At Kavod Charter School, our teachers are more than educators, they’re mentors, lifelong learners, and passionate advocates for student growth. Today, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Mr. St. Hilaire, our dedicated 5th Grade Math and Science Teacher who has been inspiring Kavod explorers for eight years.
When Mr. St. Hilaire walked into Kavod Charter School eight years ago for his interview and demo lesson; he had no idea he had found his professional home. Fresh from a cross-country move to California and curious about charter school education, he was immediately struck by something special: the warmth and genuine welcome he received from everyone he met.
“Three of the people I interviewed with are still at Kavod today,” shares Mr. St. Hilaire. That kind of continuity speaks volumes about the culture at Kavod and Mr. St. Hilaire himself has become a cornerstone of that community.
Small-Town New York to Global Explorer
Mr. St. Hilaire’s background is as diverse as the students he teaches. Growing up in a small town at the tri-state border of New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts gave him an appreciation for close-knit communities, something he sees reflected in Kavod’s family atmosphere. But his horizons have expanded far beyond those northeastern borders. Thanks to his wife, who works as a flight attendant, he’s traveled to over 25 countries, bringing global perspectives into his classroom every day.
Math and Science: The Perfect Fit!
For Mr. St. Hilaire, this isn’t just a job, it’s the intersection of passion and purpose. “My two favorite subjects have always been math and science, and my role is teaching math and science!” What makes teaching 5th grade particularly rewarding? “All the concepts from K-4 are combined in 5th grade for math, which makes it challenging and I enjoy that challenge and seeing the growth all my students make throughout the year. The science topics are also very cool and hands-on in 5th grade and it always seems to be a favorite subject for most students.”
This year brings exciting innovations to his classroom. Kavod has implemented a new math curriculum called Amplify Desmos, which is highly interactive and involves extensive collaboration and center work. This approach transforms math from an abstract subject into something tangible and engaging, where students work together to solve problems and explore concepts.
The Moments That Make It All Worth It
Mr. St. Hilaire’s favorite thing about teaching is when he sees that “ahhaaa!’ moment” in his students. He shares: “Basically, when the lightbulb comes on and something they did not previously understand suddenly clicks and they feel confident and knowledgeable about the topic.”
Those breakthrough moments happen regularly in his classroom, whether students are working through complex fractions, conducting science experiments, or preparing for their annual field trip to JA BizTown, a special 5th grade experience where explorers learn how to work and become successful in a local economy through a live simulation.
Mr. St. Hilaire’s teaching philosophy didn’t appear out of nowhere. He traces it back to his own 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Scott. “She truly cared about everyone in our classroom and that had a big impact on me. She also made learning fun by incorporating movement, projects, and group work very frequently.”
Today, Mr. St. Hilaire brings that same caring approach and creative engagement to his own students at Kavod Charter School. He understands that when children feel valued and when learning incorporates movement, collaboration, and hands-on experiences, they don’t just learn, they thrive.
We’re Growing!
When asked what he’d like to share with families considering Kavod, Mr. St. Hilaire points to the school’s momentum: “Our school is continuously growing and adding new programs, particularly in our after-school clubs and sports programs. We also have brand new buildings for both the middle and elementary grades.”
This growth isn’t just about facilities, though the new buildings certainly provide state-of-the-art learning environments. It’s about Kavod’s commitment to expanding opportunities for students, whether through innovative curricula like Amplify Desmos, experiential learning at JA BizTown, or the growing array of extracurricular options that help students explore their interests.
Interested in learning more about Kavod Charter School? Our dedicated educators like Mr. St. Hilaire are ready to help your child grow academically, socially, and personally in a community that values each student as an individual. With new facilities, innovative programs, and a mission centered on lifelong learning and respect, Kavod offers an educational experience that prepares students not just for the next grade level, but for life.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and discover the Kavod community for yourself.
About Kavod
Kavod is a tuition-free public charter school in San Diego committed to growing the next generation of bilingual, globally aware leaders who will make the world a more respectful place. We offer modern Hebrew and Spanish to diverse TK-8th graders alongside a rigorous curriculum, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and enriching electives. As a non-religious, dual language elementary and middle school, we are consistently ranked as a top 5% charter school in California and the nation. Kavod means respect – we believe respect makes a world of difference. Enroll with Kavod today!
