Talents December 2024

Sanford continues to thrive as a vibrant and growing community. This fall, we welcomed 685 students from preschool through grade 12, marking our sixth consecutive year of enrollment growth.

Exceptionally Sanford Campaign
You may have also noticed the new banners around campus. This fall, we proudly launched our Exceptionally Sanford campaign. This ambitious initiative seeks to raise $10.5 million: $6.5 million for capital improvements and $4 million to grow our endowment funds. So far, Sanford has secured close to $5 million, with new donors stepping forward generously each month.

 
The first phase of campus upgrades is underway in the Upper School STEM Projects, and exciting improvements are planned for the Middle and Lower Schools in the coming months. These developments will continue as our fundraising efforts gain momentum, ensuring a brighter future for the Sanford community.

Sanford Fund
Speaking of fundraising, our Sanford Fund continues to track well. Thus far, we have raised over $280,000 towards our $640,000 goal. 30% of parents have already given to this mission-critical effort. Please join us in ensuring Sanford’s success in 2024-25. Every gift counts and makes a big difference for us - thank you for your support!

Second Section of Preschool
We are thrilled to share an exciting update about our program for the 2025-26 school year. In response to the growing demand for Sanford’s early education program, we will add a second preschool section starting in fall 2025. With this addition, we will offer two sections per grade from preschool through third, while fourth grade will continue with three sections.
 
Since transitioning to a preschool/preK model several years ago, Sanford’s Lower School enrollment has flourished, creating a strong pipeline of students and families that have positively impacted our school-wide enrollment. Many of our grades are now at capacity, with waitlists in place.
 
Despite this growth, we remain fully committed to maintaining class sizes of 15-16 students, ensuring each child receives the personalized education that defines our approach.

New Cell Phone Policy 
This year marks the first time Sanford has fully implemented a phone-free policy during school hours. Each day, Upper and Middle School students hand their phones to their advisors in the morning and retrieve them at the end of the day.

From my perspective, this change has been the most transformative initiative in my time at Sanford. Without phones, students are engaging with one another more meaningfully throughout the day—between classes, during morning breaks, at lunch, and in study halls. The absence of devices has opened up opportunities for connection and enjoyment, enriching the school experience in ways that were previously hindered by screens.

 
The Head of Upper School, Abbi Smith, has provided a thorough report on this initiative, which I encourage you to read. I applaud Abbi and all of our Upper School colleagues for making this change, all for the health and betterment of our Upper School Warriors. Well done!

• On Monday, three members of our senior class received nominations from Senator Coons: Lily Censurato ’25 earned direct admission to the United States Naval Academy, Corinne Nolan ’25 received a nomination to the United States Military Academy (West Point), and Quinn Murphy ’25 received nominations to the United States Naval Academy, the United States Military Academy (West Point), and the United States Air Force Academy.
• Students from all three divisions showcased their talents in the Winter Concerts, which can be viewed on our YouTube channel - including our Lower School concerts from Friday morning! Preschool-1st | 2nd - 4th Grade. 
• The boys’ cross-country team earned an impressive second consecutive third-place finish at the D2 State Championships, while the boys’ soccer team made history by advancing to the quarter-finals for the first time in over a decade.
• Fifteen students were selected for the Delaware All-State Chorus.
• Three students were recognized as Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
• Performing Arts students delivered an outstanding performance in the fall production of A Christmas Carol and are now preparing for the upcoming winter musical Les Misérables.
• In the fall, our alumni gathered for a memorable homecoming celebration, honoring Jackie Pitts ’55 and recognizing the newest inductees into the Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame. 

 
As you know, this is my final year at Sanford. Since 2011, I’ve been part of this amazing school community, and during that time, Sanford has grown and evolved. Sanford's star has risen in many ways, including advancements in our enrollment, program, leadership, fundraising, and campus improvements. And as the leadership team and the Sanford Board of Trustees frequently remind ourselves, “success is never final.” No matter how successful we are at Sanford, we know there is always more work to be done. I’m excited to continue to work hard to keep our school on this exciting path of success over the next several months. 
 
We wish you and your family a terrific holiday season and a happy and healthy new year.
 
See you in 2025!
 
Warmly,
Mark Anderson