Portrait of a Villa Duchesne Freshman, the Class of 2015

Nearly a thousand freshmen are enrolling at the local schools in the Ladue-Frontenac Patch. Hope springs eternal. These young men and women have all the optimism in the world, and they make up the class of 2015. Each day, this week we will profile a different freshmen at the area schools.

Whether you are starting kindergarten or a student entering a new school, the anticipation of the first day can be overwhelming. This proves to be especially true for an incoming freshman to a new school who may not know anyone. 

Maura Miller has left behind her grade school of Christ Prince of Peace in Manchester and will be starting her freshman year at Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School in a matter of weeks. The process for those students and parents that chose the private school route started well before the spring. 

“In fifth grade, we took Maura to Villa’s open house, and she continued to want to go back every year,” Kathy Wingbermuehle, Maura’s mom, said.

Fitting in is among the common fears that incoming students may have, however, both Miller and her mom have found Villa to be very welcoming.

"Of all the schools I toured, this one just felt like home to me,” Miller said.

This especially important for a student such as Maura who like many children, teens and adults has ADHD. Many private schools do not offer special tutoring or accommodations.  One of the reasons why Miller chose Villa Duchesne was because it offers a unique environment to help her learn.

“We are really pleased with the way Villa handles students that need a little extra help. They offer a unique tutoring situation where the teachers are helping her that know the curriculum," Wingbermuehle said.

That opportunity sets Villa Duchesne apart from other private schools that require you to have tutoring outside of school.

“I feel like Villa will offer me the best of all worlds," Miller said.

The school is willing to make accommodations for students that she did not see when meeting with other schools and provide the best learning experience in a strong religious environment, Miller said.

Although Miller felt at home at Villa Duchesne, she and many other applicants had to go through the entrance testing, as well as maintain grades while waiting to hear if she was accepted.

“Trying to keep her busy while waiting for the acceptance letter was a full-time job,” Wingbermuehle said.

Once Miller received her acceptance she was able to move on to the decision of what activities to become involved with at Villa Duchesne. 

She is currently participating in Villa Duchesne’s golf program where she has enjoyed meeting new friends and getting involved. 

Miller said one of her fears about the upcoming school year is that getting around will just be different. In the past, she was used to moving around with the same group of schoolmates. High school require more changing and being in different settings.

Villa Duchesne offers back-to-school activities, and Miller is on campus practicing with the golf team, which allows her to become familiar with the layout before school starts.

The start of the freshman year also brings the added stress of expectations and quality of work. 

“I worry about the time duration of assignments as compared with grade school,” Miller said. 

Miller, a strong academic student, can rely on the Villa Duchesne academic team to aid her during the transition and help build the foundation necessary for college. 

“I hope to go to the University of Missouri or another design school and become an interior designer,” she said. 

Maura Miller has a firm grasp on what she wants for her future and looks forward to the next chapter of her life as she embarks on the adventure of her freshman year at Villa Duchesne.

Tomorrow, meet Lindsay Garcia from John Burroughs.