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.
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2 students on move in day
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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.
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.
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New chapel under construction
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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.
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.
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