Academics

Academics

At Chatham Hall, we prepare girls for college and lives of purpose and creativity through a student-centered academic experience. With an 8:1 student-teacher ratio and an average class size of eight, personalized learning is at the core of our academic model.

Students are known by name, not by number, giving them meaningful access to teachers who know them, challenge them, and encourage their curiosity. Across disciplines, girls build the critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills, confidence, and perspective to find their voice, think critically, and lead with insight and integrity.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
English – 4 years
History & Social Sciences – 4 years, including World Religions, U.S. History, and Ethics*
Mathematics – 3 years, including Algebra II
Science – 3 years, including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
World Languages – 3 years of one language or 2 years of two languages (taken in grades 9–12)
Fine & Performing Arts – 1 year**
Athletics/Afternoon Activities – 4 years
 
*Beginning with the Class of 2029, Global Entrepreneurship I is also a required course that counts outside of the 4 years of History & Social Sciences.
**Beginning with the Class of 2030, 2 years of Fine & Performing Arts are required.
This structure, combined with our Advanced Programs and personalized academic approach, equips students with the knowledge, confidence, and curiosity to thrive in college and far beyond.

2026-2027 Curriculum Guide

Academic Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Explore the girls' school academic opportunities below to see how Chatham Hall extends learning beyond traditional coursework, helping students broaden their knowledge and prepare for success in college and beyond.
 
 

List of 3 items.

  • Advanced Courses

     
    Students can challenge themselves through advanced coursework that promotes deeper analysis, independent thinking, and college-level academic readiness. These classes encourage intellectual curiosity while building confidence in tackling complex subjects.

  • Global Travel Programs

    Global travel experiences connect classroom learning with real-world cultures, histories, and perspectives. Students develop greater cultural awareness, adaptability, and global citizenship through meaningful educational travel.

  • Leader in Residence

     
    The Leader in Residence program gives students the opportunity to learn directly from accomplished professionals and changemakers. Through discussions, mentorship, and shared experiences, students gain valuable leadership insights and inspiration for their own future paths.
     

A Dynamic Approach to Learning

Read the highlights below to discover how our academics girls boarding school creates an engaging academic environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and confident learning every day.

List of 3 items.

  • Collaboration & Decision Making

    One of the ways in which girls learn best is through collaboration. At Chatham Hall, you'll collaborate all the time - in and out of class. Why is collaboration so important? When you collaborate, you learn about the decision-making process and how to choose the best idea among all those generated.

  • Dynamic Learning

    A life-inspiring education is the sum of powerful parts. At Chatham Hall, these strengths include our profound commitment to critical basics such as public speaking and exceptional writing. Our faculty members are passionately dedicated to creative methods of teaching.

  • Question, Imagine, & Wonder

    The broad and deep curriculum one finds at Chatham Hall asks students to think, question, imagine, and wonder. Internal motivation and creativity bring about the best type of learning, and Chatham Hall supports your dynamic exploration.

Ask Us About:

List of 2 items.

  • Lee Library

    Lee Library is a dynamic learning commons. It serves as an academic and technological hub for collaborative learning, research, study, and teaching on campus. Integration of more advanced technology opens doors for creative new teaching methods.

  • Makerspace

    The Makerspace is home to the Tutu Turtles, our Robotics team that consistently competes at the state level. A Makerspace art elective is also offered for students to create projects using different tools, including a laser printer, 3-D printer, Cricut cutter, heat press, power tools, resin molds, and more.

Dynamic Impact Learning

The Five Focus Areas
Our Dynamic Impact Learning approach is expressed through five Focus Areas. These build on Chatham Hall’s heritage and directly support our Vision, Mission, and Values. Each is articulated through a 2050 future-present lens to help identify gaps and guide progress.

List of 5 items.

  • Personal Transformation

    Known. Challenged. Inspired.
    Every girl is known by name, challenged to grow, and inspired to discover her strengths. Through personalized learning, trusted mentors, and meaningful experiences, students develop the confidence, resilience, and agency to lead lives of impact.


