In 1975 two historic schools – St. Agnes School of Loudonville, and Kenwood Academy in Albany, merged to form one interfaith school.
Forged out of the hard work and tireless dedication to the ideals of both schools, Doane Stuart makes a statement about the importance of building a community that has at its core intellectual curiosity, understanding and respect.
Today, a tradition of academic excellence continues to be at the heart of the Doane Stuart experience. Head of School Pam Clarke emphasizes the collaborative and active learning that is central to the Doane Stuart curriculum: “It is more important to ask a good question than to answer a routine one. Active questioning means our students benefit from an academic environment that fosters a deep discussion of issues while promoting participation. In all subjects students are taught to question, confer, create and command.”
You will find this across all three divisions of the school: Upper School students simultaneously tackling Advanced Biology and Physics or discussing the modern Scandinavian prison system
in Social Ethics; Middle School students supplementing their traditional classes by preparing original research papers and presentations as part of their Illumination Fair; or in the Lower School watching a once-nervous fourth grader lead a morning, meeting for the first time or sharing in the joy of Kindergarteners conquering three letter words.
“Students strike a great balance here,” says Clarke. “The track star might be the best student in Advanced Calculus; the
talented artist is the lead lawyer for Mock Trial; and the middle schooler is learning the necessity of time management as she juggles her English homework, volunteers at a food pantry and runs cross country.”
Doane Stuart recalls its proud past by continuing to be a community of scholars and educators that promotes serious study. The principles central to our historic predecessors – Kenwood’s commitment to providing an education for students from every quarter and St. Agnes’ sincere welcoming of students of all faiths – comprise the core of a mission that inspires and grounds us. We provide an education for all, promote the joy of discovery, educate to social responsibility and lay the foundation for a strong faith by promoting interfaith dialogue and teaching the basic
tenets of all religions.
This allows for a school that celebrates individual identity while fostering respect and understanding. We believe that a well-rounded education includes teaching students to see the world through the eyes of others, regardless of their gender, religion, race, or background. “Our community is unique,” explains Clarke, “there is a spirit here that one cannot manufacture, a nurturing core that is the essence of Doane Stuart. When our graduates leave our campus, we’re confident that they are ready for the rigor of college and the active work of life.”