STUDENT LIFE
We believe that asking thoughtful questions is the engine that drives curiosity, putting you on a path that can lead anywhere. We are a college preparatory school that implements innovative, research-based best practices with extraordinary attention to students’ growth and well-being. Our high school curricula continually evolve to provide a challenging and engaging mix of course offerings for students at every grade level.
Campbell Hall is a community of inquiry committed to academic excellence and to the nurturing of decent, loving, and responsible human beings.
CAMPBELL HALL MISSION
Academics
Rotating Block Schedule = More Engagement
Our 75-minute rotating block schedule is designed to allow more time for students to engage in research, lecture, discussion, group work, and project-based learning that prioritizes depth and quality. Rotating blocks mean that classes meet every other day, providing students with workload balance and flexibility to complete assignments and projects.
An Enriching Curriculum
With a wide range of Honors courses as well as 24 Campbell Hall Advanced Inquiry (CHAI) and Advanced Placement classes, CH high school students find the appropriate level of academic challenge as they build a foundation for college. Independent studies and college-level online courses are another way in which students can deepen their understanding of a particular topic or subject to personalize and enrich the curriculum.
Why CHAI?
Campbell Hall offers a unique brand of inquiry-driven UC-approved Campbell Hall Advanced Inquiry (CHAI) courses designed to engage students in constructing meaning through authentic, rigorous study of a discipline at the college level. These accelerated courses expand students’ curiosity, foster independent and critical thinking, and develop research and analytical skills.
Science-Backed Late Start
In response to medical research that noted teenagers need more sleep in the mornings, Campbell Hall was among the first schools in the nation to implement a late-start model for grades 7–12. Weekday classes start at 8:50 a.m. with the exception of Wednesdays which begin at 9:30 a.m.
Visual Arts
The visual arts program in high school engages students in exploration of a variety of media, or an in-depth practice of one medium over time. During their high school experience, students may choose to work through introductory and advanced level courses in painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, video production, and more. Art history courses are offered to support the importance of visual art and creative expression as integral to the human experience. A portfolio workshop course prepares students for continued study and the practice of art beyond high school. Regular exhibitions in the Campbell Hall Gallery reflect visual art students’ remarkable talents and inspired passions culminating in a Senior Show each spring.
The Spielberg Family Arts and Education Center is an ideal creative space and includes a TV production studio with green screen, photography darkroom, music recording studio, chorus room, visual art studios including a ceramics kiln, art gallery with screening room, dance studios, and more.
Performing Arts
There are numerous opportunities for high school students to explore, expand, and showcase their artistic endeavors. Classes include drama, theater tech, stage design, advanced improvisation, TV production, seven levels of ballet including classes en pointe and contemporary dance, choreographers’ lab, choir, world drumming, steel drums, orchestra, popular music, jazz ensembles, recording arts and production, and music theory. In addition to curricular concerts and performances that correlate with the classes, extracurricular options include the High School Play, the High School Musical, the Gospel Concert, The Nutcracker, and the Spring Dance Concert.
Athletics
The Campbell Hall Athletics program develops the skills and mindset student-athletes need to compete at the highest level. We believe that through engaging in a competitive athletic program and working collaboratively on a team, athletes build character and gain valuable life skills including leadership, self-discipline, and resilience.
FALL SEASON
Boys’ Beach Volleyball
Cheer
Cross Country
Equestrian (year-round)
Girls’ Golf
Girls’ Tennis
Girls’ Volleyball
WINTER SEASON
Boys’ Basketball
Boys’ Soccer
Cheer
Girls’ Basketball
Girls’ Soccer
SPRING SEASON
Baseball
Boys’ Golf
Boys’ Tennis
Boys’ Volleyball
Girls’ Beach Volleyball
Swim
Track and Field
Student Life
Advisory Groups
Advisory groups meet weekly to ensure that every student’s academic and personal development is guided by an adult advocate. Advisory also creates a safe space in which each student experiences a sense of belonging while building connections with peers. These relationships can facilitate self-discovery, self-awareness, and an evolving sense of purpose and meaning. At each grade level, programming is tailored to meet the developmental needs of students.
Free Dress Fridays
Secondary students wear uniforms Monday through Thursday with free dress on Friday. Spirit weeks are fun ways for students to participate in themed dress days and show off their Viking spirit!
Chapel Program
Chapel is held twice a week, providing students with an opportunity to nurture their personal spiritual growth within a loving community. At the core of every high school chapel lies the spiritual practice of storytelling. Each chapel features prayers, scriptures, poems, and stories from the world’s religious traditions. In addition, the Senior Story program invites each senior to share a story from their own life and how they have found meaning and purpose through their lived experience. Students also express themselves during chapel through song, dance, and other forms of performances.
Experiential Education
Experiential education trips include retreats to Montaña de Oro, Lake Hughes , and Moab, Utah These are unforgettable experiences during which students explore nature and create lasting bonds with classmates and faculty.
Community Service
Community Service is an integral part of a Campbell Hall education. High school students engage in meaningful outreach and service opportunities through which they help the broader community, gain leadership skills, and learn more about themselves. These include service-learning projects that enhance curricular connections as part of the experiential education program, requisite community service hours, 9th grade intersession week, and optional outdoor service-learning trips to places like Big Sur, Catalina Island , and Mexico.
CH Community Sunday is open to the entire K–12 community to engage in a day of service and fundraising activities that support local nonprofit organizations.
Activities
Clubs are an important part of the high school experience, reflecting the interests of students and faculty, and vary by year. Affinity groups create opportunities for students who share a common identity to come together in a more intimate space within the larger community. Clubs and affinity groups meet during lunch.
Family affinity groups are safe spaces in which K–12 students and their families along with faculty and staff can affirm their identities, hold joyful celebrations, and build community. There are currently eight such organizations with an open invitation to the community to create additional groups based on interest.
Student government consists of an elected Student Council and a Student Activities Committee whose members are chosen through applications and interviews. The Student Council plays a vital role in making sure that student voices
are heard and represented. The Student Activities Committee plans and organizes large student events such as dances and spirit days. The Academic Honor Board is a student-led organization founded with the goal of strengthening Campbell Hall’s commitment to academic excellence. The Board is made up of ten high school students selected through an application process and represents the student perspective during proceedings.
The IDEA (Inquiry, Democracy, Equity, Agency) Center
Recognizing the creativity, ingenuity, and innovation within our community, combined with a deep commitment to nurturing caring global citizens, Campbell Hall established a system for incubating and launching mission-driven projects and programs. The IDEA Center gives K–12 students agency and support to actualize enterprises that tackle current challenges and make a difference in the lives of others. The IDEA Center empowers individuals to become change-makers.
Events
Homecoming Carnival is a K–12 schoolwide event where the whole family can enjoy carnival rides and games, indulge in delicious food and treats, connect with the community across all grade levels, and show our Viking pride!
Spirit Days are some of the highlights of the CH high school experience, during which students wear themed clothing and engage in fun communitybuilding activities.
College Week gives seniors a week early in the fall term to either plan off-campus interviews and college visits or engage in on-campus workshops on application writing, interview practice, financial aid, and more.
High school community events provide opportunities for 9th–12th grade students to socialize with classmates and students from across grade levels. The Winter Bowl provides a night of bowling fun for the entire high school. Prom is a special evening for 11th and 12th grade students to enjoy a formal social event together.
The Nutcracker is an annual favorite of the CH community featuring dancers in grades 4–12.
The Gospel Concert is a beloved and unique CH extracurricular event for students in grades 5–12, where they come together in joyful songs of praise.
