanced Curriculum classes in addition to traditional AP classes.
Programs and Experiences
SLS offers you custom programs created by our exceptional teachers, including our Scholars Program, Advanced Curriculum, and Compass Program.
Advanced Curriculum College-Level Courses: When an AP course offers the strongest path, we offer it. But when our expert teachers can design something more compelling, they do. SLS Advanced Curriculum gives brilliant teachers the freedom to teach at their best—and ambitious students the chance to push further, think deeper, and swing for the fences academically.
Compass 1:1 Mentoring: Through our Compass Program, you’re at the helm of your educational experience. With guidance from your Compass Coach, you’ll navigate a personalized map of your goals, interests, and the opportunities you want to pursue. One-to-one meetings with your Compass Coach and your advisor continue throughout Upper School, keeping you and your goals on track.
Scholars Distinction: In your senior year, you can apply to participate in our SLS’ highest form of scholarship by becoming a Global, Literary, or STEM Scholar. STEM Scholars choose between Research & Experimentation or Emerging Technologies. All Scholars conduct independent research and formally present their body of work at a Scholars Symposium.
Many students expand on their Scholars research after the program ends, often continuing their work in college.
The SLS College Counseling team is unlike any other. Their door is always open, and their big couches are filled with students who find this space and this team to be a happy haven.
Our counselors spend countless hours connecting with students so they understand who you are—your strengths, interests, and aspirations. SLS students go to great colleges, but what matters most is that they feel more than ready wherever they go. At SLS, the goal is not simply getting into a great school—it’s being prepared to thrive and contribute in college and beyond.
Exceptional Fact:
100% of our young alumni surveyed report feeling prepared or very well-prepared for college.
Heard on the Hilltop:
I like the fact that you can walk down a hallway and go into any teacher’s office…no matter if they know you or not, they’ll always be ready to help you.”
SLS Junior
It’s the Vibe: “I first chose SLS because the vibe is different. It’s hard to explain. It’s the feeling you get when you’re here. It’s completely different from other schools.”
SLS Senior
An Exceptional Day in the Life
Head to class, where you’ll collaborate with classmates on a hands-on project like transforming an entire classroom into a gigantic, fully functioning cell.
Exceptional Fact:
SLS has a 9 a.m. start time because we want you to get a good night’s sleep and have some breakfast. Research is clear: students feel better and learn better when schools start later.
Join the Community. Follow Us on Social. @stlukesct, @slsalumni, and @slsstorm
Start the day with a warm welcome from Head of School Dr. Carter and Head Dog Hefty.
Teachers offer extra help before and after school, and during free periods. You also get 1:1 mentoring from a Compass Coach.
Come together in the auditorium to listen to a classmate or teacher give a meditation—a reflection on an important experience in life.
Head to advisory where you’ll build relationships with peers and advisors in a fun, casual environment.
Immerse yourself in a foreign language. Choose from our nationally-ranked French program, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish.
Have a free period?
Head to the Math Lab to get some work done (teachers are there to answer questions) or stop by the Library Café to meet up with friends.
Want to play with the best toys in the school? Go to Functional Sculpture, UX & UI Design, or one of many CS&E classes in the designLab.
Take a break from classes to meet with a club or affinity group. There are a ton to choose from, like business, STEM, sustainability, and Model UN.
When the academic day is over, afterschool activities begin—sports, Blues Band, theater, debate, there’s something for everyone!
Gather around the Harkness table in English class for a deep-dive literary conversation about the latest novel you’re reading.
Exceptional Co-Curricular Activities
SLS Upper School students have a wealth of afternoon activities and opportunities to choose from—including 20 Varsity and JV teams that are part of our Storm Athletics program. These experiences aren’t just about filling out your resume—they’re integral to character formation, leadership development, resilience, and, of course, having fun. We’ve made activities a core part of the student experience by requiring participation.
Fall Activities:
Art Studio
Blues Band
Combat Robotics
Community Service
Cross Country
Debate Team
Field Hockey
Football
Photography
Soccer
Strength & Conditioning
Technical Theater
Theater Production
The Sentinel (Digital Newspaper)
Volleyball
WSLX Media Hub
Advice from SLS Alumni:
Explore as many programs as you can. You’ll discover new interests, build friendships, and grow in ways you never expected.
Winter Activities:
Art Studio
Basketball
Chess Team
Combat Robotics
Community Service
Debate Team
Ice Hockey
Musical Theater Production
Photography
Ski Team Squash
Strength & Conditioning
Technical Theater
The Sentinel (Digital Newspaper)
WSLX Media Hub
Spring Activities:
Art Studio
Baseball
Cabaret
Combat Robotics
Community Service
Debate Team
Golf
Lacrosse
Softball
Strength & Conditioning
Tennis
The Sentinel (Digital Newspaper)
WSLX Media Hub
“Potential is the hardest thing to see bottled up in your kids. You believe in them, but maybe they don’t believe in themselves. Then, they meet that teacher who sees the spark of interest in something new, or that coach who quietly recognizes their potential and throws them into the deep end—that is the essence of the SLS experience. Through a thousand little leaps, choreographed and spontaneous, you suddenly find your child finding themselves, finding their voice, and finding purpose.”
SLS Parent
SLS Mission — Our Promise To Families:
An exceptional education that inspires a deep love of learning, a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead.
At SLS, we transform lives through academic excellence and an unparalleled commitment to kindness, community and character. Our students thrive in a warm, supportive environment where they discover their unique strengths, learn to Lead with Humanity, and make meaningful contributions to the world. Discover your potential, discover you.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious) day school for grades 5-12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Discover Your Potential at SLS.