SLS was founded in 1928 with a bold vision: to create a learning community that inspires purpose, nurtures character, and prepares students to lead lives of meaning and impact. Nearly a century later, that vision continues to thrive.
Today, we are stronger, more relevant, and more vital than ever.
SLS has grown into one of the region’s most respected independent schools, serving students in grades 5–12 from towns across Connecticut and New York. While our campus, programs, and reach have expanded, our commitment to academic excellence, moral integrity, and personal growth remains unchanged.
Throughout our history, St. Luke’s has embraced innovation without losing sight of what matters most: knowing and valuing every student. That philosophy has led to pioneering programs like Compass, Leading with Humanity, and designLab, as well as a thriving arts and athletics tradition.
We honor our history by building boldly toward the future, guided by our motto: Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve.
A Timeline of Our History
1928
St. Luke’s School for Boys Opens 10/2/1928
St. Luke’s School was founded in 1928 by Edward B. Blakely, a Harvard graduate who also attended Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. Blakely’s medical background may have influenced his appreciation for St. Luke—the patron saint of physicians and surgeons.
You’ll note that the full name was St. Luke’s School for Boys— as it would be decades before the school became coed. The original school was located on Frogtown Road—where New Canaan Country School is now located.
By all accounts, the boys at St. Luke’s received a sound education with an emphasis on getting outside and being physically healthy.
1937
School at 63 Park Street New Canaan (Victorian House)
In 1937, Blakely moved St. Luke’s to 63 Park Street in New Canaan. In total, Blakely owned and ran St. Luke's for 10 years before selling it in 1938.
1938
Dr. Joseph Kidd and Mr. William von Fabrice
Dr. Joseph Kidd and Mr. William von Fabrice purchased St. Luke’s School and led it for the next 25 years. Their leadership had a tremendous influence on the evolution of St. Luke’s School.
Dr. Kidd knew and cared for each and every student…kids were both scared of him, because he was a strong disciplinarian, and adored him because he had high expectations for their success. Countless St. Luke’s graduates from this era credit Dr. Kidd for their exceptional writing skills.
1940
St. Luke’s Arrives on the Hilltop
St. Luke’s moved to its current location on the Hilltop.
1940
The Sentinel
That same year, The Sentinel, St. Luke’s student newspaper, was launched.
1940
The Caduceus Yearbook
The Maroon and Gray yearbook was renamed the Caduceus—a name still in place today.
1948
Escutcheon
And in 1948, the St. Luke’s escutcheon (UH-SKUH-CHIN) was designed by William von Fabrice. There’s a $10 word for you!
The Kidd years were a time of incredible growth for St. Luke’s both in reputation and enrollment.
1962
The School is Sold
The 17 boys turned into 240 boys by the time Kidd—following the death of William von Fabrice—decided to sell the school in 1962.
The buyers were a group of New Canaan residents, led by a man named Emilio B. Knechtle Slide: Knechtle (pronounced Connectly).
1964
Mr. James Jacob
Dr. Kidd stayed on as Head of School through 1964, when the leadership reins were passed to Mr. James Jacob who would serve for six years.
In the 1960s, for a variety of reasons, St. Luke’s trajectory took a negative turn. The school’s once stellar reputation and solid enrollment began to dwindle. It seemed St. Luke’s and the good work of Blakely, Kidd, and von Fabrice might disappear—but then, something of a miracle happened.
1970
Roby Harrington ‘47 & Bob Salomon ‘55
Two St. Luke’s alumni stepped in to save the day. Roby Harrington, the former CEO of Young and Rubicam, and Bob Salomon of Salomon Brothers, pulled together a small group of volunteer trustees. This board bought St. Luke’s from Knechtle for one dollar. They turned St. Luke’s into a nonprofit and helped usher in a new era for St. Luke’s. If it was not for these alumni, we would not be here today and thousands of students would have missed out on a life-changing education.
1970
White, Moore, Brown, Nevens, and Mott
Over this one decade, St. Luke’s would have five heads of school— seven including interim heads. Though each headship was fairly brief (sadly, a couple of these gentlemen passed away suddenly) several significant developments took place during this time.
For many people, education is considered to be the great equalizer. During the 1970's, in the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement and the second wave of the Women's Rights Movement, St. Luke's began its journey towards inclusive excellence.
1971
First Black Alumni
In a sure sign of the changing times. St. Luke’s first two black alumni, Greg Perry and James Smith, graduated in June of 1971.
That same year, St. Luke’s also became co-educational.
1972
First SLS Graduating Class Becomes Co-Ed
With Katia Ramsey, graduating as St. Luke’s first alumna. It’s noteworthy that it would be another 50 years before St. Luke’s would have its first female Head of School.
