Christchurch School

49 Seahorse Lane
Christchurch, VA 23031
Tel: (804) 758-2306 Ext. 122
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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.
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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 (2023-24)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12
  • Enrollment: 215 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $51,750
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $20,400
  • Acceptance rate: 57%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Christchurch School ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 99 schools) for:

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2023 School Data
Christchurch School
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
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
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1921
1906
Campus Size
125 acres
130 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
215 students
314 students
% Students of Color
15%
25%
% International Students
28%
20%
% Students Boarding
75%
70%
Average SAT Score
1180
* National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Casual neat, collared shirt
Casual
Average Class Size
12 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
23
17
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
81%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$6 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$51,750
(Personal laptop required)
$63,120
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$20,400
(Personal laptop required)
$35,700
% Students on Financial Aid
57%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$28,201
(Need-based financial aid grants)
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
Jan. 31 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Acceptance Rate
57%
60%
Director of Admissions
Billy Burlee
Associate Director of Admissions
Kelly Espy

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
23
17
Courses
Honors Biology, Honors Calculus I, Honors Calculus II, Honors Chemistry, Honors Chinese III, Honors Chinese IV, Honors Computer Science, Honors Early American History, Honors English 10, Honors English 11, Honors English 12, Honors English 9, Honors History Seminar, Honors Integrated Science 10, Honors Integrated Science 11, Honors Integrated Science 9, Honors Modern World History, Honors Physics, Honors Pre-Calculus, Honors Spanish Seminar, Honors Spanish V, Honors US History and Government

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered
10
16

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
14
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Admission Tour Guides, Chess Club, Community Service, Makerspace, Model UN, National Honor Society, Robotics Team, Student Government, Tiddly Winks

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

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Newspaper Club

College Matriculation

Year: 2007 - 2010
10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)
Hampden-Sydney College
10
James Madison University
10
University of Mary Washington
9
Syracuse University
8
Virginia Tech
8
Roanoke College
7
College of William and Mary
4
Virginia Commonwealth University
4
University of Richmond
3
University of Virginia
3

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:
    • Bill Easterling - Dean, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Penn State; lead author, Pulitzer Prize-winning United Nations climate change report
    • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Christchurch School cost?
Christchurch School's tuition is approximately $51,750 for boarding students and $20,400 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Christchurch School?
The acceptance rate of Christchurch School is 57%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 60%.
Who are famous alumni from Christchurch School?
Christchurch School famous alumni include: Bill Easterling, 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 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Sailing, Soccer, Swimming and Volleyball.
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 Jan. 31 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 31 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
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Quick Stats (2023-24)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12
  • Enrollment: 215 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $51,750
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $20,400
  • Acceptance rate: 57%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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