New Canaan Prep Schools: 3 Minutes With Mark Davis from St. Luke's School

Mark Davis shares some of his favorite events on the St. Luke’s calendar and lends advice to other educators.

What is your name, title and name of your school?

Mark Davis, Head of School at St. Luke’s School

What is your school best known for?

Our families expect an outstanding education, and of course we deliver that, but we focus equally on developing students’ character. Our mission is to deliver an exceptional education that inspires a deep love of learning, a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead. We believe and teach that true success and satisfaction come from serving others. That philosophy attracts a certain kind of family and those families create an uplifting community where students thrive.

What’s the best item in your cafeteria?

My personal favorite is the Cubano sandwich. I think we have a great balance of delicious, healthy food, with the occasional french fry and cookie thrown in as treats.

How did you get into teaching or education?

I began my career as a history teacher and coached soccer, ice hockey and baseball. Eventually, I moved to college counseling, where I really enjoyed the relationships with students and having a hand in helping them find their paths. My early dream was to be a major league baseball player (my father played for the Kansas City Athletics). I know now that I’m right where I’m supposed to be. I get to work with exceptional educators in a wonderful, supportive community. A definite home run.

What is your favorite event at the school?

That would have to be Commencement. I still get a warm buzz every year. I don’t fully understand how something I’ve experienced so many times can remain so incredibly moving and, for lack of a more accurate word, special. As I looked at our graduates’ faces, their parents beaming just beyond them, I am filled with the joy of the moment. At the same time, there is sorrow that a chapter is closing. But it’s a beautiful sorrow that stems from the love and relationships that have grown over the years.

What was the best advice a teacher ever gave to you and do you remember the grade/subject he or she taught?

To watch out for people who are too certain of their opinions, for that means they are either arrogant or somewhat ignorant, both of which are dangerous. I remember this professor well. I was in graduate school and it was my humanities professor.

What advice would you give others in your position?

At the entrance to St. Luke’s is Be Kind Plaza—dedicated to the memory of Bill Mahoney, a much beloved St. Luke’s parent, trustee, and my very dear friend. In the center of that plaza is a stone engraved with a quotation from Henry James. ‘Three things in human life are important: The first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” I think that’s the best advice anyone could give or receive.

What’s the school’s teaching philosophy?

Great schools have engaged, diverse, moral students and faculty united by common purpose – dynamic thinking and deep learning. Liz Perry, St. Luke’s Head of Upper School, defines deeper learning with beautiful simplicity: Learning that lasts. Long after a student has written the paper or taken the exam, she retains the concept or the skill and can retrieve it to apply it to a new situation. This is why St. Luke’s classes focus on using information and engaging with big ideas rather than on passively receiving information. St. Luke’s J-Term video captures what happens when students fully engage.

What are some of the more popular extra-curricular activities?

It runs the gamut. Students work on the newspaper and WSLX radio, they perform in plays and jam in our Blues Band. Teachers and advisors emphatically encourage exploration of different interests. Consequently, students learn more about themselves and their talents, broadening the scope of their future.

St. Luke’s also has a robust Upper School and Middle School athletics program, and 19 Varsity teams. Our teams have won many championships over the years, but it’s our sportsmanship awards that are most meaningful.

What makes St. Luke’s School stand out?

Every school has a personality. In addition to superb and innovative academics, St. Luke’s is known for its warm, unpretentious culture. There are many fine schools in our area—independent and public. What we hear time and again is that once a family visits the St. Luke’s Hilltop, and feels the kind spirit of the teachers and students and parents—it’s all over, they’re in. That combination of strong academics and authentic, deep warmth is hard to find.

St. Luke’s also stands out as the only school in the area with a Center for Leadership (CFL). We created the CFL for all students (grades 5-12) to help them develop the mindset and tools to thrive in the world. We believe the world needs empathetic leaders with strong communication and collaborations skills. The center’s motto is Find Your Voice, Make a Difference.

How can readers contact the school or learn more?

The school website www.stlukesct.org is a great resource. On the site I have a blog, Leadership and Learning. Our Admissions team is also available to answer any questions at (203) 801-4833 orinfo@stlukesct.org. I would also encourage families to visit our Facebook page, for a great taste of the St.Luke’s community.