Three small schools with big opportunities. The unique model at The St. Paul’s Schools offers students a tight knit community across grades and schools, while providing access to unparalleled opportunities found on a larger campus. Students Lana, a fourth grader in the lower school, Wallis, an eighth grader at the girls’ school, and James, a senior at the boys’ school, share the aspects of St. Paul’s that make them excited to go to school every day.
Fourth grader Lana loves the warm, welcoming community that defines St. Paul’s. She especially enjoys art class and treasures time spent reading in the lower school’s cozy reading nooks or swinging with friends at recess. One of her favorite memories from this year was visiting the Baltimore Museum of Industry, while the lower school science room—with its garden and chicken coop—remains her favorite place on campus. Through her experiences at St. Paul’s, Lana has learned the value of perseverance. “The biggest lesson I have learned is that I can do hard things,” she says.
Eighth grader Wallis fills her school days with a variety of extracurricular involvements, competing in basketball, field hockey, and lacrosse while serving as Spirit Representative for student government and welcoming prospective families to St. Paul’s through the Green Key Club. She loves the friendships she has built in middle school, and you will often find her socializing in Gator Alley with her classmates. “Our school has such a big community, and you are never alone—you always have support.” Whether competing in the annual, beloved Puttin’ on the Hits dance-off or enjoying the view atop the St. Paul’s hill during lunch, Wallis’ enthusiasm and love for her school is apparent. “The thing I appreciate most about St. Paul’s is being able to come to school each day knowing I’ll have fun every day and learn at the same time.”
Senior James has made the most of every opportunity during his time at St. Paul’s, serving as captain of the varsity cross country and indoor track teams, junior class president, all-school vice president, and president of Asian Pacific Islander Student Alliance. “Don’t close yourself off or be nervous,” says James, who also volunteers with Bridges Baltimore, sings with the Concert Chorale, and tutors middle school students. “The best things come from opening up, meeting new people, and building new relationships.” Whether cheering alongside classmates at rivalry pep rallies or sampling recipes during the annual Chili Cook Off, James appreciates the traditions that bring the St. Paul’s community together. The tight-knit community is enhanced by St. Paul’s teacher-coach model—allowing teachers to get to know students both in and out of the classroom. “My track coach for the past five years was also my 8th grade math teacher, and his mentorship has had a significant impact on my growth.”
This article is part of our 2026-2027 Guide to Baltimore Independent School Guide.
