Christchurch School - Review #1

From a parent’s perspective, what truly sets Christ Church School apart is how intentionally learning extends beyond the classroom and into the world around students. The school’s place-based education model makes learning feel relevant and meaningful. Students regularly use the surrounding environment and local community as part of their coursework, which helps concepts come alive and encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and real engagement rather than rote learning.In addition, the immersion trips are a distinctive and impactful part of the CCS experience. These trips are thoughtfully designed and directly connected to the curriculum, allowing students to explore history, culture, and environmental stewardship through firsthand experiences. As parents, we have seen how these opportunities deepen understanding, build independence, and foster confidence in ways that traditional classroom instruction alone cannot.Together, the school’s emphasis on place-based learning and immersive experiences reflects a philosophy that values depth, connection, and experiential growth. It is clear that Christ Church School is intentional about helping students understand not only academic content, but also their role in a larger community and world—an approach that truly differentiates it from many other boarding schools.

One of the most meaningful outcomes of Liam’s boarding school experience has been the sense of belonging and confidence he has gained. Coming from a public school background, the transition could have been challenging, but instead he quickly found a community where he felt supported, valued, and known. Building close friendships—beginning with being paired with an international roommate—and participating in shared experiences like immersion trips helped him feel connected in a deep and lasting way.In terms of growth and achievement, Liam has developed significantly as a leader and as an independent young adult. Serving as a team captain and quarterback has strengthened his confidence, accountability, and ability to lead others under pressure. Academically, he has become more engaged and motivated because learning feels purposeful and connected. Overall, boarding school has helped Liam mature socially, emotionally, and intellectually. He is more self-assured, reflective, and prepared for college and life beyond school than he was before this experience.

Looking back, the one thing we would have done differently is start the boarding school experience earlier. Liam joined as a junior and adjusted quickly, but we can easily imagine how beneficial it would have been for him to begin as a freshman, giving him even more time to grow into the community, build long-term relationships, and take advantage of the many opportunities available.For students considering boarding school, the best advice is to lean in early and fully. Get involved, try new activities, and take advantage of the structure, support, and experiences being offered—especially immersion trips and weekend programming. Boarding school offers far more than academics alone; the growth comes from relationships, independence, and shared experiences. The more open a student is to the experience, the more rewarding it will be.

Overall, what we liked most about Christ Church School is the way students are truly known and cared for within a close-knit, intentional community. From academics to athletics to dorm life, there is a strong sense that adults are paying attention—not just to performance, but to the whole student. Liam felt seen, supported, and challenged in a way he had not experienced before, and that made a meaningful difference in his confidence and engagement.What sets CCS apart is how purpose, relationships, and experience are woven together. Learning feels relevant, leadership is developed naturally, and students are given meaningful opportunities to grow through immersion trips, athletics, and daily life on campus. From our perspective, Christ Church School offers a rare balance of high expectations and genuine care, and that combination has been transformative for Liam.

For visiting or incoming students, the best advice is to come with an open mind. Boarding school may not be something you initially imagine for yourself—it certainly wasn’t for us—but it can become an incredible gift in ways you don’t expect. The more you lean into the experience, try new things, and build relationships, the more meaningful it becomes. Take advantage of the opportunities that make CCS unique, especially immersion trips, weekend activities, and time spent getting to know people outside your usual circle.As for campus favorites, the riverfront is a must-see. It’s a special place that reflects the heart of the school and offers a moment of calm and perspective.

Christ Church School’s academics feel purposeful and connected, which is what Liam has appreciated most. Rather than learning concepts in isolation, classes are designed so students understand *why* they are learning something and how it applies beyond a test or a grade. The work is rigorous, but it is also meaningful—students are asked to think, discuss, write, and engage in ways that build real skills. Liam has found that teachers expect students to show up prepared and put in consistent effort, but they also provide clear structure and support so the challenge feels manageable rather than overwhelming.What also stands out is how integrated the learning can be, especially through the school’s place-based approach. Students aren’t just studying ideas from a distance—they connect content to their surroundings and experiences, which makes learning stick. That integration has helped Liam become more invested in school than he ever was in a traditional setting. He talks about what he’s learning, sees the relevance, and feels proud of the growth he’s made. From our perspective, it’s the combination of high expectations, strong relationships, and learning with purpose that makes CCS academics feel unique.

