Take a journey with us
Christchurch School
Christchurch School Mission Statement: Great journeys begin at the river. Knowing that each student comes to us with unique and infinite value, we inspire and guide each student’s journey toward self-confidence, purpose and identity. To help students succeed in that journey, Christchurch, an Episcopal school, provides a sound college preparatory education in a caring, structured community. Part of that education includes stewardship of our river and awareness of the broader natural environment, so that our students learn to look beyond themselves to their place in the world around them. Our core values - curiosity, acceptance, integrity, respect, kindness and self-confidence - are central to our mission and at the heart of everything we do.
A journey like no other
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here’s something extraordinary about this school on the river–where oysters, canoes and fresh, salt air are as
much a part of life as books and calculators. A deeply rooted Episcopal tradition and long-standing history of success combine with treasured resources–the Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay watershed–to give students an unparalleled 21st-century college prep education. At Christchurch
School, students journey to a destination of lifelong learning in a time of constant change–a journey of rewards: friends, growth, confidence, and success. CCS students are thinkers who discover, experience, explore, and thrive at the river.
“Not only did I succeed at Christchurch School... I triumphed.”
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A journey that makes you think
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t Christchurch School, the classroom is extraordinary. The Great Journeys curriculum focuses on problem-based,
skill-centered learning to ensure that students find connections. Students learn by doing. They actively engage in a program that makes use of the Rappahannock River, its watershed, local communities and the Chesapeake Bay–resources that allow opportunities for meaningful learning, not only with regard to stewardship and the environment, but in every traditional subject area. Hands-on exploration and application of concepts reveal to students the relationships and relevance that cross disciplines, communities, and the world. Eighty-five minute classes include extra help and allow instructors time to adapt teaching methods to maximize student potential. Students come to discern their strengths and develop new passions. Moments of discovery are part of every day at Christchurch School.
For more information on the Christchurch School curriculum go to christchurchschool.org christchurchschool.org | 3
A journey of teamwork and confidence
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GO CHURCH! For more information on the Christchurch School sports and co-curricular programs go to christchurchschool.org
fternoons at CCS are the time for teamwork, fresh
air, and the remarkable rewards that come from being part of a team. At Christchurch games and regattas, students who have recognized passion for a sport are shoulder-toshoulder with those who just want to have fun and learn the game. Working as a team forges bonds and teaches lessons that endure a
the college level, passionate and dynamic coaches help
lifetime. Everyone can be an important part of our
them find the way. A full-time trainer and fitness center
athletic program. For those who hope to play at
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complete the program. Go Blue!
A journey of engagement, discovery and adventure
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t Christchurch School, students become involved. They stretch and grow. They explore broadly and choose
deeply from a wide range of activities. In the afternoons and on weekends, students pursue passions and develop new interests in the areas of athletics, campus life, the river and outdoors, community service, and spiritual life. Christchurch students are bold, adventurous, and active. On any given day, they might build a campus trail, work the organic garden, canoe the Dragon Run, tend the school’s oyster farm, recycle, tutor, learn navigation and seamanship, build theatre sets, cultivate musical talents, participate in spiritual life activities, monitor weather and river conditions, or construct rain barrels.
“Nothing caps a day of school like getting out
into nature... exploring our place in the world.”
For more information on the Christchurch School adventure trips and activities go to christchurchschool.org
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A journey of friends, community and faith
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hristchurch School’s most enduring strength and appeal since 1921 lies in its small, 24/7 community. Everyone has a role, everyone
is important and appreciated. CCS students become part of a life-changing, eye-opening experience. They are forever part of the Christchurch School family. The next generation of thinkers and leaders lives in the dorms. They eat in Cameron Dining Hall and worship in St. Peter’s Chapel. They deliver senior speeches and make friends from around the world. They ring the victory bell and prep for SATs. They fish and watch the sunrise from the school’s dock. They harvest and roast oysters and work to reduce the community’s carbon footprint. They learn to think–collaboratively and critically. They share ideas, form bonds, and develop relationships. They lead lives of extraordinary success and service. They take an unforgettable journey.
