FAQ

List of 12 frequently asked questions.

• Q. WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE AN ALL BOYS SCHOOL?

  St. Christopher’s focuses relentlessly on identifying, learning and implementing best practices in educating boys. Boys learn best when they are moving, participating and visualizing. Our teachers create purposeful experiences that engage boys and appeal to a variety of learning styles.

• Q. HOW IMPORTANT IS EARLY EDUCATION FOR BOYS?

  Boys are much more likely to find academic success if they enjoy the learning process and are actively engaged. Our faculty strives to build lessons based on movement, collaboration, purpose, discovery, friendships and a strong sense of achievement. We want our boys eager to learn each day!

• Q. IS THE ST. CHRISTOPHER'S STUDENT BODY DIVERSE?

  Yes, St. Christopher’s is diverse, and our goal is to broaden our community even more in years to come. Our boys come from a wide range of faiths, backgrounds, ethnicities and interests. This year, students of color constitute 16% of the student body and account for 20% of newly enrolled students. We are proud to have more than 12 faith traditions amongst our study body and boys who hail from nearly 59 different zip codes in and around the metro area. St. Christopher’s strives to create a school community that reflects the diverse world our boys will one day lead.  

• Q. HOW DOES ST. CHRISTOPHER’S EMPHASIZE VALUES?

  At our core, we care most about developing boys who possess character and integrity. We are unabashedly committed to instilling an appreciation for honor and learning and a commitment to serving others. As part of our Episcopal heritage, boys gather in chapel two to three times a week, depending on grade level. Lessons focus on serving, getting along with others, and developing integrity and sportsmanship. Community service begins in kindergarten and continues through Upper School with a 50-hour graduation requirement. The student-run Honor System, built on mutual respect and trust, is the foundation of our community. Our Lower School Character, Service and Leadership Program recognizes boys who exhibit characteristics such as fairness, empathy and courage in their work and play.

• Q. HOW DOES ST. CHRISTOPHER’S PARTNER WITH ST. CATHERINE’S SCHOOL?

  We call this the best of both worlds. Expert teachers combined with intentionally designed academic curricula provide the ideal learning environment on each campus. We know that young boys and girls need time and attention to develop a strong foundation of learning and confidence. As your children grow and mature, our schools collaborate to provide distinctive, age-appropriate programs and opportunities that bring boys and girls together. Upper School programs are the most coordinated, with the majority of junior and senior classes being co-ed. Finally, our campuses are built to complement each other. For example, you’ll find a top-of-the-line field house at St. Christopher’s and an indoor swimming pool at St. Catherine’s.

• Q. WHO COMPRISES YOUR FACULTY?

  Our 181 faculty members are a mix of talented and diverse individuals, and 65% have an advanced degree. An average tenure of 13 years ensures continuity of programs. The faculty serves not just as teachers, but also as coaches, mentors and role models.

• Q. WHAT IS YOUR COLLEGE PLACEMENT RECORD?

  St. Christopher’s has an exemplary college placement record. We pride ourselves on providing personalized college counseling that ensures each boy finds the best fit.  In the past five years, our graduates have matriculated to 91 different colleges and universities. Thirteen have gone on to Ivy League schools, and more than 200 have attended the finest schools in Virginia. For more information about St. Christopher's and college placement, click here.

• Q. DOES ST. CHRISTOPHER’S OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL AID?

  We are committed to helping families afford a St. Christopher’s education. The school awarded more than $3.62 million in need-based financial assistance for the 2022-2023 school year. St. Christopher’s only offers need-based financial aid. We do not offer merit, academic, artistic or athletic scholarships. 25% of the student body receives financial assistance, with an average grant of more than $14,929. Many families with sound incomes receive financial aid with grants ranging from $1,000 to nearly the full cost of tuition.

• Q. Can I pay for private school tuition with a 529 College Saving Plan?

  The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act allows families to use 529 plans to pay up to $10,000 per year in tuition expenses at elementary or secondary private schools. Parents may want to consult with a financial advisor to evaluate the potential benefits available under this new law.

• Q. HOW CAN I PREPARE MY SON FOR TESTING?

  No test preparation is necessary for Lower and Middle School applicants. We recommend a good night’s sleep, comfortable clothing and providing a relaxed atmosphere prior to arrival.

• Q. How are admissions criteria weighed in the decision process?

  The admissions committee works to support the mission of St. Christopher’s which calls for preparing a talented and diverse group of boys for college and for life.  
  
  

  For Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten applicants, the following criteria are weighed heavily in the decision process: individual testing with a licensed clinician (WPPSI-IV), readiness testing with our Lower School teachers, and a preschool evaluation.   
  
  

  For students applying for grades 1-5, the following criteria are weighed heavily in the decision process: individual testing (WPPSI-IV for 1st grade applicants and WISC-V for 2nd-5th grade applicants), a grade level skills assessment administered at St. Christopher’s, teacher recommendations, and a campus visit.  
  
  

  For Middle and Upper School applicants, the following criteria are weighed heavily in the decision process: strength of academic transcript, teacher recommendations, campus visit, writing sample, unique talents and interests, applicant’s desire to participate extracurricularly, and required admissions testing (WISC-V for 6th and 7th grade applicants).

   

• Q. How competitive is the St. Christopher’s admissions process?

  St. Christopher’s has a selective admissions process, and many qualified boys apply each year for a limited numbers of spaces.  We begin to build our classes in junior kindergarten with two sections, and a third section of boys is added for kindergarten. Our other entry points are 5th, 6th and 9th grades as we look to build talented classes with diverse interests and backgrounds.