When Leo Cao ’25 walks through campus, something remarkable happens. Seventh graders enthusiastically call out his name. Peers from the Spring Musical, students he barely knew before participating for the first time, stop to chat. This web of authentic connections exemplifies the Flintridge Prep community—one that emerges organically through daily interactions between students and faculty who genuinely care for one another.

“It’s the touchpoints on campus that build the strength of our community,” explains Ann Vradenburg, director of counseling and student support. “While we provide the foundation for academic skills, our job is also to provide a foundation for students as humans.”

Leo experienced this sense of community both as a recipient and a provider of peer support. “When I was a 7th grader, cool seniors talked to me in the halls; that acknowledgment meant a lot,” Leo reflects. “When I was struggling with midterms, my peer counselor shared study tips that I still carry with me.” Now, as a peer counselor himself, he creates that same sense of belonging for younger students.

I love coming to school. Everyone comes together as one and is proud to be a member of this community. -- Fiona Audi ’30

On the receiving end of that mentorship is Fiona Pudi ’30. Initially apprehensive about starting at a new school, the 7th grader’s concerns were quickly dispelled. “The seniors are almost like adults, so it felt a little scary, but it’s not like that at all,” she shares. “You can be playing on the field, and they will come join you. They are great at giving life advice.”

Community also blooms during extracurricular activities. Simply by joining in, Leo discovered unexpected connections through the Spring Musical, “Sweeney Todd.” “I did something I didn’t think I was able to do,” he remembers. “Two of my closest friends were doing it, so I thought, why not try? I didn’t realize just how close a cast could get.”

What surprised him most was the mutual respect among cast and crew. “It doesn’t matter if I’m the main character or if I have the least lines, everyone respected each other the same way.”

Fiona agrees: “Joining clubs helps you meet a ton of people and strengthens your sense of community.”

Perhaps most powerful for students has been witnessing adults model empathy in challenging times like during the aftermath of the Eaton fire. “That level of humanity has been life-changing for students,” Vradenburg explains.

“I think our students also know that the adults on campus are rooting for them,” observes School Counselor Taylor Meyer. “Every kid has at least one go-to adult, so they feel safe and cared for.”

For students like Fiona, the result is a school experience that exceeds expectations. As she describes it: “It’s even better than I expected. I love coming to school. Everyone comes together as one and is proud to be a member of this community.”