St. Johnsbury Academy

St. Johnsbury Academy in Vermont offers a distinctive educational experience that combines the vast resources. Unlike the high-pressure prep school environment found in many elite boarding, SJA is known for its incredible breadth, offering over 200 courses and a robust AP program that serves students ranging from Ivy League aspirants to those seeking specialized technical training.

However, the academy counteracts its size with a dedicated advisory system and a culture rooted in "character, inquiry, and community," ensuring that every student is mentored personally. Ultimately, SJA is a place for the "independent-minded" student who wants the freedom to explore diverse interests in a down-to-earth environment that values individual growth over social status.

Over the past four years at St. Johnsbury Academy, I have received numerous personal and academic growth opportunities. The unending support system has guided me to multiple all-American honors in Track and Field, practicing with teammates who have brought out the best in me. I am always proud to wear my SJA jersey on the national stage, representing a school of diverse individuals who each strive to contribute positively to their community daily. These athletic pursuits, in tandem with accessible extracurricular activities, have allowed me to receive scholarship opportunities from Stanford, Princeton, and Notre Dame. I recently accepted an offer to attend Harvard University next fall. Amidst this stressful process, my coaches, guidance counselors, and teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure I could achieve my athletic dreams while balancing a rigorous academic course load. I cherish my experiences as a member of the SJA community, as they have shaped me into the person I am proud to be today by emphasizing what they believe I can do in the future.

St. Johnsbury Academy has given me a great opportunity to strengthen my academics and find other avenues to pursue my interests, including a number of history classes. I have benefited from the wide course selection, including AP and advanced classes in many subjects. I have also participated in band, the Harvard Model Congress, Model U.N., and Green Mountain Boys’ State which allowed me to meet peers with similar interests from across the U.S.