Christ School
500 Christ School Road, Arden, NC 28704
(800) 422-3212
Our mission is to produce educated men of good character, prepared for both scholastic achievement in college and productive citizenship in adult society. We achieve this mission through a commitment to our Four Pillars - Academic Rigor, Leadership, Spirituality, and the Dignity of Manual Labor.
Christ School was founded in 1900 by Father Thomas Wetmore and his wife Susan Allen Wetmore as a mission of the Episcopal Church. Mrs. Wetmore's family gave them four acres of hilltop land just south of Asheville, North Carolina for the purpose of educating the rural mountain children of the area at a time when there were no public schools. In addition to academics, the mission school also taught students a trade, such as industrial arts, crafts like weaving, basketmaking, and cabinetmaking, and nursing for the girls. These trades helped support both the school and the families of the students. The Wetmores had a tremendous outreach into the poor rural community, providing nursing care and clothing. When Father Wetmore died in 1906, Mrs. Wetmore became Principal and continued her fundraising efforts on behalf of Christ School for another 40 years. Christ School was co-ed until 1927 when public schooling became available and provided transportation for the children of the area. At this point, Christ School became a true college preparatory Episcopal boarding and day school for boys.
FAST FACTS
Head of School:
Dr. Sean Jenkins
Director of Admissions:
Palmer Straughn
Gender:
All boys
Religious Affiliation:
Episcopal
Total Enrollment:
302
Percent Boarders:
70%
Percent International:
7%
Application Platorm(s):
SAO
Testing Plan:
Flexible
Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire all students to improve their skills in thinking, writing, and problem-solving. Each student is encouraged to pursue the most rigorous course of study appropriate for him, including opportunities for advanced study in all disciplines.Honors level and Advanced Placement courses add significant challenges and rigors to the curriculum. Gifted students are attracted to Christ School’s high standards, which enhance the positive academic environment. Classes are small but demanding and are built around critical thinking, thorough research, analysis, and skilled writing.
Programming
Christ School offers a multitude of programs for students, athletics, arts, academic, and service programs are all available to students to participate in.
Activity/Sports Requirements
While we strongly encourage each student to participate in two team sports each year, we offer several other options. Each student is required to participate in a sport or activity each season.
Dress Code
Dress should always be neat, clean, in good repair, and appropriate for the occasion. When a student is dressed inappropriately, he will be asked to change immediately.
Seated Meals
Once a week students meet with their advisee group for lunch on wednesday.
Study Hall
In-Room Study Hall: For the disciplined student, evening studying takes place in the dorms. This two-hour time, scheduled for each evening (Sunday – Thursday) and proctored by a Houseparent and a senior leader, is time for homework completion, reading and studying. Quiet time is observed.
Evening Classroom Study Hall-S (ECSH-S): Under the direction of the Director of Learning and Support, proctors are available to help students (limited number per classroom) maintain focus and productivity during the evening study period (Sunday – Thursday). Proctors oversee student organization, prioritization, and assignment management.
Saturday Programming
The Student Engagement Office makes sure that there’s never a dull moment for the boys. On weekends the team offers trips including hikes, community service, Walmart supply runs, professional and college sporting events, concerts, and more. The cost of these activities is covered by the school to ensure that all students can participate.
Residential Life
Boarding students live on campus in six dormitories or houses: Cuningham House, Gardner House, Harris House, Bishop Noland House, South Carolina House, and Young House. Day students are also assigned to a house and participate in house trips and activities. At least two faculty members and four seniors are assigned to lead each house. Each house has two or more faculty apartments and other houseparents live in nearby campus housing. With the idea of building house unity and identity, houseparents have some autonomy in how their specific house will operate.