The St. Anne’s-Belfield Upper School is a place where rigorous challenge and authentic care go hand in hand. With a community of day and boarding students from around the globe, expert teachers who bring both passion and experience, and a 117-year-old mission that calls us to nurture body, mind, heart, and soul, we create an environment where young people thrive. Students are empowered to take ownership of their learning, discover their passions, and grow into confident, compassionate leaders. The Upper School is designed to prepare students not only for success in college, but for lives of meaning and impact.
Your child deserves a team of college counseling professionals dedicated to positioning them for success. The college admissions landscape is changing at a faster rate than ever before. That is why our College Counseling team constantly evolves their knowledge and grows their network in order to provide guidance that is salient, timely, and right for your student. Beginning in Grade 9, St. Anne’s-Befield students begin our college counseling program, which progresses in detail and specificity by grade level. Grade 10 students participate in college workshops and are matched with a college counselor for individual meetings and support. In Grade 11, in addition to other programming, students take a college counseling course that covers all aspects of the college admission process. In Grade 12, seniors have dedicated academic time to work on their essays and applications, alleviating schedule pressure on their homework and extracurricular activities. We know the college process involves the entire family. Parents and guardians engage in programming to better understand today’s college admission landscape and more effectively support their students. While families primarily work with one college counselor over the course of their students’ time at the School, our team model ensures that families may draw on the expertise of any of our fulltime counselors. With a 33:1 student-counselor ratio (compared to the Virginia state average of 307:1) and over 50 years combined experience both at the college admissions and high school levels, our team gets to know students well over the course of their academic journey, providing expert and tailored advice that can’t be rivaled. We are proud of our college success rate and the fact that 93% of our seniors in the Class of 2026 were admitted to one of their top three choices. Our counselors have a proven track record of success at assisting students to curate college lists that are the right fit for them.
Meet the Head of the Upper School Beth Miller, M.Ed., P. ’22 & ’25 When I first walked onto this campus 25 years ago, I immediately felt inspired by the energy of the adults and students. Today when I walk the pathway into Randolph Hall each morning, I am reminded of how that same energy and sense of community inspire me to lead a truly remarkable upper school. I believe deeply that students are at their best when they are empowered to shape their learning journey. Our students are challenged to grow, whether they are tackling the foundations of algebra with a peer tutor, leading a 30-minute discussion on modern religious studies, or learning to be exemplary citizens while earning a Pathways Program certificate. We are a school that prides itself on holding students to high standards while also offering a high degree of individualized support. Our teachers are continuously seeking a higher degree of excellence to better serve students. It is a joy to get to witness the extraordinary teaching and transformative learning that happens each day in our classrooms. We know you are stepping out of your comfort zone in considering a new school. Please know you would be joining an engaged and supportive community of both new and returning Saints. Of our 375+ students Grades 9 – 12, approximately 20% entered new this year. Nearly 70 students live here with us on campus, representing a dozen countries and more than 10 U.S. states. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, in the dorm, or on the field, the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our students add meaningfully to our community. We are eager to learn more about your unique story and how you would contribute to making us an even stronger, more excellent school.
Our Academic Program
Opportunities to Excel
One of the more distinctive features of the St. Anne’s-Belfield Upper School program are the many ways in which students can direct their own learning. Alongside traditional honors and AP classes, students have the opportunity to earn honors and AP credit by completing additional requirements, allowing them to excel and reach their full potential. Students can pursue independent studies, Capstone projects, or specialized Pathways Program certificates in Arts Management, Civic Engagement, or Environmental Studies. These programs honor both achievement and agency, giving students the tools to go beyond required coursework and pursue their passions in depth.
Structured for Success
Our use of time is intentional: 90-minute classes and a modular schedule give students and teachers the opportunity to dive deeply into each subject while maintaining a healthy balance between work and life. We also build in structures that prepare students for life beyond school, from college counseling classes that guide them through the increasingly challenging application process, to the flexibility of fifth period that adapts to student needs. With office hours before and after class, study halls for younger students, peer tutoring, and a dedicated student support team, we ensure that each student is both challenged and cared for. In every way, we strive to be a school that knows its students well and helps them thrive. Learn more about our modular schedule at stab.org/academics/upper-school/schedule
Graduation Requirements
Humanities: English — 4 years Humanities: History — 3 years World Languages — Third level of the same language Science (including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) — 3 years Mathematics — 3 years Visual or Performing Arts (4-year students) — 1 year Physical Activity — See Curriculum Guide Advanced Senior Seminar — 1 year Life Skills — 1 term Study Skills — 1 term Service to the School — 40 hours Senior Internship — 35 hours
Advisory
We believe that students are most primed to learn and grow when they are rooted in the School and community. In the Upper School, advisories are made up of students from all four grades, allowing for cross-grade connections that students might not otherwise encounter. Students keep the same advisor throughout their time at St. Anne’s-Belfield, creating deeper bonds and a relationship with an adult mentor that allows students to truly flourish. This cohort approach means new students have instant connections as they enter the community, and then grow into a leadership role as they guide new students in following years. The relationships built in advisory form lasting, authentic bonds.
Senior Capstone Thesis The pinnacle of our tradition of scholarship and student-led learning is the Capstone Thesis. Grade 12 students are invited to pursue a passion or question in depth over the course of their entire senior year. Students take full ownership of their learning, leading independent research while meeting weekly with a faculty mentor who provides guidance and support. Each scholar commits three to five hours per week to their research project, developing both the discipline and the curiosity that define lifelong learners. 30% of the Class of 2026 chose to undertake a Capstone. The Capstone includes presenting original work to the Upper School community at the Capstone Symposium in January. This is followed by a formal presentation and the submission of a substantial academic paper to the Capstone Committee in the spring. Seniors who also completed AP Seminar in their junior year may elect to have their Capstone Thesis designated as an AP Research project.
