As an Episcopal school we welcome students from all faiths, because our identity as a community of faith is at the center of all that we do. We offer a balance among academics, the arts, athletics, service, and the fostering of a spiritual life. We value the unique character that each individual brings to the school and strive to recognize the strengths in each child.David PadillaHead of School
Our Mission
A CCES education prepares students to think deeply, act responsibly, live vigorously, believe faithfully, lead resolutely, and create imaginatively.
See why cces is where you belong!
A Loving Community
As an Episcopal School we are upheld by the Baptismal Covenant which calls us “to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.”
Educating the whole student
Students can explore their interests and passions through opportunities in athletics, the arts, leadership, worship, service, and more.
Embracing Challenge and Opportunity
As an independent school, CCES offers an educational experience that is truly unique. Small classes, dedicated faculty, and well-rounded programs help to create a supportive yet challenging environment where students can learn, grow, and excel.
Providing Support Along the Way
In partnership with students, teachers, and parents, CCES counselors and chaplains help nurture students’ intellectual development, personal integrity, and sense of community and self-worth.
Our Foundation our future
Latest School News
Cassie Webber, Director of Young Alumni Relations & Communications
The CCES community recently hosted two memorable alumni lunches at Clemson University on January 24, 2025 and the University of South Carolina on February 7, 2025.
The CCES community recently hosted two memorable alumni lunches at Clemson University on January 24, 2025 and the University of South Carolina on February 7, 2025. These events were filled with joy, laughter, and a strong sense of camaraderie as faculty, staff, and recent CCES alumni came together to reconnect and share stories.
Recognizing that it isn’t always convenient for college-aged alumni to travel back to Greenville, the CCES team brought the connection to them. With a catered meal, CCES alumni swag, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, these gatherings provided an opportunity for alumni to catch up with former teachers and mentors while also strengthening their ties to the CCES community.
The events featured several familiar faces from CCES, including Head of School David Padilla, Director of College Counseling Linda Schultz, Grade Level Dean of Students Aaron Whited, Upper School English Teacher Matt Jacobssen, and Senior Chaplain Father Wallace. Their presence underscored the school’s commitment to maintaining lifelong relationships with its students, well beyond graduation.
For many attendees, the lunches were more than just reunions—they were opportunities to relive cherished memories, share new experiences, and affirm the lasting impact of their time at CCES. As a new member of the CCES alumni team, I (Cassie) was especially inspired to witness firsthand the deep investment faculty and staff continue to have in their former students' lives. Equally heartening was seeing how much our alumni value their connections to CCES.
These gatherings reinforced the strong bonds that make the CCES community special, and we are beyond grateful for our alumni. We look forward to many more opportunities to connect and celebrate our ever-growing CCES family in the future!
The Rev. Wallace Adams-Riley, Senior Chaplain
Periodically, in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, at the heart of our campus, I’ll homilize on how the liturgy, our worship, trains us for the world.
This blog was originally published by the National Association of Episcopal Schools. NAES invited Father Wallace to write a post on Social Justice, one of the Four Pillars of Episcopal Identity.
Not every student will be a Naya Bakaes.
By that I mean, not every student in an Episcopal school will start a robust peer mentoring program, as Naya did, before graduating from high school. That said, at Christ Church Episcopal School (CCES), in Greenville, South Carolina, where since 2018 I’ve served as Senior Chaplain, and at Episcopal schools across the country, students are consistently invited, encouraged, even urged, we could say, to claim their unique part in helping this world be more the way God intends the world to be.
Periodically, in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, at the heart of our campus, I’ll homilize on how the liturgy, our worship, trains us for the world. At the Eucharist, there is room for everyone at the holy table. No one is turned away. We exchange peace. Beauty elevates—beauty in faces, in spirit, in glass, in song. We are in harmony. We give thanks, we celebrate. We are mindful of God’s presence and of the worth and dignity of all gathered. And then we take all of that out into the world with us, as a vision of what God wants for the whole human family: welcome, kindness, belonging, peace, joy, and love. It’s what we’re talking about in the post-communion prayer, just before we head out the Chapel doors when we speak of the work God has given us to do. It’s what Jesus was talking about when he taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” It’s what Dr. King was talking about when he spoke of the Beloved Community. It’s what we mean when we say Social Justice. Making the world more the way God intends the world to be.
And at CCES, as at countless other Episcopal schools, we don’t just preach about Social Justice, of course. We aim to live it, to embody it. Through simple acts of kindness and welcome each day. Through a student body that over time mirrors more fully the people of upstate South Carolina. Through steadily working to help everyone at CCES have a true sense of belonging. Through financial aid opportunities. Through having honest if sometimes uncomfortable conversations about how things are versus how things should be. Through service learning experiences across the greater Greenville-Spartanburg area.
