Student Leadership
Leadership at Canterbury is built through experience. As the oldest students on a preschool–8th grade campus, middle schoolers are given meaningful opportunities to contribute to the community in visible ways.
Students learn that leadership is not always about holding a title, but about showing responsibility, empathy, and initiative in everyday moments. Through service and shared traditions, they develop confidence in their ability to positively influence the world around them.
Leading by example
Older students play an important role in supporting younger peers and shaping the culture of the school.
Chapel Buddies
Sixth grade students are intentionally matched with a student in kindergarten through our Chapel Buddy program, a tradition that forges friendships across grade levels and reinforces the community that Canterbury values. Over the course of the three years leading up to graduation, the chapel buddy pairings develop a unique and deep bond that’s nurtured through various activities and events. Beginning in Canterbury’s first year, this beloved tradition is one that students eagerly anticipate.
School Families
Each 8th grade student leads a Canterbury Family that consists of a student from every grade level K-8. They lead activities during monthly Family gatherings and hone their leadership skills through feedback shared by their Family’s faculty advisor.
Being a Servant Leader
A highlight of the middle school experience, the Canterbury servant leadership program helps students to develop empathy, responsibility, and an understanding of their impact on the larger world around them.
During weekly servant leadership classes, students volunteer off-campus at community partner organizations such as Backpack Beginnings and the Greensboro Cerebral Palsey Association. On-campus classes give students the time and space to reflect on their experiences, and better understand how their actions can make a meaningful difference.
Learning responsibility
Environmental Stewardship
The 4th and 5th grade students lead sustainability efforts by encouraging responsible habits and supporting initiatives such as recycling programs and Earth Day activities.
Outdoor Leadership
Middle school students participate in a weekly Outdoor Leadership class. Through environmental studies, our on-campus ropes course, hiking and camping trips, and team-based challenges, students progress through increasingly immersive experiences in teamwork, outdoor skills, and resiliency.
Classes are designed to encourage our students to take healthy risks, reflect on their experiences, and try again when things don’t go as planned. With a focus on choice, reflection, and personal growth, Outdoor Leadership empowers students to discover what they are capable of—on campus and far beyond it.
Finding confidence
Students regularly practice communicating ideas and presenting their work in supportive settings. Opportunities such as speaking in chapel, participating in performances, leading group activities, and presenting academic projects help students build confidence and develop their voice.
The Canterbury journey culminates in the 8th grade sermon-– a capstone experience in which students deliver a powerful message of personal reflection to the entire school community. By the time they graduate from Canterbury, students have developed into confident public speakers.
We’re here to help.
We understand that selecting the right school is a meaningful decision for your family. Our admissions team is here to provide guidance, answer questions, and support you throughout the process.
We look forward to getting to know you and helping you explore whether Canterbury is the right fit for your child.
