Head of School

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Successful.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our vibrant community that has been educating students in the heart of Lexington since 1854. Throughout this website, you will discover a wealth of information about our Pre-Kindergarten-12th grade college preparatory program. You will learn about our students, our faculty and our values.

At Sayre, you will find a school where...

• Students are inspired by teachers to be curious, inquisitive, and creative.

• Students are challenged to grow by taking intellectual, artistic and athletic risks.

• Students find success through hard work and encouragement.

• A diversity of talents and perspectives is appreciated, respected and embraced.

Ultimately, Sayre provides opportunities for students to excel. Among the many facts about our program and the achievements of our students, here are a few that I find particularly impressive—Advanced Placement pass rates well beyond the National and State averages, a public speaking emphasis embedded throughout the curriculum, and 75% student participation on athletic teams.

How we nurture students to that place of confidence and success speaks to our willingness to meet the individual needs of students while being mindful of the skills necessary to compete in the 21st Century. Here are several key aspects of our approach to your child’s education:

Adapting to the Needs of Individual Students: Sayre faculty leverage sound expertise, new technologies, pioneering pedagogies, and a heartfelt love and passion for teaching to readily adapt their classroom styles to the personal needs of individual students, never hesitating to do whatever is necessary to empower one more child to succeed.

Educating for the Future: Technology use is omnipresent throughout Sayre’s curriculum, from introducing iPad technology and keyboarding skills in the Lower School, to our 1:1 iPad program in the Middle School, to paperless Biology classes as part of our 1:1 laptop program in the Upper School, equipping students with the tech savvy to compete alongside national and global peers in an increasingly connected world.

Escorting Families Through the College Application Process: Sayre’s college counseling team works closely with each Upper School student and their family to proactively position juniors and seniors for success during the college application process, from identifying specific schools which may map to a student’s strengths, personality, and dreams, to seeking out and successfully applying for scholarship and financial aid opportunities. The end result? Each year our students gain admission to the top state and private universities in the nation.

I hope this gives you a sense of the breadth and depth of our program. I encourage you to visit campus, tour our facilities and meet our students and faculty.

Once you visit, I am confident that, like our students, you will be inspired to join our community.

Stephen Manella
Head of School