Chaminade College Preparatory
Since 1910
Esto Vir
What does Esto Vir mean?
The Chaminade motto, “Esto Vir,” is translated from Latin and means “Be a Man.” This challenges our students to identify and develop the full range of gifts and talents that God has placed in each person and become the man the world needs them to be.
OUR SCHOOL MOTTO
A SCHOOL BUILT FOR BOYS
Grades 6-12 in the Marianist Tradition
CHARACTER MATTERS
Boys will be boys, but Chaminade boys will be gentlemen.
Character development is not an abstract idea at Chaminade. We intentionally encourage students to try new things and step outside of their comfort zone, while also emphasizing a sense of independence. It is through this process over their time at Chaminade that our graduates are prepared to overcome any challenges they will face in the future.
ACADEMICS
Academic Excellence
STARTING WITH TEACHERS WHO LOVE TO TEACH, OUR DYNAMIC CURRICULUM BLENDS FAITH, SERVICE, AND INNOVATION.
Supportive Environment
Chaminade offers a modern, academically challenging curriculum with personalized instruction. Classrooms average 17 students, allowing teachers to focus on each young man’s learning style and foster an engaging, student-centered environment.
A Journey of Growth and Discovery
Chaminade also provides dedicated Academic Lab time, where students can seek enrichment, extra instruction, or independent study. Our approach ensures that every student can enjoy the learning process while developing the knowledge, confidence, and curiosity to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Preparing for College and Beyond
As a college preparatory school, Chaminade emphasizes skills that lead to success in higher education and in life. The alternating block schedule gives students longer periods for debates, labs, and in-depth exploration of subjects, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration.
On average, Chaminade graduates earn 40 college credits (over a full year of college complete.)
Over one-third of the Class of 2025 earned Bright Flight (ACT score of 31 or higher).
ALWAYS INNOVATING
From 6th grade through senior year, Chaminade’s Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum immerses students in hands-on STEM learning. Courses such as Environmental Sustainability, Aerospace Engineering, Digital Electronics spark curiosity, build skills, and open the doors to STEM related careers. Additionally, our curriculum offers students a wide array of opportunities to explore courses that pique their interest from Personal Finance, Video Broadcasting to Technical Theater just to name a few. Recently, Chaminade created their own capital fund. Students learn how to develop and manage a diversified financial portfolio, employing fundamental and technical analysis to make informed investment decisions.
Our classrooms are designed around the curriculum allowing for small group work, discussions, debates, lectures, independent study and so much more.
INVOLVEMENT
Beyond the Classroom
STUDENTS EXPLORE THEIR PASSIONS THROUGH ARTS, CLUBS, AND ATHLETICS, BUILDING SKILLS, FRIENDSHIPS, AND CONFIDENCE ALONG THE WAY.
Fine Arts
In our Visual Arts Department, students explore their creative side in a variety of different mediums; including painting, drawing, sculpting, sketching, and photography.
Our award-winning Band Program features a variety of ensembles including symphonic bands, jazz combos, percussion, and pep bands.
The Drama Department offers four main stage productions each year. Students can also learn the craft of lighting, sound, scenery, production design, costume design, and stage management.
Clubs
Chaminade has a club for ALMOST every interest. Clubs available to students this year are:
Art Club
BBQ Club
Bocce Club
Bowling Club
Boxing Club
Cardinal & White Newspaper
CSPN (Chaminade Student
Programming Network)
Chess Club
Entrepreneur Club
Environmental
Sustainability
eSports
Fishing Club
Games Unplugged
Investment Club
Literary Magazine
Marianist Life Community
Athletics
Students that have an interest for which no club exists are invited to develop a plan for their own club for approval.
Mock Trial
Model UN
National Honors Society
Photography Club
Rocket Club
Peace & Justice
Table Tennis
Youth in Government
Chaminade has 19 athletic programs with over 70 teams from football to eSports. Plus, we offer a variety of no-cut options each season, so everyone can get involved.
FALL SPORTS
Cross Country (6th – 12th)
Football (6th – 12th)
Soccer (6th – 12th)
Swimming & Diving (9th – 12th)
Tennis (6th – 8th)
Volleyball (6th – 8th)
WINTER SPORTS
Basketball (6th – 12th)
Hockey (9th – 12th)
Racquetball (9th – 12th)
Water Polo (6th – 8th)
Wrestling (6th – 12th)
SPRING SPORTS
Baseball (6th – 12th)
Golf (6th – 12th)
Lacrosse (6th – 12th)
Tennis (9th – 12th)
Track & Field (6th – 12th)
Ultimate Frisbee (9th – 12th)
Volleyball (9th – 12th)
Water Polo (9th – 12th)
Pickleball (9th – 12th)
ALL-SEASON SPORT
Bowling (9th – 12th)
eSports (6th – 12th)
BROTHERHOOD IN ACTION
From pep rallies and homecoming celebrations to spirited student sections at games, school spirit is part of everyday life at Chaminade. Our community comes together to cheer on classmates, celebrate achievements, and uphold traditions that create a strong sense of pride and belonging.
