David O'Halloran, Headmaster - Saint David's School, New York City

Back around the turn of the first century, the stoic philosopher Epictetus wrote, "He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." In the throes of a pandemic, it can be difficult to rejoice and not grieve. I was reminded of this recently, when one of our Loaves and Fishes families delivering meals to Mr. Murphy, our Director of Security currently on leave, called me from the Long Island Expressway with a story they had to share. After the family dropped food on his stoop, Mr. Murphy insisted they come in: "No, no, please," Mr. Murphy said. "I have something important back here." Still recovering from major surgery, he returned from another room with several large bags of cans. "Here, for the Eighth Grade boys and Mr. Ryan ... for the drive. I've been collecting for weeks." In need himself, Mr. Murphy wasn't thinking of what he didn't have; instead, he was thinking of the boy...

Meaningful, relevant, mission-driven experiences incorporated throughout our school program, call upon our young learners to stretch and grow as thinkers, and encourage autonomy and self assurance. When they design and build mini-cars to meet a racing challenge, engage in debate during Socratic seminars, critically examine and discuss works of art at the Guggenheim by masters like Etel Adnan, deconstruct a play in soccer, or reflect upon the meaning they derive from their own family’s faith or spiritual tradition, our boys are cultivating crucial independence of thought from which all other independence springs.  In all disciplines, boys work collaboratively and on their own. Each boy's idea is considered respectfully by his peers. Peer feedback is constructive and kind. In the youngest grades and up, boys gain confidence in the many chances they have to develop and hone presentation and public speaking skills: be it presenting the books they write, illustrate, and publish in Kinde...