Service to others has long been part of the experience of St. Paul's School students. Beginning in September 2001, the School will initiate a graduation requirement of community service. This requirement may be fulfilled during a summer, vacations, or the academic year. The School also requires participation in athletics, either at the interscholastic or intramural club level. By participating in sports, students develop key values such as teamwork, sportsmanship, personal excellence, courage, humility, and respect for others.
Opportunities are available for all students, regardless of athletic ability or experience.
The Residential Life Program helps students develop as young citizens who will build a just and caring community both in this School and in the larger world. The program is made up of a cycle of themes dealing with respect, freedom and responsibility, and virtue and service. The program facilitates opportunities for students and faculty to discuss many topics, including responsibility in community living, healthy living habits, honesty and integrity, fair treatment of others, management of time and stress, human sexuality, diversity and tolerance, self-respect, community service, and good citizenship. Four days each week, the School community gathers in the Chapel to hear meditations, student performances, prayers, and readings from the scriptures of the world's religions. Regardless of background, all are invited to learn more about their own religious tradition and the religious traditions of others within a forum that supports interfaith expression.