Founded in 1892 by Clara B. Spence, who led the school for 31 years, it began as an institution oriented toward the comprehensive education of its students. Its motto, “non scholae sed vitae discimus,” sums up that vocation: learning not only for school, but for life. For a time it offered boarding, although today it is exclusively a day school. Spence defined its project as a school of character rather than mechanical instruction, based on empathy, a sense of humour, and a spirit of intellectual and moral adventure.