My son is a currently a sophomore, class of 2028, at Christchurch School (CCS).  He entered the…read moreschool as a new student and toured the school the summer before his sophomore year.  Upon arriving at the campus and walking around, he told his father that he liked the hilltop setting and how it overlooked the Rappahannock River, and that the sailing program intrigued him. So as a new sophomore, he took a "leap of faith" and decided to participate in the "learn to sail" program.  Coach Deane and the sailing staff welcomed him into the fold and within a short period of time, he was a sailor.  He sailed in his first regatta and truly fell in love with sailing and plans to continue with the sailing program in the spring.  Currently, he's playing JV basketball, and the coaches have been excellent.  They encourage and develop their players.  Basketball games are well attended, and there is plenty of spirit from other students and staff in the bleachers.  I had the opportunity to witness this for myself when I attended one of their home games and saw the stands full of cheering CCS fans.  My husband had the same experience during a home football game.  He said the excitement was electric and came away with the acknowledgment that the school has done a great job at getting students to support each other.  Another unique element to CCS is their weekly chapel service, where you see young men and women nicely dressed in their blue blazers and orange and navy striped ties.  It's a great way to build a sense of community, while also offering a spiritual component and fostering pride and respect in one's appearance.  When I see the pictures from chapel days, it always puts a smile on my face. Regarding classes, our son has had positive feedback about his teachers and advisor, Mr. Chafey.  Many staff on campus are alums, and they are there because of their passion for the school.  There are a wide offering of classes and some unique opportunities like his "Design and Technology" class.  Our son really enjoys this offering because he appreciates the "hands on" and "thinking outside the box" learning.  In reference to the school's future, the Head of School, Billy Coyle, has done an excellent job putting CCS in a strong financial position and has really made a difference since his arrival in July 2022 with his detail and determination.  It's a special place, and you can truly see that when students are walking around campus.  They are smiling and interacting with other students and faculty, and that is what makes a small boarding school so special and intimate.  In addition, we have had a positive experience with our son's dorm parents as well.  JP and Esther Stitt are the perfect combination of parental oversight and "safe space" communication.  They welcome students in a way that seems open and understanding, all while being mindful of the entire group of students.  We trust that they have every student's best interest at heart.   Lastly, the school has done well bringing in new students with Billy Burlee spearheading Admissions.  Billy exudes CCS pride and makes prospective students interested with his calm demeanor and clear communication.  My son really enjoyed touring the school with Billy because he didn't try to "sell the school" but instead let the school sell itself and was more than happy to answer any questions.  The school is currently around 260 students and bustling.  All the sports programs are gaining more and more success, and we appreciated how the school is open to having students consider a sport they may not have played before.  They encourage students who play soccer to try basketball or try sailing if they've never sailed before.  It's a supportive environment where being a part of something is the priority, and although winning is a highly desirable goal, it's not the school's end all, be all.  That said, this coming May, CCS will host the National Sailing Championship, and that's a big accomplishment.  We are looking forward to having many guests on campus and showing off our beautiful facilities, amazing students, and talented staff.  I highly recommend considering Christchurch School if you are looking for a special boarding school experience for your son or daughter.  The friendships made at boarding school are unique and last a lifetime, and at CCS you can certainly see why this is true.

Our son Liam joined Christ Church School as a reclassed junior after attending public school his…read moreentire life, and our experience has been exceptional. While he has always earned solid grades, he never truly enjoyed school--until now. Since coming to CCS, he genuinely loves learning, speaks positively about all of his teachers, and looks forward to returning when he's home. The academic program is rigorous yet manageable, with strong supports in place. Learning feels purposeful, and Liam has grown tremendously in confidence, independence, and preparation for college. What truly sets CCS apart is the community. The students are kind and welcoming, and Liam feels seen, supported, and valued by faculty and staff. That sense of belonging has made all the difference. As parents--and educators--we are deeply grateful for the care, leadership, and commitment that define Christ Church School.