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At Christ School, boys become better versions of themselves: better students, friends, sons, brothers, and human beings. In this evolution, the Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, North Carolina, play a backdrop and serve as a living laboratory.
Here, boys from 18 states and eight countries can access opportunities few other schools have the capacity to offer. Perhaps the most unique of them all is the Robert Morgan ’36 aviation programme — one of only three like it in the US. Named after a Greenie who flew the Memphis Bells in World War II, the programme covers aerodynamics, flight mechanics, aviation safety and air traffic control and provides access to state-of-the-art flight simulators and aircraft. In short, trainees get 10 hours of flight time and the entire ground school, plus all of the academic course work that you would do to get your pilot’s license.
But what sets it apart is that it’s run by a parent and a faculty member. Both are former military fighter pilots — Spanish teacher Les Thornbury, who flew for seven years with the Navy, and parent Stephen Hoffert P’26, a retired career Air Force pilot. And what further distinguishes the programme is that no other high school programme has a plane that’s designed to undertake aerobatics.
The Robert Morgan ’36 aviation programme is one of only three high school aviation programs in the country. Source: Christ School
“We didn’t just buy the plane to have fun, we bought it because it will better prepare the boys for any flying situation that may arise,” says Thornbury. “He will know what it feels like to enter into a spin and will therefore be able to anticipate and correct it if it happens in the future. From a safety perspective, we think we are building better pilots.”
In fact, the school’s 500-acre campus is witness to scores of boys who are becoming better in all their passions and pursuits. Complementing their expert team of teachers is a full suite of well-equipped and well-designed academic, athletic, spiritual, and residential facilities, as well as seven miles of trails, a lake, and an outdoor chapel. Each offers countless ways for students to engage with the environment, host house-centered activities, and compete in intramural sports teams — sometimes all at once. The Patrick Beaver Student Centre, for example, is where students relax, play ping pong, foosball, or pool, watch a movie, reflect in a century-old chapel or eat a pizza with friends.
But nothing pushes their limits more than Christ School’s outdoor programme. In whitewater rivers, formidable mountains, and miles of trails, including the Appalachian Trail, Greenies kayak, climb, mountain bike, camp, fly fish and more. It’s a training ground with as many majestic sights as there are benefits for one’s physical and mental well-being. Apart from boosting their fitness and endurance, the programme serves as a refreshing break from the stresses of homework and exams, allowing students to relax and recharge.
Step beyond campus and Christ School students have the best of urban living in Asheville, North Carolina, in the western part of the state, too. Rich with architectural heritage and cultural offerings, this is where students can explore historic buildings and modern design and deepen their understanding of architectural principles and history. On weekends, the boarding team organises trips, including community service, Walmart supply runs, professional and college sporting events, NBA and NFL games, concerts, and more — all of which are paid for by the school.
The outdoor programme offers mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, fly fishing, adventure racing and skiing. Source: Christ School
Exciting, experiential eighth-grade programme
One of the best grades to join Christ School is that critical period between middle to high school: eighth grade. This is when boys follow a broad curriculum that covers modules like “Introduction to World Languages” and “Character Education & Leadership Development” The goal is to prepare students for what’s ahead, sharpening the academic, social, and problem-solving skills necessary for success in high school and beyond.
This approach has a great track record. As many as 97% of students matriculate from eighth to ninth grade and almost half of students who attend Christ School from eighth grade through their senior year are named senior leaders. “Eighth grade at Christ School has better prepared me for high school than anywhere else. The eighth-grade teachers know what is required in ninth grade and really make sure you are prepared,” shares Richard Magruder.
When they enter grades nine to 12, they’re ready to take on bigger pursuits, such as the Engineering programme. Designed to develop creative problem solvers, boys start by mastering the “Principles of Engineering” and end with AP Computer Science. What’s next are some of the top colleges and universities in the world, the likes of Duke, Harvard, West Point, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, and more.
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