EXPLORATION
A World of Opportunities
CHAMINADE STUDENTS EMBARK ON CLASS TRIPS, FROM THE GRAND TETONS TO WASHINGTON, D.C., BROADENING THEIR VIEW OF THE WORLD THROUGH TRAVEL.
Adventure in the Great Outdoors
From the moment they arrive at Chaminade, students have opportunities to see and experience new places. In 6th grade, the annual class trip takes them to Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, where days are filled with hiking, teambuilding activities, and breathtaking views. This immersive outdoor adventure sparks curiosity, builds friendships, and creates memories that last a lifetime.
Discovering Our Nation’s Capital
In 8th grade, learning moves from textbooks to the streets of Washington, D.C. Students explore historical landmarks, world-class museums, and government institutions, deepening their understanding of our nation’s history and civic life. This trip blends hands-on learning with cultural experiences, giving students a greater appreciation for the world around them.
A Broader View of the World
Whether exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu or walking through the halls of the Capitol, these travel experiences give Chaminade students a broader worldview. They encourage independence, adaptability, and cultural awareness— skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. By graduation, students have learned that education doesn’t stop at the school doors; it continues wherever curiosity leads.
WELCOME TO MARIANIST HALL
Our brand-new 32,000 sq. ft. residence, opened January 2025, designed with modern amenities to support and inspire our boarding students.
BOARDING AT CHAMINADE
Since opening as a boarding school in 1910, Chaminade has welcomed students from across the United States and around the globe. Today, our resident program fosters cultural diversity on campus while preparing young men for success in college and life. With a structured daily schedule, dedicated advisors, over 20 free tutoring services, and weekend activities ranging from horseback riding to rock climbing, boarding students enjoy a well-rounded experience in a safe, supportive environment.
Our residence hall is home to students from 18 countries and 6 states – bringing together a vibrant community of cultures and PERSPECTIVES.
Formed in Faith
As a Catholic, Marianist school, we welcome young men of all faiths and backgrounds. All students enroll in Theology class, attend Mass and retreats, and participate in service work.
All students are required to complete service each year; the number of hours is based on the student’s grade level. Students attending all seven years at Chaminade will complete a minimum of 155 service hours.
Students on an annual service trip to El Salvador.
MARIANIST LIFE COMMUNITY (MLC) is Chaminade’s largest student group. This group offers students an opportunity for prayer, fellowship and fun in a caring, upbeat context.
HOUSE SYSTEM
Since 2003, every student is randomly assigned to one of five Houses upon entrance into Chaminade (unless they have family in a particular House). The purpose of the House System is to foster relationships among the students and to enjoy healthy competition. All of the Houses compete throughout the school year in a variety of activities such as winning the Quiz Bowl League, making the Honor Roll, or simply showing up to an athletic attendance event in order to win the coveted Marianist House Cup.
Fun Facts ABOUT CHAMINADE
Chaminade is the oldest all-boys boarding school in the Midwest.
Our new resident hall opened in January 2025 and houses nearly 65 boarding students from 18 countries and 6 states.
We have a 1,000-seat theater, a black box theater, and 3 band rooms in the Skip Viragh Center.
Chaminade offers more than 110 Advanced College Credit courses and 26 AP classes–the widest selection in the region. The typical Chaminade student begins college with over 40 hours of credit.
Our student-to-teacher ratio is 9:1, with an average class size of 17.
The average ACT score is 27.
Chaminade alumni compete in the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, and MLS.
Chaminade’s mascot has changed over the last decade from the Red Devil to a Flyer and back to the Red Devil.
Chaminade has a 55-acre campus–one of the largest prep school campuses in St. Louis.
Chaminade’s award-winning food service provides 3 meals a day, 7 days a week. The Snack Shack stays open after school to fuel our active boys.
WHAT OUR YOUNG ALUMNI ARE SAYING:
“Chaminade’s college credit program helped me in multiple ways during my time at University of Dayton. It allowed me the opportunity to focus on classes more related to my degree in Finance.”
- Jack Gill ’20 & University of Dayton ‘24. Now working as an Application Service Specialist at Interactive Brokers in Chicago
“Chaminade prepared me for success in college and medical school by challenging me academically and helping me develop strong leadership and interpersonal skills. The supportive community gave me the tools to think critically, work well with others, and grow personally and professionally.”
-Jake Gisi ’21, Illinois Weslyn University ’25; currently attending Kansas University for Osteopathic Medicine
“Chaminade fosters an environment of faith, relationships and hard work. Building on these values guided my success throughout my time at Ole Miss and now in my career at Cushman & Wakefield.”
-Nathan Gawrych ’20 & University of Mississippi ’25. Now working as a Property Manager at Cushman & Wakefield
“Chaminade gave me the study tools and helped me build work ethic through its rigorous AP and college credit programs. This allowed me to succeed in undergrad and prepare me for law school.”
- Jake Feise ’21 & Xavier ’24; currently attending University of Cincinnati Law School