For more information on the Christchurch School community go to christchurchschool.org
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A journey of success
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ollege admission officers recognize Christchurch School graduates as original and versatile thinkers with superior strengths in critical analysis, collaboration, communication, creativity, technology, and stewardship. Christchurch graduates are Pulitzer
Prize winners and Nobel Laureates, but they are also trailblazers in the fields of medicine, law, business, public service, education, and sports.
William Styron Jr. Class of 1942 Pulitzer Prize 1967. An American writer who won major literary awards for his work, Styron was best known for his novels, which include:
William Easterling III Class of 1972
Lie Down in Darkness (1951)
Lewis Puller Jr. Class of 1963
The Confessions of Nat Turner (1967)
Pulitzer Prize 1991. Puller returned from Vietnam seriously wounded, ran for public office, and wrote his prize-winning Fortunate Son in 1991.
Sophie’s Choice (1979)
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Nobel Prize 2007. One of the lead authors of the United Nation’s intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Easterling is an internationally-recognized expert on the effects of global warming on the earth’s food supply.
Baylor University Boston University Brandeis University Carnegie Mellon College of Charleston College of William and Mary Cornell University Davidson College Dickinson College Elon University Franklin and Marshall College George Mason University Georgia Institute of Technology Gettysburg College Hampden-Sydney College James Madison University Lehigh University Loyola University Marquette University Occidental College Pace University Parsons the New School of Design Pennsylvania State University Purdue University Randolph-Macon College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rochester Institute of Technology Rutgers University Southern Methodist University Savannah College of Art and Design St. Joseph’s University St. Mary’s College of Maryland SUNy Maritime Syracuse University Texas A&M University Tufts University of Connecticut University of Michigan University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Vermont University of Virginia Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Washington and Lee Wofford College
Julie Redmon ‘84
Matt Fluhr ‘07
Otolaryngologist
2007 USA National Rowing Team
Mt. Holyoke College University of Virginia School of Medicine, M.D.
U.S. Naval Academy Navy Crew
2007 World Junior Rowing Championships-Beijing, China
Malcolm Campbell ‘78 Wofford College Publisher, Spin Magazine
Mark Ivany ‘96
Merrimack College College Lacrosse All-American Legislative Correspondent, Senator Strom Thurmond Priest, Archdiocese of Washington DC
Cherbury Hunt ‘94
University of Virginia Darden School of Business, UVA Treasury Manager, Smithfield Foods
Deion Walker ‘08 High School Football All-American
University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football - WR
William Broaddus ‘61 Washington & Lee University University of VA School of Law Former VA Attorney General Partner, McGuire Woods
Charles Barlowe ‘79
The College of William & Mary University of Texas, Ph.D. University of California, Post Doctoral Fellow Chair, Dartmouth Medical School Department of Biochemistry
To read more about CCS alumni and the impact they are making go to christchurchschool.org
Founded in 1921, Christchurch School is a co-educational boarding and day college-preparatory school. Located in the tidewater region of Virginia, minutes from the “historic triangle” of Jamestown-Williamsburg-Yorktown, and only ten miles from the Cheasapeake Bay, the school’s beautiful riverfront setting is perfect for numerous water-related activities and sports. Christchurch School is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools, and holds memberships in many other professional organizations. As one of six church schools in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, Christchurch School welcomes students of all backgrounds. HONOR-BASED COMMUNITY Christchurch School believes that students benefit immeasurably from the pride and mutual respect gained from living in an environment where the members of the community observe appropriate standards of behavior. The “honor code” defines these standards, thereby ensuring that students conduct themselves with honor and a high regard for others. STRUCTURED SCHEDULE Well-documented research proves that young people tend not to function well in the early morning hours. With this in mind, Christchurch School begins the academic day at 9:00 a.m. Three class periods of 85 minutes each meet on alternate days. With time for chapel, assemblies, clubs, advisor meetings, academic support, and evening study halls, each day is challenging, but manageable, with the appropriate level of support available for each student. A typical day at Christchurch School feels less frantic, and more focused, allowing students to work on more meaningful assignments.