Last week, in honor of Dr. King, we sent our 438 Upper Schoolers out to spend a morning serving around Greenville. A colleague and I were with a group of our seniors at Greenville’s Triune Mercy Center, where we packed bags with food items for an upcoming distribution. While there, we talked with one of the Triune pastors, the Reverend Jennifer Fouse Sheorn, about what it’s like to live on the streets of the city. In particular, Jennifer helped us think about just how hard, if not downright impossible, it is for a person who is unhoused in Greenville to find a place to use the restroom. And, in turn, just how easy it is to end up getting arrested for relieving oneself in, say, an alley. And how such arrests can all too easily stack up. And how getting such arrests expunged from one’s record is impossibly expensive. Pastor Jennifer also spoke about the whole array of ministries Triune has for and with the homeless of Greenville: meals; medical and legal aid; addiction and mental health counseling; and social services. All of these, of course, have the aim of helping men, women, and children who are unhoused find their way out of homelessness and into stability and, ultimately, into a flourishing worthy of their dignity as beloved children of God.
At CCES, our hope is that in part through experiences like the one our students had last week at Triune Mercy Center, each of our students will find, as Naya Bakaes did in her years with us, those special ways to play a part in making the world a kinder, more humane, more welcoming, more peaceful place. Inevitably we will have different ideas about what Social Justice looks like. And given how language easily becomes freighted with distracting associations, there are students and families at Episcopal schools who think of what they do, not as “Social Justice,” but simply as living out their faith, or perhaps as just being a good neighbor.
Kelsey Long, Social Media Coordinator
Since 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have recognized the vision, ingenuity, and talent of our nation’s youth...
Since 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have recognized the vision, ingenuity, and talent of our nation’s youth— young artists and writers, filmmakers and photographers, poets and sculptors, video game artists and science fiction writers— and provided opportunities for creative students to be celebrated.
Hundreds of thousands of works are submitted at the regional level, with more than 2,000 public, private and home-schooled students receiving national recognition. CCES competes in the Southeast Region at Large, which extends from Washington, DC to the Caribbean. This year, we had seven CCES students who earned awards, including 2 Gold Key, 3 Silver Keys, and 2 Honorable Mentions. Our Gold Key winners will be entered in the National Contest.
Congratulations to the following students:
Gold Key: The very best works submitted to Region-at-Large programs. Gold Key works are automatically considered for national-level recognition.
Banks Horton ’27 for Photography
Sophia Malave ’27 for Digital Art
Silver Key: Distinguished work submitted to Region-at-Large programs demonstrating achievement.
Christopher Kanos ’28 for Photography
Charlie Lowrance ’28 for Photography
Ryan Von Wyl ’27 for Photography
Honorable Mention: Accomplished works submitted to Region-at-Large programs showing great skill and potential.
Charlotte McKillop ’28 for Photography
Campbell Miller ’28 for Photography
Kelsey Long, Social Media Coordinator
Christ Church Episcopal School celebrated the successes of two senior student-athletes during a signing ceremony on February 5th.
Christ Church Episcopal School celebrated the successes of two senior student-athletes during a signing ceremony on February 5th. Family, teammates, coaches, and school officials gathered in Rooke Theater to watch Acie Hatfield and Jackson Repp sign their letters of intent. Acie Hatfield will be playing football at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina and Jackson Repp will be playing football at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina.
Director of Athletics, Molly Miller, welcomed family, coaches, administration, teachers, friends, and teammates of these two seniors and thanked them for all their support in both athletic and academic endeavors. She described both Acie and Jackson as role models to their teammates and future generations of Cavalier Football athletes. Miller went on to expand on each student, sharing thoughts from teachers and coaches.
Acie Hatfield is described by his teachers as a kind-hearted student dedicated to improving both on the football field and in the classroom. His confidence allows him to collaborate effortlessly, be a sound decision maker, and be a true team player. Head Varsity Football Coach (and Acie’s dad) Quin Hatfield, described him as a player and teammate who shows unwavering effort, a competitive fire, and deep respect for the game. Coach Hatfield reminisced on Acie’s transition from Quarterback to Safety his freshman year and his goal to be one of the hardest hitting safeties to ever play at Christ Church - a pursuit that earned him the nickname “Hitman Hatfield.” Acie has represented Christ Church Football in an excellent manner and will no doubt do the same at The Citadel.
