St Stephen's School

The Faculty Advisor System

The faculty advisor is the primary contact for parents seeking to discuss their child's well-being with the school. Each student meets with his/her advisor in an advisory group on the first day of school. Parents meet initially with advisors on Back to School Night in late September, and again at Parent-Advisor conferences in November and March. Students meet with advisors as a group on a monthly basis and individually, on an as needed basis.

Advisors collect anecdotal information through grade level review meetings, formal solicitation, and informal conversations regarding the progress/well-being of their advisees. They liaise between class teachers and parents about homework when an advisee has an extended absence due to illness. They monitor academic progress and write comments on mid-term and semester reports. Boarding advisors communicate with the parents of their advisees about family concerns, School activities and boarding life in general.

The Dean of Students organizes the advisory system and consults with students and faculty to designate advisors at the outset of each academic year.

Student Wellness

& Counseling

Wellness and counseling services are available to all students throughout the year to assist them with a variety of issues. Counseling is seen as one of the many things we do at St Stephen's to care for and support students in their academic life. Many times, parents are not informed unless there is a 'risk' issue, it is a formal referral, or the prior agreement of the student has been given.

Our two school counselors are available to work with students, parents, and faculty/staff Monday through Friday during school hours. During these times, our counselors see students, either by appointment or on a drop-in basis.

The Learning Center

At St. Stephen’s School, we believe that an inclusionary model is the most effective way of supporting students with special needs. Our mission is to cultivate what is highest and best in students with exceptionalities in the least restrictive environment and with an appropriate Learning Plan. St. Stephen’s has the capacity to support some students with special needs.

This may include students who are gifted, ESL, or have mild to moderate learning disabilities, such as ADD/ADHD, dyscalculia, dyslexia, emotional disabilities, and physical disabilities. We review each application to our school carefully to ensure that all qualified students will be appropriately served.

Direct services

Direct services for students with exceptionalities at St. Stephen’s School include:

Study skills support and homework assistance
Behavior management support
Tutoring (both teacher and peer)
Math Peer Tutoring
Writing center
Social/Emotional counseling
English language support