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CURRICULUM Rigorous classes are the best academic preparation for college and for leadership in the years ahead. In the real world, there are no “math” or “science” problems— there are just problems, and they require thinking skills that simply cannot be developed in an isolated, content-based curriculum. Christchurch School employs an integrated curriculum to help students build practical, cross-curricular skills that will prove vital in solving problems that might not even yet exist! The CCS curriculum is designed to challenge students with a rich, stimulating academic experience that enables them the opportunity to explore and create in a deeper and broader way. All academic areas implement these cross-curricular skills: • Creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving • Communication and information literacy • Collaboration and teamwork • Initiative and self-direction • Leadership and civic responsibility • Spiritual exploration and character development In addition, these specific programs build real-world connections among the various subject areas. Immersion Trips: Each year, students participate in a multi-day class trip within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, interacting with individuals and groups in the region, and exploring multifaceted issues that challenge communities. 10th and 12th Grade Independent Projects: Students in these grades research a topic of their choosing, interact with and interview individuals and groups, and spend the entire school year honing a position essay, which they present to their peers and teachers in the spring. Common Readings: Each year, students read a text that spans academic disciplines, to enable them to understand how issues and problems are interrelated. Honors classes at CCS are college-level, and students are able to create the type of transcript that provides evidence of their ability to perform well at the post-secondary level.
ADVISORY Advisors meet with their advisees each day and have lunch with them once a week, in order to stay abreast of their progress. Advisors keep the parents informed with frequent calls and e-mails. Parents can also check the parent portal on the school’s website for even more information. All teachers are available every day after lunch for students who have questions or who need clarification about subject matter or homework.
ATHLETICS AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES All students must engage in an activity after school every day. Recognizing that not everyone is of a competitive nature, CCS offers non-competitive options. Students who want to play on an interscholastic team will find that Christchurch fields very strong sports teams. Since 2009, CCS teams have won seven state titles (crew, sailing, boys’ lacrosse and boys’ soccer). Volleyball and basketball have won league titles, and the sailing and crew teams are regional and national powers.
COLLEGE COUNSELING The college admission process begins the day a student arrives at Christchurch School, so that students develop an awareness of the importance of focusing on the goal of college admission and successful performance. A full-time college placement professional coordinates the entire process for families, assisting with college visits, faculty references, essays, applications, and testing.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Christchurch School appreciates the dedication of families who send their sons and daughters far from home, and so a great deal of support is available for them. Students from all over the world choose Christchurch School as a premier boarding school with outstanding preparation for college. An International Student Coordinator provides orientation, support, and guidance. School drivers take students to doctor and dentist visits, and to and from the airport. Weekends are busy with opportunities to enjoy all that Virginia has to offer, from cultural and recreational trips, to shopping and dining out.
LEARNING SKILLS PROGRAM Christchurch School offers a program for learning support that is known for excellence. LSP is scheduled as a class, so students meet every other day for 85 minutes in a small setting. The Learning Center has its own computer lab, two classrooms, and a spacious and well-appointed lounge area. Objectives of the program include improving a student’s ability to respond to the demands of a college prep school, and developing independent compensatory skills for college. Students receive instruction and strategic tutoring in content-area classes based on individual, prioritized need. Students receive support in study skills, vocabulary, note taking, written language, and SAT preparation. LSP is designed to help accommodate students with specific learning differences; it is not designed to be remedial support. TECHNOLOGY All students lease (or purchase on their own) a Mac computer, which is configured for use on the school’s network. Students have their own portals on the website, e-mail accounts, and full access to wireless internet on almost every area of the campus. Internet access is not available beyond midnight, and all content flowing into the school is filtered and shielded. All students agree to observe standards of acceptable use on the school’s network.
Students from other countries will almost always have a roommate who is a native English speaker. This provides the opportunity to improve English language skills, be immersed in American culture, and receive a rich and enjoyable experience. Several levels of English as a Second Language (ESL) enable non-native English speakers to develop language mastery in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. ESL classes are scheduled for two of the six periods; at the completion of the program, students are scheduled into regular (mainstream) classes.
