Academics

Academics

By creating a learning environment built specifically for girls, teachers have the flexibility to teach based on students' unique understanding. Here, our students feel seen and heard and are active in their learning.

At Chatham Hall, a tight-knit bond with teachers guides each girl's learning. It allows students to see the best in themselves while bringing out the best in others and igniting the light in them.

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Leader in Residence
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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.
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 of all those generated.
Question, Imagine, & Wonder

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

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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.
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.

Academics Team

List of 4 members.

Martha Griswold

Dean of Academics; French Teacher

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Martha Griswold was born and raised in Massachusetts where she worked for most of her career before coming to Chatham Hall in 2008. She received both bachelor's and master's degrees in French from the University of Massachusetts. After studying and teaching for two years in France, she began her career in independent schools where she has taught many different disciplines and age groups, served as department head, academic dean, and dean of students. Martha's favorite campus traditions are Senior Chapel Talks and the frequent singing of our beautiful Alma Mater.
Dr. Laura Daniel

Director of Academic Support; Psychology Teacher

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Laura Daniel graduated from the College of William & Mary with a bachelor's degree in business and psychology and a master's degree in counseling. She completed her Ph.D. in counseling and counselor education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Prior to serving as director of academic support, she worked as a counselor and teacher at Danville Community College, primarily responsible for coordinating services for students with disabilities. Laura lives in Danville with her husband and three daughters.
Shannon Crews

Assistant to the Dean of Academics; Registrar

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Shannon Crews returned to Chatham Hall in 2022 as a member of the Academic Office. She received a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech and Master of Business Administration from Longwood University, and also holds a teaching certification from the University of Virginia's College at Wise.
Dr. Erin McHugh

Dean of College Counseling; Standardized Testing Coordinator

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Dean of College Counseling Dr. Erin McHugh began at Chatham Hall in 2017. Erin has received an Ed.D. from Saint Joseph's University, an M.A. from La Salle University, and a B.A. from Loyola University Maryland. She previously worked as a scholarship consultant for International Scholarship and Tuition Services and as the director of enrollment management for the Temple University College of Liberal Arts.