Christchurch School (2025 Profile)

49 Seahorse Lane
Christchurch, VA 23031

Christchurch School Photo #1 - "Set your course at the river. " Established in the Episcopal tradition, Christchurch is inclusive, welcoming students and families of all faiths and backgrounds.

Christchurch School Photo #2 - A 125-acre waterfront campus on the Rappahannock River in the Chesapeake Bay watershed allows Christchurch School to offer an educational experience and a lifestyle found at no other school in the United States. The academic schedule is similar to a college schedule, with classes beginning at 9 a.m.

Christchurch School Photo #3 - Christchurch's innovative "Great Journeys" curriculum takes full advantage of the school's riverfront location. The river and historic Tidewater area serve as a living classroom where students participate in hands-on learning that is not duplicated by any other school. Applying the skills they learn to solve problems at the river prepares students to solve problems in the larger world.

Christchurch School Photo #4 - Sports are an integral part of the Christchurch experience. Every student has an opportunity to play, from aspiring college athletes to those who just want to hit the field for fun.

Christchurch School Photo #5 - An excellent education isn't limited to academics. Christchurch's co-curricular activities support and complement the academic program, while creating balance for student by encouraging them to develop interests outside of schoolwork.

Christchurch School Photo #6 - Christchurch is recognized for rigorous academics and a well-rounded college prep program. 100% of Christchurch students are accepted to four-year colleges, with the majority attending universities on the U.S. News & World Report's top 150 list.

Christchurch School Photo #7 - In addition to rigorous course material, students learn how to collaborate, problem solve, and use evolving technology as a creative tool. Students develop the critical thinking skills that prepare them for college courses and careers, including those that don't yet exist. In a world that is rapidly changing, Christchurch School teaches students how to navigate those changes with confidence.

Christchurch School Photo #8 - Approximately 25% of Christchurch students benefit from the learning skills program, the first program of its kind at a Virginia boarding school. Trained faculty offer specific learning and organizational strategies, in addition to study skills that prepare these students for academic success, often at a level they did not imagine possible.

Christchurch School Photo #9 - Christchurch residence halls are a welcoming home away from home, a place where friends live, study, and relax together. Students gain new sense of independence living away from mom and dad, but can rest assured that dorm parents will be available 24/7 to help with everything from coping with homesickness to how to do laundry.

Christchurch School Photo #10 - The arts at Christchurch School help each student find his or her unique voice and share that voice confidently with the world.

LOCATED ON THE SCENIC RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER, an hour east of Richmond, Virginia. Christchurch School is an Episcopal boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12. Our average enrollment is 200, with 70% boarding and 30% day.

CHRISTCHURCH IS THE PLACE for students who aren't challenged by or satisfied with a one-size-fits-all education, and families who believe that learning should mean more than just taking a test.

CHRISTCHURCH PROVIDES A CHALLENGING, YET NURTURING, ENVIRONMENT in which students are encouraged to explore their current interests and their future potential. Christchurch helps students clarify what they want and where they want to go, and then helps them develop the skills and formulate the plan that will get them there.

STUDENTS DISCOVER SKILLS, APTITUDES, AND TALENTS they didn't know they had. They come to realize and understand their own intrinsic value, and the tremendous value they bring to their school, to the community, and to the world.

THE ULTIMATE PAYOFF from a Christchurch education is more than just earning a diploma or being accepted into the right college.

CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL IS THE PLACE and the experience where your best possible future begins. Set YOUR course at the river.

Quick Stats (2025)

Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 220 students
Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $64,900
Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $25,500
Acceptance rate: 73%
Average class size: 12 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Christchurch School ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 98 schools) for:

School Overview

| 2024 School Data

Christchurch School

Boarding School Avg.

School Focus

College Preparatory

Grades Offered

9-12

School Type

Co-ed

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Supports Learning Differences (LD)

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Executive Function Deficit, ADHD/Language-based Learning Differences, Mild Dyslexia

n/a

Religious Affiliation

Episcopal

Non-denominational

Year Founded

1921

1907

Campus Size

125 acres

Student Body

Enrollment

220 students

319 students

% Students of Color

11%

27%

% International Students

30%

20%

% Students Boarding

70%

Offers Post-Grad Year

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes

Classroom Dress Code

Casual
Casual neat, collared shirt

Casual

Average Class Size

12 students

* National Avg. »18

Student : Teacher Ratio

6:1

7:1

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

ESL Courses Offered

Yes

% Faculty with Advanced Degree

81%

72%

Summer Program Offered

Yes

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size

$6 million

$30 million

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)

