Consider the journey of Saint David’s School. It began with a vision to nurture young boys. It was founded in 1951 by nine families. They wanted to provide a first-class education. Their goal was to educate the growing boy. They wanted an education equal to the best institutions.
Saint David’s School started small. There was one teacher and four students. It has grown significantly since then. Now, it educates boys from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Saint David’s has a community of 400 students. More than 130 faculty and staff work here.
Originally, the school was Ruth Hunter Cutting’s home. She was the daughter of Robert Fulton Cutting. He was a prominent financier and philanthropist. He was also known as “the first citizen of New York.”
Saint David’s School operates within the Roman Catholic tradition. Yet, it is lay-run and independent. Several chaplains have served the school. They include Msgr Thomas Leonard and Rev Stephen Katsourous.
Saint David’s School has expanded over the years. It added facilities for academics and athletics. It now has three gymnasiums including a middle school regulation size one.
The academics are strong at Saint David’s School. The New York State Association of Independent Schools accredits it. The National Association of Independent Schools also accredits it.
Many graduates attend prestigious high schools. Some go to Regis or Collegiate. Others attend boarding schools. These include Deerfield Academy and Phillips Exeter.
Saint David’s School offers many sports. These include baseball and basketball. They also offer cross-country and lacrosse. Ice hockey is available as an after-school elective. It starts in kindergarten. It continues until eighth grade. Saint David’s won its first ice hockey championship in 2019.
Community service is important at Saint David’s School. They participate in a Halloween candy drive. They also have a bottle cap drive. They work with New York Cares for coat drives. Saint David’s raised money to build a school in Ethiopia. The Saint David’s Kalina School opened in 2013.
Several notable people attended Saint David’s School. These include Andrew Giuliani and Ryu Goto. John F Kennedy Jr also attended the school.
Several headmasters have led Saint David’s School. Thomas F Herlihy was the first. The current headmaster is Dr P David O’Halloran.
Saint David’s School expanded into an adjoining historic hotel. The project included new structural elements. These supported the landmarked facade. It also created state-of-the-art facilities. These include three gyms and a science center.
Saint David’s School strives to create good men. It emphasizes skill and sportsmanship. The school fosters open-mindedness and inclusion. Saint David’s nurtures boys into responsible learners. It teaches them to seek truth and beauty. It encourages them to contribute to the greater good.