The athletics program at Christ Church School is a central part of the student experience and one of the areas Liam has found most meaningful. What stands out most is that athletics are treated as an extension of the school’s values rather than a separate or transactional part of campus life. Coaches know their athletes well, emphasize character and accountability, and hold students to high expectations both on and off the field. Liam has appreciated that effort, preparation, and teamwork are valued just as much as performance.Another defining feature of the program is the opportunity for multi-sport participation. Liam competes in football, basketball, and baseball, and the school actively supports students who want to be involved across seasons rather than pushing early specialization. Leadership development is intentional—serving as a team captain and quarterback has helped Liam grow in confidence, responsibility, and resilience. From our perspective, CCS athletics strike a rare balance: competitive and demanding, yet deeply supportive and focused on developing well-rounded student-athletes.

While Liam did not personally participate in the Visual Arts, Music, or Theatre programs, these offerings are a visible and valued part of the Christ Church School community. From a parent perspective, it is clear that the arts are taken seriously and thoughtfully integrated into school life, rather than treated as peripheral electives. Student work is regularly showcased, performances are well attended, and there is a strong sense of pride around creative expression on campus.What we appreciate most is the accessibility of these programs and the encouragement for students to explore interests outside their comfort zones. Even as observers, we have seen how the arts contribute to the overall culture of the school—building confidence, collaboration, and community. The presence of strong arts programming alongside rigorous academics and athletics reinforces CCS’s commitment to developing well-rounded students with multiple avenues for growth and self-expression.

Christ Church School offers extracurricular opportunities that are intentionally designed to build leadership, connection, and a strong sense of community. What stands out most is that student organizations and activities are meaningful rather than performative. Groups like Captain’s Club and the advisory program give students real responsibility and a voice in shaping school culture, allowing leadership to develop naturally through service, collaboration, and accountability.Volunteer opportunities are also thoughtfully woven into student life, reinforcing the school’s emphasis on character and community engagement. Students are encouraged to contribute in ways that feel purposeful and connected to the school’s values, rather than simply checking a box. From our perspective, the extracurricular program at CCS complements the academic and athletic experience by helping students grow into confident, engaged, and socially responsible young adults.

Dorm life at Christ Church School has been a very positive and formative part of Liam’s experience. From the start, he was intentionally matched with a roommate from Madrid, and the two have developed a close friendship. Living with a student from another country has broadened Liam’s perspective and added an important global dimension to his boarding experience, helping him grow socially and culturally in a very natural way.What we appreciate most about dorm life at CCS is the balance of independence and support. The adults who live in and support the dorms are consistently present, approachable, and genuinely invested in the students, yet they are not overbearing. Students are trusted to manage their responsibilities while knowing help is always available when needed. This environment has helped Liam build independence, confidence, and strong relationships, making the dorm feel like a true home rather than just a place to sleep.

The dining program at Christ Church School has been a pleasant surprise and a real strength of the boarding experience. Like many parents, we initially worried that Liam would be hungry or constantly relying on snacks in his dorm, especially as an active, multi-sport athlete. That has not been the case at all. The food is consistently delicious, healthy, and offered with enough variety that students can find options they enjoy every day.What stands out most is the reliability and care behind the program. Even during a winter storm, dining staff remained on campus to ensure students were fed and cared for without interruption. That level of commitment speaks volumes about the school’s culture and sense of responsibility for its students. Knowing that Liam is well nourished and taken care of—no matter the circumstances—has given us tremendous peace of mind as parents.

The town and surrounding area of Christ Church School add meaningfully to the overall boarding experience. One of the most unique aspects is the school’s proximity to the river, which is not just scenic but also integrated into student life and learning. The natural setting provides a sense of calm and connection that is rare and enhances both academics and daily living on campus.At the same time, CCS benefits from being close to several welcoming towns. Nearby places like Urbana offer excellent restaurants and a small-town feel, while Gloucester provides convenient access to shopping, medical care, and other essential services. Richmond is also within reasonable driving distance, making travel and airport access manageable for families. From a parent perspective, this balance of natural beauty, community connection, and practical accessibility makes the school’s location feel both special and reassuring.

The social life at Christ Church School is active, inclusive, and thoughtfully planned. What stands out most is that students are rarely left to “figure it out” on their own—there are always meaningful opportunities to connect with peers through structured activities. Immersion trips play a large role in building friendships, as shared experiences outside the classroom help students bond quickly and deeply. These trips create natural connections across grade levels and help new students feel part of the community.On campus, weekends are intentionally full with planned activities and off-campus trips, giving students a variety of ways to relax, socialize, and explore. Whether it’s a weekend outing, a dorm-based activity, or a school-sponsored event, there is always something happening. From our perspective, the greatest strength of the social environment at CCS is that students are engaged and connected—Liam has never felt bored or isolated, and he has developed strong friendships as a result.