$64,900
(Personal laptop required)

$66,900

Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)

$25,500
(Personal laptop required)

$36,000

Tuition international students

$68,000

$57,650

% Students on Financial Aid

57%

40%

Avg. Financial Aid Grant

$31,810
(Need-based financial aid grants)

$25,000

Merit Scholarships Offered

Admissions

Application Deadline

None / Rolling

Jan. 15

Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)

Yes

Acceptance Rate

73%

64%

Director of Admissions

Billy Burlee

Associate Director of Admissions

Aaron Alter

Application URL

Online Application

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

Courses

Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, Honors Ecological Research, Honors Humanities 10, Honors Humanities 11, Honors Humanities 12, Honors Humanities 9, Honors Integrated Science 10, Honors Integrated Science 11, Honors Integrated Science 9, Honors Language and Composition 10, Honors Language and Composition 11, Honors Language and Composition 12, Honors Language and Composition 9, Honors Literature and Storytelling, Honors Project Program, Honors QR Analysis of Change, Honors QR Investigations and Caculus 2, Honors QR Investigations and Calculus 1, Honors Spanish, Honors Spanish Seminar: Environment, Honors Spanish Seminar: food/art/music/culture

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered

Sports

Baseball, Basketball, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Sailing, Soccer, Swimming, Volleyball, Winter Track

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations

Extracurriculars

Club or Organization:
Admission Tour Guides, Chess Club, Community Service, DEIB, Makerspace, Model UN, National Honor Society, River and Outdoor, Sports Media, Student Government

Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Music, Theatre Production

College Matriculation

Year: 2007 - 2010

10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)

Hampden-Sydney College

James Madison University

University of Mary Washington

Syracuse University

Virginia Tech

Roanoke College

College of William and Mary

Virginia Commonwealth University

University of Richmond

University of Virginia

View Matriculation Data

School Notes

The Christchurch experience is personal, but it is also about community. It is academic, but very much about relationships. It is active and lively, and it also encourages you to think deeply. It is school and home, it is family and community, it is an all absorbing experience that will change your life. We want to get to know you and what your dreams are. When you come to Christchurch, we meet you where you are and take you as far as you can imagine. We work through challenges together and find opportunities at every turn. We use our place on the river, the Chesapeake Bay, local communities and far flung places to teach the lessons that give you the skills you need for life. Our goal is to give you the confidence to do whatever you imagine and are willing to make happen with hard work. We want you to be sure of yourself so that the future happens on your terms. And we want you to have the resilience you will need in a fast-changing world. Finally, we want to ensure that you understand your own values and beliefs, to give you the strong foundation on which to build a great life. Along the journey at Christchurch, you will find friends and experiences all over the world, make lifelong connections, and have mentors in every area of life and every area of interest. Our faculty are experts. Never again in your life will you find so many people devoted solely to your success, growth, and well-being. Come visit us at the river, take in the pure air and timeless river, meet the students and faculty who welcome you into this community, and think about how together, we can create a future that is uniquely yours and without limits.
LD types supported: Executive Function Deficit, ADHD/Language-based Learning Differences, Mild Dyslexia
Christchurch School accreditations: VAIS, TABS, NAIS, NAES
Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- William Styron - Pulitzer Prize Winner
- Lewis B. Puller, Jr. - Pulitzer Prize Winner
- Malcolm Campbell - Former Publisher, SPIN Magazine
- Vincent Canby - Chief Film Critic, New York Times
- Bill Broaddus - Former Attorney General, Commonwealth of Virginia
- John Craine, Jr. - President, SUNY Maritime College
- Alec Faulkner - Player, Valentine FC (pro soccer)
- Devin Robinson - Player, Washington Wizards (NBA)
- Pat Young - Player, Charlotte Hounds (pro lacrosse)

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Christchurch School cost?

Christchurch School's tuition is approximately $64,900 for boarding students and $25,500 for day students.

What is the acceptance rate of Christchurch School?

The acceptance rate of Christchurch School is 73%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 64%.

Who are famous alumni from Christchurch School?

Christchurch School famous alumni include: William Styron, Lewis B. Puller, Jr., Malcolm Campbell, Vincent Canby, Bill Broaddus, John Craine, Jr., Alec Faulkner, Devin Robinson and Pat Young.

What sports does Christchurch School offer?

Christchurch School offers 12 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Sailing, Soccer, Swimming, Volleyball and Winter Track.

What is Christchurch School's ranking?

Christchurch School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Small student body (number of students) and High percentage of students on financial aid.

When is the application deadline for Christchurch School?

The application deadline for Christchurch School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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