Preparing students for a lifelong commitment to learning and social responsibility is at the heart of the St. Luke’s experience. The School’s motto, Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve, inspires students to strive not only for academic excellence but also responsible citizenship and service to humanity.

Kate Parker-Burgard, Director of Community Connections

We believe that character is developed when actions are done in service to the greater good. By using one’s strengths, service locations become laboratories for developing leadership as students gain confidence and develop their identities as people who can help."

Service at St. Luke's

MIDDLE SCHOOL
St. Luke’s students are introduced to service throughout their Middle School experience. Service learning happens in a variety of ways: some may occur in class, as teachers connect their lessons to the work of inspiring nonprofits; some may transpire after school as we offer regular optional activities focused on helping nonprofits; and some may ensue when students pursue their interest in a cause by creating a club, raising awareness, or setting up fundraisers to support favorite organizations. All of these activities, from formal to informal, help create a service mindset for all of our students.
UPPER SCHOOL
As our students mature, our community service program grows with them. In Upper School, we continue to offer a variety of grade- and school-wide service activities. We ask students to take responsibility for their own service by asking themselves, “What matters to me? What strengths or skills do I have to offer? How can I contribute to my community?” While required hours create “accountability,” most of our students wind up becoming deeply invested in their work. Through their initiative and our support, students develop their sense of responsibility, agency, and leadership.
 

List of 3 items.

  • 20

    Hours
    20 hours of service
    per Upper School year required
  • 1

    Reflection
    One reflection due no later than
    spring break of senior year
  • 13,000+

    Hours
    Over 13K student hours given since
    COVID restrictions began (Mar. '20).
 

Spotlight on Service



St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 35 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Center for Leadership builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.