St. Christopher's School

We moved to Richmond when our oldest son was about to enter first grade. We did not have local friends, so we walked into St. Christopher`s knowing absolutely no one. We were apprehensive about jumping into a place where it seemed that so many people had strong connections, but we have been amazed at how quickly we were welcomed by other families and the faculty. There is such a strong community at St. Chris, and you feel that from day one. We feel so fortunate to be a part of a school that provides such a strong curriculum for our boys, but also provides home for our whole family!

I know what you might be thinking; been there. Too different. Too homogeneous. Too expensive. With preconceived notions we toured for kindergarten and three years later I can tell you with heartfelt truth...we were so wrong. St. Christopher's school doesn't tolerate boys; they celebrate them. Their boundless energy is brilliantly redirected into focused learning within state of the art facilities by seasoned and compassionate leaders. Known mostly for stellar academics and how they foster the love of learning in boys, my favorite aspect of the school is that St. Chris values kindness, integrity, honesty and character as much as any academic award. Boys who are kind are celebrated. Brotherhood means loving your neighbor as yourself. Diversity is a priority and is intentional; meaning St. Chris knows that we're not the best until our classrooms reflect our world. And what about the all boy thing? I've come around on that, too. My son's needs are no more important than a girl's. They are just different and St. Chris knows that. And, when he's in upper school (where classes can be co-ed), I'm confident he'll approach his female intellectual counterparts with developed respect and maturity. At St. Christopher's School boys are not encouraged to be "just boys" they are expected to be good humans. In this day and age, it's all that this mother could ask for.

It doesn't get any better than St. Christopher's. I have had 3 boys at this school and we could not be happier. The teachers and administration are the best and really care for each child like their own. A great fostering atmosphere focused on ethics and conduct. My boys were involved in sports, academics and arts equally. We love St. Chris!

My family and I have been thrilled with our experience and particularly my son's experience at St. Christopher's. We had planned on sending our son to a local public school, but after touring the campus and meeting the students and faculty in 2015 we knew this was the school for our son. He enrolled in K and has been there since. The first day of second grade this year he came home and ran upstairs to his room where he stayed for an hour. I thought he was playing - he was engrossed in a book! This was a child I had to force to read all summer and a few hours with his teacher and he was hooked. There are countless experiences we've had like that over our 3 years with teachers, staff, families and students that have made us so happy we made this decision!

My oldest son graduated from St. Christophers in 2016 and my youngest is currently a senior. Besides the amazing academics and sports opportunities available to the boys, what I love most is the connections they have made with their teachers. Both of my boys found teachers that just "get" them as individuals and have formed these incredible bonds with my sons. My boys are very different, so their connections have been different, but equally meaningful. During my oldest sons freshman year in college, we had 2 close family members die a month apart. It was a very difficult time for my son and I had a casual conversation about it with one of his former teachers. I had no idea at the time, but that teacher drove to his college just to have lunch with my son and to give him that extra support he needed. That, to me, embodies so much of what St. Christopher's truly is.

We chose St. Christopher's for the challenging academics that prepare the students for college. The faculty are well qualified and genuinely care about the boys. The philosophy and values that are taught at St. Christopher's reinforce those we teach our son at home. Coming into St. Christopher's as a freshman, our son has been welcomed by his peers. And, as parents, we feel welcomed by both faculty and other parents. There is a diversity of activities and opportunities available that satisfy many different interests and the boys are encouraged to try new things. St Christopher's is the perfect choice for our son.