student stories
Lives Are Changed as The Master’s School Partners with Steppingstone Academy
“The Master’s School is very much like Steppingstone in that they have small class sizes and individual attention. I love it here,” Rachel Aviles (’12).
As you drive up the winding entry to The Master’s School in West Simsbury, you’ll find a campus with a multitude of buildings filled with a diverse and vibrant group of students. The students come from over 40 towns in Connecticut and Massachusetts to attend this close knit community where excellence abounds. If the walls could speak, they would tell you that there is a love of learning and discovery happening every day in each classroom. The teachers personally know each and every student and work to draw out each student’s unique gifts and talents. For these reasons, two scholars from Steppingstone Academy of Hartford pursued The Master’s School to achieve their full potential.
For the third year in a row, The Master’s School is proud to partner with Steppingstone Academy. Rachel Aviles (’12) and Vannessa Ebai (‘13), both of Hartford, completed the rigorous 14 month program while attending a public school in Hartford. Rachel and Vannessa worked after school, on weekends and during all school vacations. “It was a very challenging process working up to prep school standards, but totally worth it. Steppingstone prepared me academically and socially,” Vannessa said. The Master’s School was their first choice due to their desire to have not only challenging academic curriculum, but to be in a Christian environment where you can grow and be supported spiritually and socially.
“The Master’s School is very much like Steppingstone in that they have small class sizes and individual attention. I love it here,” Rachel added.
In conjunction with Hartford Youth Scholars Foundation’s (HYSF), Steppingstone Academy prepares highly motivated students for admission and success at Connecticut’s top independent high schools. Christian Guerrero, Program Director and Master’s School graduate, has used his leadership and experience to challenge and instruct the scholars he oversees. Mr. Guerrero and his dedicated staff strengthen the city of Hartford by developing and implementing academic programs that increase college access to Hartford youth.
The collaboration with HYSF and Steppingstone Academy has been a wonderful experience for The Master’s School. Headmaster Jon Holley explains,” The students from Steppingstone are perfect fits. They have been prepared for academic rigors of our program, and they embrace our mission of shaping their hearts and souls as well as their minds. It’s a joy to watch them grow through the impact of Godly teachers. Our community is clearly enriched by their presence!”
The Master’s School has been delighted to have Rachel and Vannessa as part as the student body. TMS is honored to be affiliated with HYSF and Steppingstone Academy and looks forward to a continued successful relationship.
For more information on Hartford Youth Scholars and Steppingstone Academy, please go to http://web.mac.com/trgood21/iWeb/Hartford%20Youth%20Scholars%20Foundation/Steppingstone%20Academy.html
Jenna Lowe, 2011 came in 4th out of 36 runners in her category at the Hartford ING marathon. Congratulations!
What the Master’s School Means to Me
October 2009
To me the Master’s school is life. Whatever happens at school really affects everything you do. The Master’s School is a place where I can go and learn about the Lord above. I go to school in the morning and see all my friends and cheery teachers. It is amazing to learn about everything God did for the world! The way He made the heavens, the earth, and everything in it amazes me. I think it is incredible that the Master’s School would care enough about me to help me grow not only in my studies but in my spiritual walk with the Lord as well.
The teachers at the Master’s School are amazing. They do not think of you as just another student. You feel like you matter and that they really want to know you. I have grown close to a few teachers and I know that I can go to them whenever I need. It is a great feeling to have those people on your side, cheering you on to success. I would be lost if I did not have the guidance of the teachers at the Master’s School.
Finally, the Master’s School has given me the opportunity to do more than study. This is where I am able to play sports on a team backed by an entire school and community. I am not limited by my lack of experience if I wanted to try something new. For example, last year I decided I would join ski team. The only problem was that I had never skied before in my life. That did not stop me. The Master’s School is full of opportunities that I would never have tried if I did not come here.
This school has shaped who I am today. I have had my good days and my bad days but I know that there are always people around me who care. I feel like the Master’s School is way more than a school. To me it is an extended family that I can rely on. I will always be a Master’s School kid at heart no matter where life takes me.
