Academics

Lower School

Start early to finish strong.

Learning should be a lifelong experience. And it starts with St. Christopher's Lower School. Here boys from Junior Kindergarten or Kindergarten to Fifth Grade receive a foundation for curiosity, leadership and personal growth. We understand how boys think, act and learn, and our programs are designed to challenge and inspire them. Our youngest Saints will leave the Lower School as more creative, more compassionate and more confident thinkers, ready to lead and ready to learn.
 
As a leader in understanding, engaging and teaching boys effectively, we believe that active hands-on learning is a path to success. Our teachers and staff will get to know your son and how to motivate him so they can bring out the best in him.

Learning Through Motion

Boys need to move. With recess every day of the week (twice a day for Kindergarten!) and a robust Physical Education program most days, we emphasize the importance and benefit of becoming physically active.

Boys in Lower School also have opportunities through:

List of 9 items.

  • Leadership

    At St. Christopher's, leadership is taught from day one. Whether it is Junior Kindergartners taking on the job of a line leader or Kindergartners practicing firm handshakes and eye contact, we believe leadership skills are essential in raising the next generation of men.
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  • Service Learning

    We teach our boys that there is something bigger than themselves through our Service Learning projects. Each Lower School grade partners with a local charitable organization so your son will learn ways in which he can give back to his community.
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  • Spiritual Life

    St. Christopher's embraces the Episcopal School tradition that sees each person as a child of God, values inclusion and spiritual growth, and seeks to educate students for lives of meaning and service. 
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  • Lower School Traditions

    The Lower School has many beloved traditions, including Literary Society, Kindergarten-Senior Buddy Program, Lower School-Middle School Buddy Program and Fall Festival.
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  • Lower School Musical

    A highlight of our Lower School experience, this annual musical production brings together every Saint from K through Fifth Grade as they learn aspects of a dramatic production, including makeup, costumes and how a play comes together.
  • Battle of the Books

    Our Saints from Third through Fifth Grade can compete in the ultimate book challenge! This exciting quiz-style competition inspires their love for reading.
  • Field Trips

    From museums to the State Capitol to the Richmond Metro Zoo, students in First Grade through Fifth Grade have a variety of opportunities to expand their worlds.
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  • Family & Friends Programs

    When your son accepts his offer of admission, the entire family becomes a part of the Saints community. We provide many opportunities for family members to volunteer and come to campus to see your boys in action.
  • Academic Support

    The Lower School Academic Support Program acts as a liaison between teachers and parents and advocates for the individual student.
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Lower School Hours

Morning Drop Off Times:

Morning Carpool runs from 7:45-8 a.m. for all grades.

Afternoon Dismissal Times:

  • Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten: 2:40 p.m. (M-Th), 2:05 p.m. (F)
  • 1st and 2nd Grades: 3 p.m. (M-Th), 2:05 p.m. (F)
  • 3rd - 5th Grades: 3:30 p.m. (M-Th), 2:30 p.m. (F)

Lower School Library & Learning Commons

The Learning Commons is an integrated approach to teaching technology, library and information literacy skills. Librarians and technology specialists support student and teacher learning within the context of the classroom. The Library and Learning Commons are designed to empower students and faculty to become inquisitive thinkers, enthusiastic readers, proficient researchers, and ethical users and creators of information. A diverse library collection and opportunities for global engagement through technology help students develop empathy as they learn about multiple perspectives. Boys come here to listen to stories, browse through book stacks, read for pleasure and purpose, and just relax.
 
Special events such as author, illustrator and storyteller visits, as well as the highly anticipated Book Fairs, Battle of the Books, and Dads Read competitions help build excitement about reading. Every boy has access to a Chromebook in our 1:1 laptop model, giving boys the chance to express themselves in creative ways while also learning to be responsible digital citizens.

Safety & Security

The safety of St. Christopher's students, faculty and visitors is paramount. Trained security staff are present to ensure campus safety during school hours and during other school activities. Our security team leverages their strong relationships with law enforcement agencies throughout the city and state, as well as with other area peer schools, to ensure that we are always up-to-date on best practices in school safety.

Meet the Team

List of 6 members.

  • Photo of Todd Stansbery

    Todd Stansbery 

    Head of Lower School
    (804) 282-3185 x2375
  • Photo of Lisa Snider

    Lisa Snider 

    Lower School Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Academic Support Services
    (804) 282-3185 x2379
  • Photo of Jennifer O'Ferrall

    Jen O'Ferrall 

    Lower School Director of Student Life and Reading Specialist/Academic Support
    (804) 282-3185 x2654
  • Photo of Laura Ambrogi

    Laura Ambrogi 

    Lower School Director of Student Activities and Reading Specialist/Academic Support
    (804) 282-3185 x2381
  • Photo of Meghan Nguyen

    Meghan Nguyen 

    Administrative Assistant to Head of Lower School
    (804) 282-3185 x2303
  • Photo of Darren Steadman

    Darren Steadman 

    Lower School Chaplain
    (804) 282-3185 x2378