  • Values-Based Leadership

    Integrity. Belonging. Purpose.
    Grounded in our Honor Code, Purple & Gold Rule, and Episcopal tradition, students learn to lead with character, compassion, and courage. They develop the ethical foundation to navigate complexity, build community, and make a meaningful difference.


  • Power of Place

    Where learning comes to life.
    Our 365-acre campus is an extension of the classroom. Whether in the barn, the Makerspace, the wellness center, chapel, or wooded trails, students learn through experience, cultivate well-being, and discover the confidence that comes from living and learning together.


  • Continuous Innovation

    Learning for what’s next.
    Innovation is woven throughout the Chatham Hall experience. From project-based learning and cutting-edge STEAM opportunities to entrepreneurship and our Equine Studies Certificate Program, students develop the creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills to thrive in a changing world.

  • Lifelong Connection

    A community that stays with you.
    At Chatham Hall, belonging begins on day one and lasts a lifetime. Through global learning, signature programs, shared traditions, and an engaged alumnae network, students build meaningful relationships that expand their perspectives and support them long after graduation.
Give your daughter the opportunity to learn, lead, and grow in an environment designed to help her reach her full potential. Through rigorous girls boarding school academics, personalized support, and meaningful learning experiences, Chatham Hall prepares students for college and lives of purpose. Contact us today to learn more about our admissions process, schedule a campus visit, or discover how our academic community can support her future success.

Explore More

List of 2 items.

  • STEAM

    Students bring ideas to life in our Makerspace, home to the Tutu Turtles, our award-winning robotics team that consistently competes at the state level (the only all-girls team in our district). Whether designing robots, engineering solutions, or creating original projects, students have access to industry-standard tools including a laser cutter, 3D printer, Cricut cutter, heat press, power tools, resin molds, and more. Through hands-on, project-based learning, our STEAM opportunities empower students to think creatively, solve real-world problems, and develop the confidence to innovate.

  • Riding Connections

    At Chatham Hall, learning extends beyond the barn. Through our Riding Theory course and Equine Science Certificate, students connect hands-on riding experiences with studies in equine science, veterinary medicine, ethics, business, and nutrition. By combining practical experience with academic exploration, students develop the knowledge, leadership, and real-world skills to pursue a wide range of equine-related opportunities.

.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • What grades does Chatham Hall accept?

    Chatham Hall welcomes students in grades 9 through 12 who are looking for a college-preparatory education within a supportive all-girls boarding school environment.

  • Why should families choose an all-girls boarding school? 

    An all-girls boarding school provides an environment where students can build confidence, develop leadership skills, participate actively in academics and athletics, and form meaningful lifelong friendships.

  • Can prospective families visit the campus before applying? 

    Yes. Families are encouraged to schedule a campus visit or attend admissions events to explore the campus, meet faculty and students, and learn more about boarding life at Chatham Hall.

  • What makes our girls’ school academic program unique? 

    The curriculum combines rigorous college-preparatory academics with personalized instruction, advanced courses, collaborative learning, and opportunities for creative and critical thinking.

  • What support do boarding students receive?

    Boarding students receive ongoing support from faculty advisors, residential staff, teachers, and counselors who help them succeed academically, socially, and personally throughout their time on campus.

.

Academics Team

List of 4 members.

  • Photo of Melissa Mitchem

    Dr. Melissa Mitchem 

    Director of Teaching, Learning, and Research
  • Photo of Tiffany Gray-Williams

    Tiffany Gray-Williams 

    Director of College Counseling; Dean of Inclusion
  • Photo of Kelsey Smith

    Ms. Kelsey Smith 

    Academic Office Assistant; Registrar; Dorm Advisor; History Department
  • Photo of Jason Gayheart

    Jason Gayheart 

    Director of Inclusive Learning and Student Success
8:1
Student:Faculty Ratio
8
Avg. Class Size
800 Chatham Hall Circle  •  Chatham, VA 24531
Main Phone
+1 434.432.2941  

Admissions Contact
+1 434.432.5516 • admissions@chathamhall.org

Boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Please enter your email above
Indicate Interest