Jackson Repp is described by his teachers as a hard worker, a collaborative learner, and someone with a strong inner drive. They highlighted his exceptional athleticism and consistent execution, while always remaining teachable. Coach Hatfield refers to Jackson as one of the most dynamic football players he has ever had the privilege of watching. Jackson’s commitment to the game is evident in his attention to detail, dedication in the weight room and on the practice field, and his competitive spirit. Despite facing an injury this past football season, Coach Hatfield noted how he demonstrated both humility and his competitive nature by trading a helmet for a headset. Jackson is a proven playmaker and will no doubt continue to be successful at the University of South Carolina.
Congrats to Acie and Jackson on all they’ve accomplished at Christ Church and the exciting things ahead in their athletic career. While they’ll soon be competing with new teams, they will always be Cavaliers. Go Cavs!
For more photos from the ceremony, please click here.
Todd N. Monsell, Upper School Choir Director & Music Teacher
Twelve Upper School Choir students traveled to Florence, SC, on January 24-25 to participate in the SC American Choral Directors Association High School Honor Choirs.
Twelve Upper School Choir students traveled to Florence, SC, on January 24-25 to participate in the SC American Choral Directors Association High School Honor Choirs. After a competitive audition process in the fall, these students were selected from a large pool of singers across the state.
The students spent two days rehearsing before performing at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center. Under Dr. Julie Yu (Oklahoma City University), six students (Kinsley Bitner, Lindsey Bowie, Celina Brotherton, Anna Bruner, Izzy Kimmell, and Skylyr Yearby) performed in the SSAA Honor Choir, singing pieces in Latin, Korean, and English. Another six students (Ben Brownlee, Luke Brownlee, Alex Greene, Fitz Keller, Julian Monsell, and Gavin Nichols) performed in the TTBB Honor Choir under Dr. Jefferson Johnson (University of Kentucky), singing in English, Latin, and Bemba.
A special congratulations to Luke Brownlee, who earned a solo in the final TTBB piece, Cornerstone!
Bravo to all our talented singers!
Eli Connaughton Jordan ’86, Graphic Design and Marketing Manager
One night last spring while finishing her sophomore year at Christ Church Episcopal School, Amanda de Leon was searching for a TED Talk to use for her speech and debate declamation.
One night last spring while finishing her sophomore year at Christ Church Episcopal School, Amanda de Leon was searching for a TED Talk to use for her speech and debate declamation. As she scrolled through various topics, a question struck her: “Why can’t we do this in Greenville, but with young people?” A quick search revealed that they could—and she could be the one to make it happen.
Determined, Amanda set to work creating what would become the first TEDx Youth event in the Upstate. She secured a license from TEDx, bringing TEDxFive Forks Youth from concept to reality.
While the idea took shape that night, Amanda’s motivation had been building for much longer. “I felt that a lot of kids in Greenville might have a passion for this kind of thing, and this was something we could drive all by ourselves. That is what I really wanted.”
Unsure where to start, she emailed the SC Youth in Government program, asking them to spread the word. The communication resulted in sixteen volunteers, none of whom she had previously known. She organized them into committees, covering production, marketing, finance, and speaker selection from 26 applications.
Ultimately, they chose seven speakers, each from different Greenville high schools. The talks covered diverse topics: light pollution, true leadership, understanding medical limits, teen finance, and the impacts of substance abuse on youth.
With committees in place and speakers selected, the team was ready to dive in—but obstacles kept appearing. Hurricane Helene disrupted meetings for two weeks. Then came the Youth in Government conference, the presidential election, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. “There were a lot of times we didn't think it was going to come together,” Amanda admitted. “But I never thought, ‘I’m going to quit.’ This experience showed me that if I set my mind to something, I can make it happen.”
Beyond these setbacks, they faced logistical challenges: securing funding, finding a venue, and publicizing the event. Everyday, in addition to the heavy workload of junior year, Amanda dedicated two to three hours or more to planning, coordinating volunteers, and troubleshooting.
Snow presented a scheduling hiccup, but finally, with over 100 tickets sold, they were ready for the event, which would be held at the Kroc Center on January 24th. “The day of the event was like a fever dream,” she recalled. “I couldn’t believe it was actually happening. Then we started having technical difficulties, and I knew it was real.”
Because they couldn’t afford extra hours for rehearsals and testing, they encountered unexpected issues. “First, the microphone didn’t work. Then the projection screens took forever to load. There were also volume issues,” she said. “For most of it, I was just running around making sure everything was okay. But in between, I got to sit and watch the speakers and audience, and I thought, ‘Wow. We did this. This is here because of us.’”