“St. Anne’s-Belfield is just such a special, supportive place. The faculty want to help you, the staff want to help you, and your peers want to see you do well. I don’t know if you’ll find that at lots of other places. I’ve been to different schools, and I’ve worked in so many different places. The community here really is unmatched.” — Amalie Hendricks ’26, Penn State Read more of Amalie’s advice to new students here: www.stab.org/advice “My favorite part about St. Anne’s is definitely the community aspect. There’s not many kids, so you really get to know everybody. And there’s so many talented people here — not just athletes, but bright academically and in the arts. There are people from so many different backgrounds. I’ve met more international students than I ever thought I was going to meet before college. Everybody’s here to do the right thing, get better, and find success. Especially the faculty. Teachers really care about your success.” — Quinn Eliason ’26, University of Virginia
The Saints Community At St. Anne’s-Belfield School, we are first and foremost an academic community. Our community reaches beyond the classroom to build strong, intentional relationships with the whole family. This connection begins even before classes with new family orientation and Parent/Guardian Partnership Meetings, and continues throughout the year. Within our age 2 to Grade 12 community, relationships form between students of all divisions. Service-learning is embedded in our curriculum and Civic Engagement Initiative, allowing our students to make a meaningful, positive impact alongside Charlottesville/Albemarle community partners. We want all our students to know and genuinely feel that they belong to a caring and vibrant community. “The faculty community we have at this school is phenomenal. The effort they put in every day and the connections they build with their students is incredible. You can tell that every single one of them is there to make sure you get what you need and that you do your best. It’s amazing and that is definitely what I will miss the most.” — Kate Cheng ’26, The College of William & Mary
Chapel
Chapel has existed at St. Anne’s-Belfield since our founding in 1910. While today’s Chapel is inclusive of all faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs, it remains one of the sacred traditions of the School. These provide time for students and faculty to gather in fellowship and reflect on what it means to be a member of a larger community. Upper School students generally lead Chapel as musicians and speakers.
from their parents, the Parents’ Association (PA) provides many opportunities for families to become involved with the School. Parents and guardians hold roles as grade level reps, serve at special events, staff concession stands, and serve on school-level committees such as the Arts Boosters and Saints Athletics Club.
Parent/Guardian Partnership Meetings
Cheer on our Saints athletes at a game, bring the family to an arts performance or gallery, attend a lecture, come decked in maroon and white for our Fall Family Festival or Maroon & White Gala, roll up your sleeves and volunteer alongside a local organization during Saints Serve Saturday — our School community loves to come together.
Our Parent/Guardian Partnership Meetings, the first of which is prior to the start of school, enable faculty and parents/guardians to form an important connection between home and School life. You will meet with your student’s advisor, who will remain the same all years of your student’s time at St. Anne’s-Belfield.
Parent/Guardian Involvement
Various webinar series connect child and teen development experts to our parents and guardians; Curriculum Nights give insight into our Upper School academics; and formal and informal gatherings with the head of the Upper School, the College Counseling team, and other administrators round out our parent education program. And during this period when teens naturally want to be more independent
Community Events
The Advantage of a Day-Boarding School
Our school community is a rich tapestry of backgrounds, perspectives, and life stories from around the globe. All of our students reap the benefits of vibrant, diverse discussions both inside and outside the classroom. This dynamic exchange not only fosters a deeper understanding of the world but also nurtures the development of globally conscious citizens.
“What I loved most about St. Anne’s was the opportunity to really explore my interests, being surrounded by people who encourage growth and individuality and getting to know and help impact the type of community we hold. Many valued teachers, classmates, and teammates have helped me gain lessons and memories that will stay with me after graduation.” — Cadigan Perriello ’25, Princeton University “People find what they’re interested in and get really involved, and really remain dedicated to that. I think that’s pretty great that people in our school are so willing to dedicate themselves.” — Henry Dozier ’26, Yale University
St. Anne’s-Belfield School At A Glance
Quick Facts
located in Charlottesville, VA, home to the University of Virginia
965 642 students age 2 – Grade 12
family households
12
51
sports teams
88
16%
20
4,213 16
55 acres of land between two campuses
2 hours from Washington, D.C
Advanced Placement (AP) exams offered on campus
zip codes
living alumns in 49 countries
“We wish our students to become strong in body, broad of mind, tender of heart, responsive in soul.” — Mary Hyde DuVal, Founding Headmistress (1910 – 1920)
11
countries and U.S. states in the Residential Life Program
of the Class of 2027 are “Sandbox Kids” (joined by Kindergarten)
16
countries and U.S. states in the student body
Class of 2026 College Success
48%
93%
enroll in highly selective schools with <25% admit rate
admitted to one of their top 3 institutions
51%
our UVA in-state admission rate vs 22% UVA in-state admission rate
1269
average SAT vs 1029 national average
25
average ACT vs 19.4 national average
The Upper School
14
average class size
360 11:1 28 US students
student-toteacher ratio
2026 Capstone scholars (30% of senior class)
45%
conduct intensive research each year
The School admits qualified students of any race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, sex, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or any status protected by applicable law, and extends to them all the privilege to participate in the educational programs generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or any status protected by applicable law in the administration of its admission or its educational programs.
2132 Ivy Road | Charlottesville, VA 22903 admission@stab.org | www.stannesbelfield.org | (434) 296-5106
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