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1. Oyster farm The oyster farm is home to over 500,000 oysters, each one filtering 50 gallons of Rappahannock River water a day. Students collect and recycle cans to purchase spat (oyster larvae). They tend, clean, monitor and measure growth in the oysters. Some of the oysters are harvested for school events.
2. 85-minute classes Longer class periods create better opportunities for meaningful hands-on collaborative learning such as labs, field trips, projects, and extended research projects.
Your journey 1
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3. 9:00 a.m. start time Because research shows that teenagers need extra sleep for optimal cognition, memory and understanding, the academic day begins a little later in the morning.
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4. Waterfront The beautiful waterfront includes a sailing pavilion, a 350-foot dock, canoes and kayaks, and one of the largest fleets of sailboats at any school in the United States.
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begins at the river 5. Community service
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Giving to others is fulfilling and rewarding. Although 60 hours are required prior to graduation, many students accrue more because they find it so enjoyable.
3 6. Athletics Sports programs are strong and competitive. Facilities include a 23,000 square-foot field house, a fitness center, and beautiful Bermuda grass fields. A full-time trainer is on staff.
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APPLICATION PROCESS The Admission Office is committed to making the application process easy and smooth, so questions are welcomed and encouraged at any time. In order to gain admittance to Christchurch School, applicants must be willing to work hard and must have the potential to perform in a college preparatory environment. They must demonstrate, through a personal interview and teacher references, that they are of good moral character. Students who are unwilling to observe the guidelines of the school’s honor code are not encouraged to apply. Students who complete the application process by January 31 will receive a first-round decision on March 10. Applications after January 31 will be considered as long as space is available. Christchurch School’s online application is easy and convenient and is located on the admission page of the website. Students applying for grades 9 or 10 should submit an SSAT score; students applying for grades 11 or 12 should submit a PSAT, SAT, or ACT score. Students whose first language is not English should submit a TOEFL score. A personal interview is required; however, international students may request an interview by skype, although a campus visit is highly recommended. Christchurch School accepts the TABS and SSATB Common Applications. AFFORDING A CHRISTCHURCH EDUCATION A Christchurch School education is a significant and important investment in a child’s future. Flexible payment options, independent low-interest loan programs, and need-based financial aid are almost always successful in helping families to make Christchurch a reality. About 40% of Christchurch families receive need-based financial aid. It is important to apply early; a link to the online financial aid application is found on the admission page of the website. Once accepted, preliminary financial aid awards will be issued upon receipt of the Report of Family Contribution (RFC) from School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS), an independent agency that calculates a family’s ability to commit resources to tuition. Awards become final only after receipt of a copy of the family’s most recent signed tax return.
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GrEAt JourNEYs
BEGiN
At thE riVEr New York
PA MD
66
WVA
VA
81
29
MD
Fredericksburg 17
Tappahannock 64
Richmond
64
33 17
Lynchburg Danville
DE
Easton
95
Charlottesville 81
PA
Dover
Washington, DC
Harrisonburg
Philadelphia
1
Baltimore
495
Williamsburg
VA NC
Norfolk VA Beach
85 95
Durham
CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL
Yorktown
Chesapeake Bay Nags Head
Raleigh 40
An Episcopal college-preparatory school located on the Rappahannock River in Virginia. Co-educational, boarding and day, grades 9-12. Learn more about Christchurch School and how a Christchurch education is an opportunity not to be missed! Contact the admission office (admission@christchurchschool.org) or inquire online. Need-based financial aid is available. Christchurch School does not discriminate in its admission, ďŹ nancial aid, or hiring practices based on race, color, ethnic or national origin, or gender.
Great journeys begin at Christchurch School
C H RI
S
OOL CH
HURCH S TC
FO U
NDED IN 1921
Christchurch School 49 Seahorse Lane Christchurch, Virginia 23031 P 804-758-2306 F 804-758-0721
www.christchurchschool.org