The Chamberlayne Achievement Program (CAP)

At St. Christopher’s School, we value diversity and are proud of the individual care we dedicate to every boy. We recognize that our students come from every walk of life, each with his own experiences and needs. Through our Chamberlayne Achievement Program, we seek to increase the enrollment and retention of students from underrepresented backgrounds who have demonstrated academic promise, leadership potential, and unique talents or character traits that will enhance the learning environment at St. Christopher’s School. 

How does it work? 

Current and prospective boys who might benefit from the program will be invited and/or nominated for consideration. Boys may also be identified through the School’s admission process or based on outreach efforts in the extended community.  Prospective participants will be required to submit an application to the program along with a letter of recommendation.

Boys enrolled in the program will:
  • Participate in regularly scheduled meetings to address academic, emotional, or social concern
  • Receive intentional guidance regarding academic performance and college prep
  • Receive non-tuition support for books, tutoring, clothing, transportation, club or athletic fees, and school-related or sponsored trips
  • Participate in leadership development programs to enhance participants’ leadership skills
  • Engage in service projects in communities participants represent
  • Participate in summer workshops designed to mitigate the “summer slip,” particularly in STEM-related courses

Parents of CAP participants will:
  • Attend a program orientation to educate parents about CAP and St. Christopher’s School
  • Participate in workshop sessions designed to educate parents about the college application and selection process (to include information regarding the FAFSA form)

Who Can Participate?

We offer CAP to students from a variety of backgrounds. Students considered for the program may represent one of the following backgrounds:

  • Belongs to a household with demonstrated financial need
  • First generation student to independent school environment
  • Traditionally underrepresented at St. Christopher’s School (e.g., Black, Asian, Latino, Immigrant)
  • Experienced unique personal or family challenges, hardships, or other circumstances

*Please note, the Chamberlayne Achievement Program is not a financial aid program. Prospective participants who wish to apply for financial aid should follow the regular need-based financial aid process.

Contact Us

We understand that each boy’s situation is unique and may require different levels of support.  For more information about CAP, please reach out to Ed Cowell, Assistant Head of School for Community Engagement, at cowelle@stcva.org or Andy Taibl, Associate Athletic Director and CAP Co-Director at taibla@stcva.org.

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Edwin Cowell

    Edwin "Ed" Cowell 

    Assistant Head of School for Community Engagement
    (804) 282-3185x5216
    Virginia Wesleyan University - BA
    Virginia Commonwealth University - MA
  • Photo of Andrew Taibl

    Andrew "Andy" Taibl 

    Associate Director of Athletics, Co-Director of CAP, and Coach (2 seasons)
    (804) 282-3185 x5333
    Washington College - BA