Academics
Upper School

STAySmart

STAySmart is a study skills support program which helps students, either individually or in small groups, with their study skills. The program also offers planning for short- and long-term assignments, midterms, finals, and PSAT and SAT preparation. 

STAySmart was researched and created by Mrs. Linda DeBord, Lower School Academic Dean Emeritus, with funding provided by a grant from the France-Merrick Foundation. The study skills programs, in both Upper and Lower Schools, are funded with generous support from the Marriott Foundation. Math teacher Ted Findler operates STAySmart.

More Information

List of 2 items.

  • General Help & Best Practices

    Start the year out in an organized way

    • Is your workspace clutter-free, well lit, no distractions?
    • Do you have lots of supplies in one place? Stapler, tape, pens, pencils, straight edge, paper, file folder for each class (or a large accordion-style folder), highlighters, big surface desk or table, comfortable chair?
    • Do you have all the supplies for each class and your name on everything (including your jacket!)?
    • Click here for resources on staying organized.

    Master note-taking skills

    • Do you start class ready to be an active learner?
    • Do you have a good system of note-taking for each class?
    • Are your notes helpful for tests?

    Comprehend what you read

    • Do you have an overview of what you are reading?
    • At the end of each paragraph could you give a one sentence summary?
    • Do you know what to underline?
    • At the end of the reading could you come up with a potential essay question?
    • Click here for resources on reading comprehension.

    Produce quality homework

    Review your notes and homework

    • Do you review your notes on a daily basis?
    • If a "pop"-quiz was announced, how would you do?

    Prepare for quizzes and tests

    Balance all of your activities

    • Have you done at least one class's homework at school?
    • Do you have an order as to how homework gets done?
    • Do you use weekends to catch up or get ahead in your courses?
    • Do you get enough sleep?
    • Do you eat a healthful breakfast, lunch and dinner?
  • Contact Mr. Findler

    Phone: 202-537-6479
Located in Washington D.C.,  St. Albans School is a private, all boys day and boarding school. For more than a century, St. Albans has offered a distinctive educational experience for young men in grades 4 through 12. While our students reach exceptional academic goals and exhibit first-rate athletic and artistic achievements, as an Episcopal school we place equal emphasis upon moral and spiritual education.