From passing notes to sending snaps, San Domenico has changed in ways past students never saw coming. But does the heart of the school still beat the same?
Founded in 1850, San Domenico was established as a Catholic school in Monterey. In 1854 it relocated to Benicia and then in 1889 to San Rafael. Finally, in 1965 the school moved to its current campus in San Anselmo, parting from its religious association in 2017. SD’s history is rich and unique as it is the oldest independent school in all of California.
San Domenico has adopted diverse values and undergone great transformation throughout its 175 years, and many alumni who have experienced this journey firsthand, are still associated with SD today.
Amanda Tredinnick, Student Affairs Coordinator and History Faculty, attended San Domenico’s middle school in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
“The one thing that has stayed the same is strong relationships. Teachers care for students as people… and genuine community care has remained despite all changes,” Tredinnick said.
When reflecting on the biggest changes at San Domenico, Tredinnick highlighted the school’s growth.
“More than going coed or moving away from a Catholic heritage, the biggest change is our size,” Tredinnick said. “Sixteen years ago, I knew every student by name. Now, I don’t interact with most of them until they’re juniors.” She expressed that while this shift requires adaptation, it also opens new ways to connect, such as through sports, theater, or the arts.
Tredinnick also reflected on the significant changes in San Domenico’s educational approach, highlighting how the school has shifted from a more traditional curriculum to one that embraces creativity and innovation.
“When I was a student in the late ’90s, education was more traditional… Now, I’m inspired by how teachers embrace new approaches across all grades,” Tredinnick said.
Callie Ballard, who attended San Domenico as a student in 2004, and now teaches social studies, also reflected on the ways the school has evolved while staying true to its values.
“They definitely still carry the values of veritas, study, reflection, community service, and that’s been a through line,” Ballard said. “A lot has changed at the school, with the International students, with us being a secular school now, and, getting away from our Catholic past, but I can see that the vibe is still the same. There’s still an undercurrent of kindness and tolerance and justice here.”
Ballard felt similarly to Tredinnick in terms of the school’s growth; she shared mixed feelings about the changes.
“On one hand, there are a lot more people, so there are a lot more ideas. I’m really glad for the expansion of the dorm program, welcoming students from everywhere. But one thing that San Domenico kind of lost in the transition is the uber-small, village-like feel,” Ballard said. “When I went to school here, everyone knew each other’s name, everyone knew what everyone was doing, but now it seems like that’s kind of impossible.”
Despite this, Ballard emphasized that San Domenico remains unique in its emphasis on social justice and community action.
“There’s a quote by Mr. Rogers that says, ‘In times of trouble or in times of catastrophe, look for the helpers.’ I feel like San Domenico is unique in that its focus on social justice really teaches people to be the helpers, to examine one’s life and use their privilege for good,” Ballard said.
Tara Sola, the Admissions Associate for grades nine through twelve at San Domenico, also shared her thoughts on the changes and values she’s seen.
She mentioned that the value of service stands out as the most memorable aspect from her time as a student , and it continues to play a significant role in the community today.
Reflecting on her time during San Domenico’s “Rose Project” service curriculum, she emphasized how impactful the class was for her.
“I really enjoyed that class and learning about world issues and the root cause of things. I still feel like students now really value that project and that class,” she said.
When asked about the biggest change during her time at SD, Sola noted the shift to co-education.
Sola attended school from 2012 to 2016, and the most significant change during that time was the transition to a coed environment. Up until her senior year, the school had been all girls, but her senior year marked the first year that freshman boys were introduced.
Though she was initially uncertain, Sola was pleased with how the student body adapted.
“All the kids are so nice, and I feel like they are still the same. Even though it was adding boys, it was still the same kind of student. Just good people,” she added.
Sola also praised SD for its diversity, particularly the school’s abundance of international students.
“I went into college a lot more prepared to work with people who spoke other languages and were from other cultures,” Sola said.
Sola also explained that SD now hosts students from a broader range of countries than when she was a student.
“I hope that can continue, especially in our new political environment,” Sola said.
San Domenico has faced great growth and change. From its beginnings as a small Catholic school to the diverse and independent community it is today, the school has embraced new ideas and expanded in many ways. But as alumni and teachers reflect, the core values — study, reflection, community and service are still the same. Even as the school grows, the spirit of San Domenico continues to inspire those who call it home.