1973
WSLX Radio
Moving forward to 1973, WSLX radio was launched. This station is still going strong and will be broadcasting from Be Kind Plaza this Homecoming weekend.
1978
Dr. Kidd’s Legacy
In 1978, the beloved Dr. Kidd passed away but one of his most important legacies remained: A popular teacher and coach he had hired and mentored—Dick Whitcomb.
1980
Dick Whitcomb
In 1980, Dick Whitcomb—who had worked at St. Luke’s since 1961 and had served as interim head during the 1970s—became St. Luke’s ninth Head of School, a role he would play for the next twenty-two years.
Mr. Whitcomb was clear from the start of his headship that one of his main goals was to honor Dr. Kidd’s accomplishments and traditions. Dick achieved that goal and then built his own lasting legacy. His warm, kind, authentic self was his enduring gift to St. Luke's.
1980
Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve
It’s very fitting that St. Luke’s motto, Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve was introduced in Mr. Whitcomb's first year as head of school. He was passionate about service.
There was an atmosphere at St. Luke’s, an atmosphere Mr. Whitcomb created, where you knew people believed in you, believed you had talent and special abilities and that you just needed encouragement to thrive.
1996
Board Launches Campaign 2000
In 1996, the Board Launched Campaign 2000 to, in Mr. Whitcomb's words, “ensure the future of St. Luke’s and ensure its mission is fulfilled.” The campaign’s success enabled tremendous facilities improvements and growth.
2002
Mr. Whitcomb Retires
By the time Mr. Whitcomb retired in 2002, he had achieved his vision of honoring Dr. Kidd and had left his own imprint on St. Luke’s. That SLS warmth I mentioned earlier—that started in Mr. Whitcomb's heart. That deep caring for each and every human being. Mr. Whitcomb just naturally made everyone feel they mattered, they had high value, and that they all belonged. These are Mr. Whitcomb’s legacies. He gave St. Luke’s so much of the heart and soul that still distinguish our school today.
2002
Mark Davis Head of School 2002-2022
Mr. Davis was a very Head of School in his own right. This was a relief for the board of trustees who had found Mark through a nationwide search. They decided to take a chance on a first-time head of school who, they sensed, would be a rising star.
Mark Davis arrived in 2002. He was, in his own words, “as green as they come.” He was tasked by the Board to take St. Luke’s from a hidden gem to a top private school known for academic excellence. And that’s exactly what he did.
2003
75th Anniversary
In 2003, Mark and his team initiated a year-long celebration of St. Luke’s 75th anniversary. This included:
2003: SLS Bell Arrives PA 75th Anniversary Gift
In addition, the Parents Association generously gifted our campus with the St. Luke’s Bell, which still rings in the official start and finish of the school year. More often, you can hear it ring when one of our teams claims victory in an athletic contest.
2004: Athletic Center/Mark Ribbon Cutting
An unveiling of a new, freestanding athletic center, the Carey Gymnasium. Truly the home of our sweatiest moments.
2005
Seldin Performing Arts Center
The Seldin Performing Arts Center first opened its doors.
2005
Watson Field at Pendrick Stadium
St. Luke’s opened Watson Field at Pendrick Stadium.
2007
The Momentum Campaign Launches
In 2007, Mark and the St. Luke’s Board of Trustees unveiled a plan to launch what became the most ambitious campaign in the history of the school: The Momentum Campaign.
Divided into four distinct phases, this campaign spanned thirteen years and ultimately raised $70 million dollars for our school. To all of our donors, near and far, thank you from St. Luke’s. As was intended, the Momentum Campaign fueled tremendous growth for the endowment and renewed the school’s ability to attract and retain exceptional teachers.
It also made possible a campus revolution and reinvention. This growth was the result of St. Luke’s investing in its own evolution. Planning for continuous improvement, adapting to new demands, and dedicating resources to continually bettering the experience of students, families, and staff is simply a part of the St. Luke’s DNA – and we’re still at it.
2017
Vision for Inclusive Excellence
Board Approved 2017, Reimagined Fall 2022
“Every individual in our community belongs, is valued, and has a stake in the ongoing life and purpose of St. Luke’s.”
St. Luke's devotion to creating concrete plans for the school we strive to be continues: Next month, the board will review and vote on a revised Vision for Inclusive Excellence that articulates more clearly how St. Luke's community will commit to being a welcoming and inclusive place for all.
This Vision was a passion for Mark Davis and functions as a fitting highlight of his two decades of leadership.
2022
The End of The Davis Years
The Davis years officially came to end on June 30, 2022. Mark was properly celebrated as a forward-thinking and truly transformative Head of School.