Despite the challenges, Amanda and her team are eager to do it again. She hopes to work with TEDx Greenville and engage middle school students to expand participation. “I’d really hate for this to be the first and last TEDx Youth event in the Upstate. I want this to be the start of many.”
Kelsey Long, Social Media Coordinator
Adam’s journey at Christ Church Episcopal School started in 2nd grade and has been one of growth, leadership, and passion—both on the basketball court and beyond.
Adam’s journey at Christ Church Episcopal School started in 2nd grade and has been one of growth, leadership, and passion—both on the basketball court and beyond. Growing up in Greenville, Adam’s first experience with basketball came around the age of five when he began playing at home with his brothers. He knew from the start that basketball was his sport of choice, as he was drawn to basketball’s unique style of conditioning and its combination of strategy and artistry. “It’s just always been basketball. I love how the game flows. You don’t have to think—you just play,” Adam explained.
When Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach, John Butler, first met Adam in 5th grade, he remembers him as quiet and reserved. But when Adam joined the varsity team in 10th grade, Coach Butler quickly saw a different side of him – on the court, Adam was a fierce competitor. By his junior year, Adam had emerged as a key player, taking on a more offensive role and often being tasked with guarding the best players on the opposing teams. Now, as the only senior on the team, he’s naturally stepped into a leadership role. "As soon as summer began, he made sure the guys were doing what they needed to do to be successful," Coach Butler said. "He’s the voice in the locker room and during timeouts." With bigger games ahead, Coach Butler is confident Adam will continue to lead by example and rise to the challenge.
Adam’s hard work on the court hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s been named to the All-Region team for the past two years, awarded “Player of the Game” in the 2024 state championship, and earned “Defensive Player of the Year” and “Co-MVP” honors in past seasons. But for Adam, basketball is about more than just accolades, it’s been a powerful teacher in his life. “Basketball has taught me to face challenges head-on,” he said. “Coach Butler has been instrumental in building my confidence. He’s tough but always dropping knowledge, and that’s helped me develop into the player and person I am today.”
Adam also reflected on the tight-knit bond formed with his varsity teammates. “We’re like family,” he explained. “We travel together a lot, and the challenges we face on the road really bring us closer together.” This sense of camaraderie has been especially evident during some of Adam’s most memorable moments, like during the 3rd round of the playoffs his sophomore year, when the Cavaliers played Calhoun Falls in front of a rowdy crowd. Even though they played the game at home, the gym was filled with opposing fans, making it feel like a road game. But Adam and his teammates rose to the challenge and pulled off a big win. “It lit a fire in us,” he remembered.
To future CCES athletes, Adam offers some valuable advice: “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to perform. Find joy in the process, and remember there’s more to life than just basketball. Make sure you have other outlets that bring you happiness.”
One outlet for Adam has been his art classes with Upper School Art Teacher, Dana Kimmell. He began taking her class during his junior year and quickly grew to love it. Adam enjoys working with 3D mediums like cardboard and wood, as well as pencil drawings. “Art is a way for me to express myself, and it’s a relaxing time where I can just let my mind flow,” he said. Ms. Kimmell noted how she’s seen him grow tremendously as an artist in the past year, mainly due to his inquisitive character and always wanting to be challenged. She stated that “Adam sees art as a way to develop skills, such as problem-solving and observation, that will benefit him in life.”
In addition to basketball and art, Adam is also a part-time business owner. Last summer, he joined his friend, Jacob McCormac ’25 in starting a business called Sky High Bouncer, renting inflatables for parties, and Forest Fire Wood, splitting and selling firewood. “I just called him one night and asked him to join in on the venture, and we’ve been working together ever since,” Jacob explained. He described Adam as consistent, determined, and a very hard worker.
Looking ahead, Adam plans to attend the University of South Carolina, where he hopes to major in Pharmaceutical Sciences, a career path that blends his passion for chemistry and desire to help others. “I’ve always loved chemistry,” he shares. “And I want to use that passion to help people.” In the years to come, it’s clear that Adam will continue to be a force for good, both on and off the court. As Coach Butler, Ms. Kimmell, his teammates, and his friends have all noted, Adam’s ability to balance his passion for sports with his kindness, wisdom, and curiosity about the world will guide him to make a lasting impact wherever he goes.
To cheer on Adam & the boys varsity basketball team this season, check out their schedule here.
To check out Sky High Rentals, visit their website or their Instagram.
Kelsey Long, Social Media Coordinator
On Thursday, January 23, CCES Upper School students and faculty gathered in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd for the annual Epiphany Chapel service.
