Skip To Main Content

Academics

 

We are not only preparing students to excel in the classroom, but we are providing them the resources and opportunities to become self-directed, independent, and resilient learners and collaborators for life.

upper school student in technology class
At Christ Church Episcopal School we offer students a unique educational experience, including International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, Advanced Placement classes, and a challenging college preparatory curriculum. We develop the whole child – body, mind, and spirit – to cultivate a lifelong love for learning.
 
Excellence in and out of the classroom requires strong, sustained connection, and at CCES we believe this is foundational. Dedicated teachers with imagination and high standards build strong relationships with their students through collaboration, feedback, and ongoing support.

100% of our students are accepted into a college of their choice, SAT scores consistently outpace national averages by several hundred points, and IB scores exceed world averages.

Libraries

CCES has three libraries—one in each division—and each serves as more than just a space for books. Together, they create vibrant, student-centered environments that foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking at every grade level.

Research & Media Literacy

From Lower School through Upper School, students learn to responsibly and effectively navigate the digital world. Our curriculum emphasizes:

  • Research Skills: Students use print and digital resources to investigate topics, synthesize ideas, and share findings. These skills are foundational for major academic milestones like the Sophomore Project and Senior Capstone.
     
  • Media Literacy: We teach students to evaluate sources, understand bias, and verify information before sharing—a vital skill in today's media landscape.
Global & Digital Citizenship

We prepare students to be thoughtful, ethical participants in a globally connected world:

  • Digital Citizenship: Students learn how to use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly.
     
  • Global Exchange: Our virtual cultural exchange with students in Kenya offers authentic, eye-opening experiences that build empathy and global awareness.
Student Voice & Journalism

We offer real-world opportunities for students to explore journalism, storytelling, and ethical media practices:

  • CCTV (Middle School): Our student-run news team produces bi-weekly segments on current events and campus life while building journalism and photography skills.
     
  • Journalism Elective (Upper School): Led by our librarian, this course covers ethics, misinformation, AI in journalism, fact-checking, and bias. Students write for The Cavalier and learn from guest speakers.
Reading Engagement & Literacy Programs

We spark a lifelong love of reading through engaging experiences:

  • Story Times & Author Visits: Interactive events inspire reading and writing.
     
  • Reading Challenges: Programs like Beanstack make reading fun and trackable.
     
  • Book Fairs & Used Book Sales: These not only promote literacy but also support our library, our teachers, and children in need.
Enrichment & Community Fun

The CCES Library is a dynamic community space where learning and fun go hand in hand:

  • Library Trivia & Giveaways: Fun events that bring the CCES community together.
     
  • Parent Partnerships: We collaborate with parents to support reading at home and make our library a welcoming space for the whole community.

Technology & Innovation

From interactive classroom engagement to empowering students as creators of digital content, our approach emphasizes active learning over passive consumption. As technology continues to evolve, we focus on building strong foundational concepts while sparking curiosity and encouraging creative problem-solving. Through hands-on experiences, students gain the confidence and skills they need to use digital tools thoughtfully, effectively, and responsibly.

lower school students in technology class

Lower School

Lower School students build a strong foundation in digital literacy through online research, productivity tools, file management, and multimedia project creation. They also begin exploring simple programming concepts, developing early coding and programming skills through age-appropriate, hands-on activities that foster creativity and critical thinking.
students in tide classroom

Middle School

Middle School students explore graphic design software, basic programming and robotics, 3D modeling and printing, podcasting, and video production. 

upper school students

upper school

The Upper School offers courses in digital media, computer science, robotics, pre-engineering, programming, drones, and digital electronics. Technology training, online safety, and ethical use of digital media are integrated into each division’s curriculum.

Tools for the Classroom

Academic classrooms at CCES are thoughtfully equipped with modern technology to support dynamic, focused learning. Most rooms feature wireless microphone systems to minimize distractions and enhance clarity, along with flat-panel displays or projection systems for digital instruction. Students in grades 5–11 are issued Chromebooks, giving them seamless access to digital textbooks, thousands of eBooks, research tools, and Schoology, the digital hub where students access assignments, class materials, and communicate with faculty.

LSacademiaBSJ02983.jpg
3rd Grade Students