Rural Richland’s “Proud & Peaceful Glen”
Mr. Brendan Towell | Associate Director of Admissions & Alumni Leadership
A notable line in the famous St. Augustine Prep’s Alma Mater reads, “In Richland’s proud and peaceful glen, where friends and joy abound. Stands alma mater, home of men, a treasure nobly found.” Anyone familiar with the Prep knows that this song is near and dear to all graduates and families because, no matter the distance they traveled to get here, Richland became a second home. Yet, ask those same graduates if they knew where Richland was before they first arrived, and more likely than not, they will admit they really didn’t! So how does this little town in South Jersey become synonymous with one of the finest schools in the State? Well, there is a lot to it, but one of the most underrated aspects is the physical location and the rural campus setting.
With the emergence of “school choice” in recent years, students and families of South Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia Area have a plethora of educational options available to them. Many schools offer outstanding academic programs, highly competitive sports teams, and dedicated teachers. However, unlike those other schools, the learning atmosphere at St. Augustine Prep is enveloped within a stunningly beautiful 118-acre rural campus. Away from the distractions of more urban centers, the Prep allows students to grow and develop surrounded by the peace and calm of a collegiate campus environment.
Read below to learn more about the advantages of rural campus life for high school boys:
Connection with Nature: A rural campus offers the advantage of being surrounded by natural landscapes. This connection with nature can provide a peaceful and serene environment, which can enhance the overall well-being and mental health of high school boys. It offers opportunities for more outdoor activities which helps in fostering a sense of adventure and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Close-knit Community: A rural campus often fosters a close-knit community where students, teachers, and staff know each other well. The smaller population size allows for stronger relationships to develop, leading to a sense of belonging and support. Teenage boys benefit from the support network and personal attention, as they are more likely to receive individualized guidance and mentoring from teachers and coaches, resulting in better academic, athletic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Reduced Distractions: Compared to an urban campus, a rural campus typically offers fewer distractions. The absence of bustling city or town life, heavy traffic, and crowded streets can create a more focused and conducive learning atmosphere. With fewer external distractions, adolescent boys can concentrate better on their personal growth, academic studies, co-curricular activities, and sports, allowing them to make the most of their educational experience.
Leadership and Independence: A rural campus can offer boys opportunities to develop leadership skills and independence. With a smaller student body, students may have more opportunities to take on leadership roles in clubs, sports teams, or student organizations. Additionally, the sense of self-reliance often associated with rural living can foster independence and resourcefulness in navigating challenges, preparing boys for the transition to college and adulthood.
Investigating St. Augustine Preparatory School for your son will reassure you that we are a school that remains committed to excellence, while also maintaining traditional values, and we are a rural community, with state-of-the-art facilities.