On Thursday, January 23, CCES Upper School students and faculty gathered in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd for the annual Epiphany Chapel service. In addition to celebrating the beginning of Epiphany season when God made himself known to the world through Jesus, we also celebrate our CCES Epiphany Scholar. This scholarship was established in 1991 and is advanced by the Rector of Christ Church Episcopal to honor a student who exemplifies a commitment to Christian values through worship, sensitivity, and outreach to others. The student should also exemplify a personal manifestation of love of God and God’s people in one’s daily life at school, at church, and within the community. This year’s Epiphany Scholar Award recipient is Jake Iskandar ’25.
Bartley Sides, Associate Director of College Counseling, introduced Jake. He described him as “a young person who doesn’t just pass through the world, he engages with it, and makes you feel noticed, understood, and valued in the process.”
As Jake’s college counselor, Mr. Sides reflected on the impact the young man has had on the Cavalier community. Despite facing a series of difficult challenges over the last few years, Jake has demonstrated resilience and unwavering optimism. In the spring of 2023, he lost one of his best friends, Ace Pohl, in an accident that deeply affected the entire CCES community. In the midst of this tragedy, Jake stood strong and was a pillar of support for his peers. His strength extends beyond the physical or mental, it’s spiritual -- he recognizes that true strength lies not in what you can accomplish, but the ability to uplift others. Elected Senior Class President, he has led with a sense of duty and joy, never forgetting that leadership is about service. Mr. Sides described Jake as one who “not only lives by the values of commitment, service, and faith, but who actively embodies them in every aspect of his life.”
Jake's close friend, Elliott Jeray ’25, spoke about their friendship and described him as “someone who constantly looks for ways to make a positive impact.” Elliott reflected on how Jake’s integrity, emotional wisdom, and deep faith led the community through the heartbreaking loss of Ace, and continues to lead and counsel his classmates with care through whatever they need. “The Epiphany Scholarship is a testament to who he is -- his intellect, compassion, leadership, and his faith,” Elliott shared.
Congratulations to Jake Iskandar, our 2025 Epiphany Scholar! CCES is grateful for everything you have brought to this school community, and how you lead through service to others.
Eli Connaughton Jordan ’86, Graphic Design and Marketing Manager
At CCES, LS Counselor Valerie Riddle, MS Counselor Lydia Pettigrew, and US Counselor Zay Kittredge ‘06 are dedicated to supporting not only students but also parents and families in meaningful and intentional ways.
At CCES, LS Counselor Valerie Riddle, MS Counselor Lydia Pettigrew, and US Counselor Zay Kittredge ‘06 are dedicated to supporting not only students but also parents and families in meaningful and intentional ways. Through innovative programming and resources, they are always creating new opportunities for parents to connect, learn, and feel supported as they navigate the complexities of raising children in today’s world.
This year, the three have launched “Counselors Corner.” Designed to align with developmental stages across all divisions, programming will continue to focus on themes like mental wellness, healthy technology habits, and balancing academics with emotional well-being. But the team hopes to elevate a spirit of collaboration by creating environments where parents can share experiences and strategies. “We want our parents to have a place where they will feel heard, understood, and supported,” says Ms. Pettigrew.
Inspired by the discussions around last year’s parent book club selection, Never Enough by Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Ms. Riddle says, “The conversations were just fabulous. I think parents felt that they could be real and be vulnerable.”
While the counseling team will continue to invite speakers and host video screenings or workshops, they hope that these collaborative sessions will empower parents to feel less isolated in their challenges.
“There is not just one person, one way, or one great solution for the challenges our students and parents are facing,” said Mr. Kittredge. “That’s why these conversations are so important.”
Parents will be made aware of topics a month ahead of these gatherings, so that they have time to formulate their own thoughts and questions, while summaries and additional resources will be provided after the fact, ensuring that even those who cannot attend stay informed and connected.
The team also has put together a Parent Toolbox, which is accessible online and regularly updated. This resource is tailored to reflect the values and needs of our school community, offering guidance on everything from managing screen time to promoting mindfulness and play. The content is not prescriptive but provides diverse perspectives for parents to consider as they find what works best for their families.
“In a way, we are curators,” says Ms. Pettigrew. “We are constantly reading, reviewing, researching to provide what we hope are a range of helpful resources for our parents.”
By fostering partnerships with families, our counseling team, along with CCES faculty, coaches, and administrators, hopes to underscore its role as a community resource —one that embraces the joys and challenges of parenting with open arms. “We welcome every question, every challenge,” Ms. Pettigrew says. “No matter how difficult, we can navigate through together.”