St John's College
A historic liberal arts college renowned for its unique Great Books program and Socratic seminar discussions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, vibrant campus life
St John's College
Best Time
Crisp air, vibrant campus life
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic liberal arts college renowned for its unique Great Books program and Socratic seminar discussions.
"One of the single best investments of my life. Worth every penny, every second, every moment of turbulent thought and enlightening conversation. "
Embrace the Dialogue
Participate actively in seminars; it's the core of the St. John's experience. :speech_balloon:
Explore Downtown Annapolis
Enjoy the local coffee shops and historic streets near campus. :coffee:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Books Program
Engage with foundational texts of Western civilization through rigorous seminar discussions. A truly unique intellectual journey.
Historic Annapolis Campus
Wander through a beautifully maintained, historic campus that blends seamlessly with the charm of downtown Annapolis.
Intellectual Community
Connect with bright minds and engaging faculty in an environment that encourages deep thought and spirited debate.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Campus Charm & Community Vibe
A Unique Educational Investment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Embrace the Dialogue
Participate actively in seminars; it's the core of the St. John's experience. :speech_balloon:
Explore Downtown Annapolis
Enjoy the local coffee shops and historic streets near campus. :coffee:
Plan for Rigorous Study
Be prepared for an intense academic workload focused on reading and discussion. :books:
Campus is Peaceful
Enjoy the calm and serene atmosphere of the campus grounds. :park:
Tips
from all over the internet
Embrace the Dialogue
Participate actively in seminars; it's the core of the St. John's experience. :speech_balloon:
Explore Downtown Annapolis
Enjoy the local coffee shops and historic streets near campus. :coffee:
Plan for Rigorous Study
Be prepared for an intense academic workload focused on reading and discussion. :books:
Campus is Peaceful
Enjoy the calm and serene atmosphere of the campus grounds. :park:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors and alumni consistently praise St. John's College for its profound educational experience and the intellectual rigor of its Great Books program. Many highlight the transformative impact on their thinking and career paths, alongside the peaceful and engaging campus atmosphere. Some may find the intense academic focus demanding, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding the value and uniqueness of the education provided. +1
"I attended çollege there from 1973 to 1977. I believe it was most significant educational experience of my life. Going back yesterday for Homecoming was wonderful. A chance to reconnect with folks I had not seen in years."
Edward Grandi
"Cool atmosphere"
Volkan Kirimlioglu
"One of the single best investments of my life. Worth every penny, every second, every moment of turbulent thought and enlightening conversation with some of the most interesting people in the world. After earning my MA here (went to William and Mary as undergrad), I continued into a successful career in the advertising industry, and then followed that by pursuing more advanced study at the University of Oxford."
Nathan Betz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. John's College is located in downtown Annapolis, Maryland. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options are also available, connecting to the wider Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.
Yes, St. John's College is located very close to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, making it convenient to visit both if you're in the area.
Walking is highly recommended! The college is in the heart of historic Annapolis, with Main Street, the City Dock, and other attractions just a short stroll away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While St. John's College is an active academic institution, its campus is generally open for visitors to explore the grounds. Specific tours or access to certain buildings might require arrangements.
The campus grounds are typically accessible during daylight hours. For specific building access or official tours, it's best to check the college's official website or contact their admissions office.
There is generally no admission fee to walk around the beautiful grounds of St. John's College.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The college is renowned for its unique 'Great Books' program, which focuses on reading and discussing foundational texts of Western thought. This creates a distinctive intellectual atmosphere.
You'll find beautiful historic architecture, well-maintained grounds, and a peaceful environment. It's a great place for a quiet stroll and reflection.
Absolutely! The historic buildings and scenic campus offer many picturesque spots for photography, especially during the fall.
The college hosts various academic events, lectures, and student activities throughout the year. Checking their events calendar online is recommended.
🎫 📚 Academics & Programs
The Great Books program is the cornerstone of St. John's curriculum, where students engage with seminal works of philosophy, literature, science, and history through seminar-style discussions.
Students at St. John's are typically intellectually curious, enjoy deep reading, and thrive in a discussion-based learning environment.
Graduates pursue diverse careers in fields like law, education, writing, business, and further academic study, often citing their strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families considering higher education, a visit can offer insight into a unique liberal arts approach. However, the core curriculum is highly academic and discussion-based, which might be more suited for older students or those with a strong interest in humanities and philosophy.
📚 Aspiring Academics & Intellectuals
Alumni consistently praise the college for its transformative impact, noting how it equips them with exceptional critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. Many graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees at prestigious institutions or build successful careers in diverse fields, attributing their success to the foundational education received at St. John's.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The St. John's College 'Great Books' Curriculum
This unique educational model is often described as a significant investment, with alumni frequently crediting their St. John's education for their success in diverse fields and advanced studies. The program encourages students to grapple with challenging ideas and develop their own intellectual frameworks, preparing them for a lifetime of learning and thoughtful engagement with the world.
The Socratic Method in Practice
The teaching method at St. John's heavily relies on the Socratic method, where faculty act as facilitators, guiding discussions rather than providing definitive answers. This encourages students to think independently, question assumptions, and articulate their reasoning. The intimate seminar settings, often with small class sizes, allow for robust and personal intellectual exchange.
Campus Life and Community
Locals in Annapolis view St. John's College very positively, recognizing it as a recognizable fixture in the community. The college's presence contributes to the vibrancy of downtown Annapolis, with students frequenting local businesses. The community appreciates the presence of intelligent and engaged individuals on campus.
Beyond academics, the college fosters a strong sense of community among its students. The shared intellectual journey through the Great Books program creates deep bonds and lasting friendships. Events like homecoming offer opportunities for alumni to reconnect and reminisce about their transformative experiences.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit