About Collegiate

OUr Mission

The mission of Collegiate School is to create a diverse and inclusive community of learners committed to a challenging and supportive educational experience that will foster the intellectual, moral, emotional, and physical development of each student.

Students enjoying a school spirit activity

Students learning together with a tablet

Students smiling together at a school event

Students participating in an outdoor school activity

Teacher helping students during a lesson

Students smiling, showing their painted hands

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At Collegiate School, every student has the opportunity to grow, excel, and lead in a supportive and inspiring environment. We invite you to discover how Collegiate can help your child reach their full potential and become a confident, capable citizen of the world. Together, we shape the leaders of tomorrow.

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OUR VALUES

Collegiate School is a community with a continuing commitment to the following shared values. These values guide our philosophy, educational program, and daily interaction.

HONOR

Personal integrity and devotion to the truth, which make one trustworthy, forthright, responsible, and fair.

love of learning

A creative spirit that promotes intellectual and personal growth through exploration, inquiry, and openness to change.

Excellence

A sustained commitment to meeting high standards of character, achievement, and personal accountability.

Values graphic

Respect

Fundamental regard for the dignity and worth of each individual.

Community

A commitment to responsive and compassionate citizenship and service on campus, in the local community, and in the broader world.

traditions

On Page Image

Collegiate traditions bring our community together, celebrate our shared values, and create lasting memories. Many of these cherished traditions have been passed down through generations of Cougars.

Lower School
Convocation Convocation officially opens the school year with an all-school assembly on Grover Jones Field. Dressed in green and gold, students and faculty come together to celebrate the year ahead and show their Cougar pride. Pep Rally and Homecoming Weekend Homecoming brings the Collegiate community together for a spirited weekend, beginning with an all-school pep rally on Friday and continuing with the Homecoming football game on Saturday afternoon. Lower School Gatherings Throughout the year, Lower School students and faculty come together for five special gatherings to learn, celebrate, and build community. Veterans Day Gathering The Lower School honors Veterans Day by welcoming Collegiate faculty and staff members who have served or currently serve in the military. Students learn from their experiences and photographs submitted by family and friends are shared in a slideshow. Lower School Chapel The Lower School gathers for five chapel programs throughout the year, each offering an opportunity for reflection, celebration, and community. Chapels include Kindness and Community, Thanksgiving, Kindergarten Christmas, Easter, and Senior Speakers, which honors graduating Seniors who are children of our Lower School faculty and staff. Families are invited to attend the Kindergarten Christmas Chapel. States Fair Second Grade students become experts on a state of their choosing through research, creative projects, and presentations. The experience culminates in a spirited celebration featuring student performances, state-inspired hats, and a patriotic musical performance for families, faculty, and students. Halloween Parade and Ton of Coins Lower School students parade through the Middle and Upper Schools in their Halloween costumes. Students in JK-12 participate by contributing coins to a schoolwide collection that supports the School's financial assistance program. Concert of Carols Third Grade students celebrate the holiday season with the Concert of Carols, performing the Christmas story through songs, instrumental music, and performances for family and friends. Grandparents and Special Friends Day Grandparents and Special friends are invited to campus for a special First Grade theatrical performance. Following the performance, guests visit classrooms and gather for a reception with students and teachers. Village Green Fair The Village Green Fair (VGF) is a beloved two-day spring tradition and the Parents' Association's largest fund raising event of the year. The weekend features shopping and special activities on Friday, followed by a festive carnival on Saturday that brings the entire Collegiate Community together. Mother's Day and Special Friends Tea In May, Kindergarten students welcome their mothers and special friends to a tea featuring songs and poems are performed by the students. Crossing the Bridge Crossing the Bridge celebrates the transition from Lower School to Middle School. School leaders recognize the 4th Grade students as the cross the Miller Bridge, where Middle School students greet them with cheers and a warm welcome. Fourth Grade Moving Up Celebration The Fourth Grade Moving Up Celebration marks the culmination of students' Lower School experience and their transition to Middle School. Students celebrate with their families, teachers, and Lower School staff during a ceremony typically held on the Watt Courtyard lawn.
Middle School
Convocation Convocation officially opens the school year with an all-school assembly on Grover Jones Field. Dressed in green and gold, students and faculty come together to celebrate the year ahead and show their Cougar pride. Pep Rally and Homecoming Weekend Homecoming brings the Collegiate community together for a spirited weekend, beginning with an all-school pep rally on Friday and continuing with the Homecoming football game on Saturday afternoon. 5th/8th Grade Buddies Throughout the school year, 5th and 8th Grade students are paried as buddies and have opportunities to spend time together. Older students serve as mentors, helping younger students get to know Middle School life and build connections across grades. 5th and 6th Grade Time Outs Fifth and 6th Grader students enjoy an afternoon of treats, games, and festivities on the Middle School front lawn. This special event is sponsored by the Parents’ Association. Ton of Coins Students in JK-12 participate by contributing coins to a schoolwide collection that supports the School's financial assistance program. The Lower School students march through the Middle and Upper Schools in their Halloween costumes. Lessons and Carols Lessons and Carols is an annual holiday service of readings and songs for boys in Grades 5-12, featuring student choristers, handbell musicians, and grade-level Scripture readings. Pageant The Pageant is a Christmas play performed by girls in Grades 5-12 at All Saints Church on River Road. A cherished Collegiate tradition dating back to 1940, the popular performances are open to the public. Brunch Brunch is a one-of-a-kind theatrical tradition performed by Junior girls in honor of Senior girls during Thanksgiving week. All girls in Grades 5-12 are invited to attend, the the theme remains a secret until the performance. With no academic classes that day, Brunch is a memorable day of celebration and community for Middle and Upper School girls. Village Green Fair and 8th Grade Fun Night The Village Green Fair (VGF) is a beloved two-day spring tradition and the Parents' Association's largest fund raising event of the year. The weekend features shopping and special activities on Friday, followed by a festive carnival on Saturday that brings the entire Collegiate Community together. On Friday evening, 8th Grader students gather for a special night of inflatables, fun, and fellowship in anticipation of the Fair. Envision Richmond Envision Richmond is a place-based Capstone experience that immerses 8th Grade students in the Richmond community. Through hands-on experiences, students develop the skills and confidence to become lifelong responsible citizens and make a positive difference in the world around them.
Upper School
Honor Code Signing Ceremony Each fall, the Upper School community comes together to reaffirm Collegiate's commitment to honor and integrity. The Honor Council leads the ceremony, and every student signs the Honor Code as a personal pledge to uphold its values. Convocation Convocation officially opens the school year with an all-school assembly on Grover Jones Field. Dressed in green and gold, students and faculty come together to celebrate the year ahead and show their Cougar pride. Pep Rally and Homecoming Weekend Homecoming brings the Collegiate community together for a spirited weekend, beginning with an all-school pep rally on Friday and continuing with the Homecoming football game on Saturday afternoon. In the Upper School, a Homecoming Dance is held on Saturday night. Senior Speeches Seniors give a speech on a topic of their choice to the Upper School students and faculty. The students meet with their respective Senior speech mentors to receive direction and approval on their speech. Senior/Fleur Junios and Senior girls, interested in participating, are paired in the fall and share a big sister/little sister relationship. SCA Donut Delight Throughout the year, the SCA (student government) hosts Donut Delight, providing students and faculty with hot chocolate, coffee, and donuts. These informal gatherings are a favorite opportunity for students and faculty to connect and enjoy time together. Odd Ball Each fall, Upper School students celebrate Halloween with Odd Ball, a spirited dance with costumes. Students often attend in groups and get creative with their costumes. Ton of Coins Students in JK-12 participate by contributing coins to a schoolwide collection that supports the School's financial assistance program. The Lower School students march through the Middle and Upper Schools in their Halloween costumes. Feast of Juul A cherishd Senior tradition since 1987, the Feast of Juul brings Senior boys and faculty together for an evening of dinner, humor, and celebration. The festivities continue late in to the night with games, food, and fellowship before concluding with breakfast together. Lessons and Carols Lessons and Carols is an annual holiday service of readings and songs for 5th-12th Grade boys, featuring student choristers, handbell musicians, and grade-level scripture readings. Pageant The Pageant is a Christmas play performed by girls in Grades 5-12 at All Saints Church on River Road. A cherished Collegiate tradition dating back to 1940, the popular performances are open to the public. Brunch Brunch is a one-of-a-kind theatrical tradition performed by Junior girls in honor of Senior girls during Thanksgiving week. All girls in Grades 5-12 are invited to attend, the the theme remains a secret until the performance. With no academic classes that day, Brunch is a memorable day of celebration and community for Middle and Upper School girls. Village Green Fair The Village Green Fair (VGF) is a beloved two-day spring tradition and the Parents' Association's largest fund raising event of the year. The weekend features shopping and special activities on Friday, followed by a festive carnival on Saturday that brings the entire Collegiate Community together. Baccalaureate Baccalaureate is a meaningful religious ceremony held on the evning before Commencement. The service celebrates the Senior class and marks the beginning of Commencement weekend. Commencement Commencement marks the culmination of a Collegiate education as the School gathers to celebrate and honor the graduating class. Held on the Middle School front lawn, the ceremony is a joyful and meaningful conclusion to the Senior year and a celebration for the entire Collegiate community.

History of Collegiate

historic students photo

Miss Helen Baker's initiative laid the foundation for a century of scholarship and citizenship that has inspired pride in the thousands of students who have followed in the footsteps of the first 75 girls who walked through the doors on Sept. 23, 1915. Strong leaders have expanded on Miss Baker's work and guided Collegiate through exponential growth.

The Collegiate experience is defined by relationships and lessons that make indelible marks on our lives. These intangible gifts shine on through our academic and professional achievements, lasting a lifetime. And the same spirit that inspired Miss Baker to advise our first graduating class to be good citizens of the world lives on in our hearts and informs all of our endeavors.

I hope you have learned many things … besides the very important facts outlined in various books … I would have you live for humanity's sake. I would have you [be] good citizens in the widest sense…

Helen Baker

Founder, Collegiate School

Fast Facts

Total Students

~1,700

Total Student Body Diversity

23%

Lower School (JK-4)

603

Student-Teacher Ratio

8:1

Middle School (5-8)

516

Total Faculty

229

Upper School (9-12)

570

Faculty Holding Advanced Degrees

71.1%

Mid-50% Range ACT composite

26-32

Mid-50% Range SAT score

1210-1420

Number of Performing Arts Ensembles

42

Total Number of Athletic Teams

81

Students Receiving National Merit Recognition (four-year span)

57

Percentage of graduates who enroll in colleges/universities in a typical year

100 the collegiate

`TIMELINE`

1915

Collegiate School for Girls, founded by Helen Baker with help from Mary Carter Anderson, opens on Sept. 23 at 1133 W. Franklin Street in downtown Richmond. Seventy-five students enroll.

1917

The School moves to 1619 Monument Avenue. The first edition of The Torch is published.

1928

Boys are first admitted to the Kindergarten.

1946

The first edition of the student newspaper, The Match, is printed by an 8th Grade English class.

1953

Cornerstone for Holliday Hall laid for the “school in the woods” on five acres on River Road given by Louis Reynolds. Collegiate Country Day School operates in tandem with the Town School on Monument Avenue.

1960

The Town School and Country Day School merge, operating on the campus off River and Mooreland roads. In a “coordinate” configuration, a Girls School is formed for Grades 5-12, led by former Town School Headmistress Catharine Flippen. The Boys School, also Grades 5-12, is led by new Headmaster Malcolm U. Pitt Jr. Elizabeth Burke heads up the coed Lower School. Our first capital campaign raises $1 million to build two classroom buildings, a gym, a science building, and a music building. Included in the funds raised is a donation by Mr. Reynolds of an additional 30 acres.

