Frequently Asked Questions

There are still spaces available in several grades. Contact Preston Fogartie to find out about the specific grade or grades you’re interested in.

Our preschool-8th grade setting focuses on young children at an important stage of education and development; our small class sizes mean every child is known and cared for; our whole-child approach educates the mind, body, and spirit; we are an Episcopal school.

Episcopal Schools are some of the oldest and most well-regarded schools in the country. We share 
a tradition of strong academics, an approach to learning that encourages children to think for themselves, and a belief that the best education occurs within a diverse environment where students are exposed to a variety of people, perspectives, and ideas. We have all-school chapels twice a week for K-8th grades. Lower school students take spiritual development classes and middle school students take theology classes.

Teachers at all grade levels differentiate by assigning a broad variety of project-based assignments and allowing students to complete them in multiple ways and on varying levels of complexity, depending on the individual student’s needs. Assignments focus on critical and creative thinking rather than on regurgitation of facts. Student support services offer early identification of needs and targeted instruction.

Canterbury is an intentionally smaller community. We’re big enough that we offer a variety of academic and after-school options and small enough that every student is known. Unlike at larger schools, all Canterbury students participate in athletics, the arts, trips, classroom discussions, and leadership roles. 
There are about 170 students in the middle school (5th-8th grades

Canterbury graduates go to a wide range of excellent schools. Over the last six years, approximately 62 percent of Canterbury graduates have gone to local public schools; 20 percent to local independent schools; 12 percent to boarding schools; and 6 percent to other public schools such as magnet or early colleges.

Nearly 50 percent of our teachers have advanced degrees. Students have frequent opportunities for project-based experiential, team-based learning. We do not overemphasize standardized testing. Assessments instead are used to identify specific strengths and weaknesses and to inform future instruction.

Technology enhances the learning experience. Beginning in kindergarten, students use tablets in a variety of educational ways. Middle school students use iPads, laptops, and desktop computers for easy access to school materials, documents, and textbooks, and to take notes, download educational content, and keep documents up to date.

Our onsite outdoor education center allows 
us to incorporate cooperative learning and leadership skills. A service learning program in every grade is tied to spiritual development and lessons about civic responsibility.

Our arts program encourages students to be divergent, creative thinkers through drama, music, and visual arts.

Our preschool-8th grade structure allows us to concentrate on the learning needs of young children and pay special attention to middle school development without the distractions that come with a high school on campus. Canterbury middle school students have the opportunity to be leaders, are not pushed to mature too quickly, and develop strong relationships with teachers who know, love, and support them. We have found that the move from Canterbury to high school is a healthy, developmentally appropriate transition much like the transition from
high school to college.

Our Cubs and PreK program offers both half-day and full-day options, with hours from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 3:10 p.m., respectively. Students in grades K-8 attend school from 8 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. We also offer an Extended Day
program from 3:10 p.m. to 6 p.m. five days a week for an additional fee.

Yes, we have a dress code for grades K-8, which promotes self-respect, inclusiveness, and a focused learning environment. Detailed information, can be found in our student handbook or on the website.

Yes, we have learning specialists on staff to support students who need additional support or challenge beyond the classroom instruction. These services are typically offered in small groups, and students might work
with the learning specialist 1-3 times per week to ensure success. While Canterbury does not have a speech therapist or occupational therapist on staff, families can make arrangements with private providers who can,
when able, provide their services during the school day.

We believe that technology enhances the learning experience and provides opportunities for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade to engage as they learn. The usage of technology in the classroom grows as the students do; our youngest students have limited to no usage, while our middle school students have regular daily usage with a Chromebook for use in school and at home. Each classroom has a smart screen that allows teachers to show text, images, or videos in support of the curriculum. As a school, we seek to balance utilizing the tools and enhancements that technology can offer with the social skills that come from our non-technology moments.

We do not have a cafeteria on-site but hot lunches are available for pre-purchase several times per week. Lunches are delivered from local participating restaurants and caterers, and are available to students of
all ages.

Canterbury School graciously accepts and welcomes students of all faith backgrounds. We celebrate differences and encourage students to ask questions about the world around them, further developing their own spiritual identity.

Chapel services are held two or three times per week in the morning for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. PreK students attend chapel once every other week with the lower school. Led by our Chaplain and with assistance from 4th through 8th graders, services last 20-30 minutes and include a sermon given either by our Chaplain or an 8th grade student. Chapel is a time for the school community to come together through a message of positivity and a reminder to be kind and love one another.