About

Our School

Today

At first a school with three boys, St. Paul’s School is now home to more than 500 students who share diverse backgrounds and perspectives as part of the educational experience.
    • 2 students on move in day

A Brief History

St. Paul’s School was founded in 1856 when George Shattuck established a school for boys in Concord, New Hampshire. Originally established on 50 acres of land, the grounds now comprise 2,000 idyllic acres, which include 25 miles of wooded trails, four ponds, and the upper third of the Turkey River. These spaces facilitate respect for one’s spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being, and for the natural environment, all of which are central to the School’s mission.

1856

St. Paul’s School is founded

This photo shows the grounds as they appeared before a fire destroyed the original school (center left) in 1878.

1870

First hockey games in the U.S. held on Lower School Pond

St. Paul’s School has a rich hockey history. In addition to being known as one of the early cradles for the sport in the U.S., the School was also home to one of the game’s legends, Hobey Baker.
    • New chapel under construction

1886

Construction on New Chapel Begins

Led by the vision of Reverend Dr. Henry Augustus Coit, the first Rector of St. Paul’s School, the Alumni Association formed a committee in 1882 that would raise $100,000 (more than $2.5 million in today’s dollars) to construct the Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul. The Chapel was consecrated on June 5, 1888 and remains the heart of St. Paul’s School to this day.

1971

SPS is one of the first boarding schools to admit girls.

Known as the “Original 19,” the 19 women in the photograph to the right ushered in the era of coeducation at St. Paul’s School. Since then, more than 3,000 women have joined them as alumnae.

1990-Present

Comprehensive Facilities Expansion

Over the past 30 years, St. Paul’s School has undergone a transformation that brings world-class facilities to its students. The Athletic & Fitness Center, Ohrstrom Library, the Lindsay Center for Mathematics and Science, and most recently, the Friedman Community Center have all opened during that time span. In addition, the Arts have moved into the heart of the School’s academic center with an updated Fine Arts Center and The Crumpacker Gallery.

Current and Future Expansions

St. Paul’s School honors the foundation and traditions of its history while recognizing the necessity to respond creatively and wisely to the rapidly changing realities of secondary education.
Scholarship. Leadership.
Character. Community.
©2021 St. Paul’s School. All Rights Reserved.