1963

The first boys graduate from Collegiate.

1984

The 40,000-square-foot athletic center, now named the Seal Athletic Center, opens with locker rooms, P.E. offices, and facilities for indoor soccer, batting practice, volleyball, weight training, gymnastics, dance, basketball, and wrestling.

1986

Collegiate restructures with Grades K-4 remaining coed, Grades 5-8 coordinate (boys and girls take classes separately, but in the same building), and Grades 9-12 coed.

1993

The fine arts building, now named the Hershey Center for the Arts, opens. It features a gallery, choral and recital rooms, art studios, a photography darkroom, and the 620-seat Oates Theater.

1999

The Watt Library/Technology Center, the Estes Multipurpose Building, the new Reynolds Hall, and the Weinstein Family Art and Music Wing all open on the Lower School campus. The school purchases 156 acres in nearby Goochland County to be used for athletic fields.

2000

The North Science Building, with state-of-the-art Upper School science classrooms and computer labs, is completed. An events pavilion, comprised of a filming/announcement tower and concession stand, is built adjacent to the Grover C. Jones Athletic Field. On the Goochland Campus, 12 playing fields are established for practice and play.

2001

The South Science Building opens with Middle School science classrooms and College Counseling offices. The rebuilt Lower School campus is complete with the opening of the new Nunnally Hall for 3rd and 4th Graders. A new rubberized track is dedicated to Coach Jim Hickey.

2002

The Alumni Association establishes the Collegiate Athletic Hall of Fame, and the first inductees are honored at the Collegiate-St. Christopher's football game.

2008

The Sam Newell Field, a baseball diamond with stadium and "green monster," and a softball field are complete at our Goochland Campus, newly renamed Robins Campus.

2009

A new athletics building at Robins Campus is complete. Features of the building include an indoor synthetic turf warm-up room, trainer's facilities, locker rooms, and a strength and conditioning room.

2010

Robins Campus is nearly complete with the opening of 13 tennis courts and a Tennis House overlooking a championship court.

2011

On the Mooreland Campus, a new traffic pattern is implemented and work begins on Lower School renovations and additions. A soccer field, to be named in honor of Coach Charlie Blair upon his eventual retirement, is completed at Robins Campus. Collegiate holds the International Emerging Leaders Conference, hosting representatives from 10 countries.

2013

The Sharp Academic Commons and the H2L2 Studios open on the Mooreland Campus.

2015

Collegiate celebrates its Centennial anniversary.

2017

A renovated McFall Hall, the Middle School and Upper School cafeteria, reopens.

2018

Oates Theater reopens after a nine-month renovation. The Stephen P. Adamson Jr. '92 Ropes Course opens on North Mooreland Road.

2019

The Institute for Responsible Citizenship is named in honor of the Powell family.

Heads of School Through the Years
Miss Helen Baker: 1915-1920 Miss Alice Bradford: 1920-1922 Miss Elizabeth Graeme Barbour: 1922-1924 Miss Van Greenleaf: 1924-1931 Miss Marianna P. Higgins: 1931-1933 Miss Elizabeth P. Gaines: 1933-1934 Miss Mary Denmead Ruffin: 1934-1937 Mrs. William T. Hodges: 1937-1940 Miss Catharine Stauffer (later Flippen): 1940-1972 Mr. Malcolm U. Pitt, Jr.: 1960-1987 Mrs. Julia A. Williams, Interim: 1987-1988 Mr. F. Robertson Hershey: 1988-1998 Dr. Beverly Sgro, Interim: 1998-1999 Mr. Keith A. Evans: 1999-2014 Mr. Stephen D. Hickman: 2014-2019 Mrs. Penny B. Evins: 2019-2022 Mr. Billy Peebles, Interim: 2022-2024 Mr. Jeffrey W. Mancabelli: 2024-

Heads of School Through the Years