The Covenant School of Charlottesville, Virginia, was founded in 1985 as a bold experiment in melding a rigorous academic environment with the guiding principles of a non-denominational Christian commitment. The venture has been successful beyond expectation. As a day school, TCS has grown from forty-five students in lower elementary grades to more than five hundred students from Pre-K through Grade 12, on two campuses just four miles apart. It has remained true, without apology, to its Christian roots. Its graduates serve as caring citizens in leadership roles locally and around the world. The Covenant School is the first Christian school in Virginia to have been accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and subsequently by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The VAIS praised The Covenant School particularly for consistency between its goals and its accomplishments.
The Lower School, near historic downtown Charlottesville, is based in a warm, classical building that symbolizes the stability, nurture, and cheer found in its classrooms and halls. The Upper School, on the outskirts of the city in beautiful Albemarle County, two miles from Monticello, is housed in a new structure that exudes the energy characteristic of its students and faculty. The college-prep orientation of The Covenant School is, quite naturally, more evident at the Upper School campus, from which 95% of the graduates go on to college or university. All faculty, office staff, and board members subscribe to a non-denominational statement of Christian faith that also governs the daily operation of the school. Parents and students are required to acknowledge this institutional commitment but are not asked to declare it themselves. The outcome is that both the faculty and the student body include members of about a dozen denominations, with families of numerous students having no religious ties.
The Headmaster serves as the spiritual, academic, and financial leader of both campuses, guiding a staff of more than 100 teachers, administrators, and other personnel and managing an annual budget of over $9 million. The Headmaster is an experienced administrator with a deep personal faith, considerable expertise in high level academic leadership, a thorough understanding of the moral, intellectual, and physical development of Pre-K through Grade 12 students, and proven success in financial management and fund raising.
1984
A seed is planted for a new, college-preparatory Christian day school in Charlottesville, led by founding Headmaster Stephen Yowell.
1985
The Covenant School opens its doors with 46 students (Kindergarten through Grade 6) and eight teachers at the former McIntire School building.
1986
Enrollment doubles to 90 students in Kindergarten through Grade 7.
1987
Covenant offers a full Kindergarten through Grade 12 program; enrollment climbs to 224, and 12 seniors receive Covenant diplomas.
1988
The Covenant School purchases the McIntire facility. John Collmus serves as Interim Headmaster.
1989
The school year begins with 225 students with new Headmaster, William B. Copeland. Three students receive Covenant diplomas.
1990
The school opens with a restructured program, offering Kindergarten through Grade 8.
1991
The Covenant School applies for accreditation with VAIS (Virginia Association of Independent Schools) and begins the self-study requirements.
1992
Covenant (now offering Kindergarten through Grade 9) is approved and accredited by VAIS for Kindergarten through Grade 6 and is praised for its excellent academic program.
1993
Before the school year begins, extensive remodeling, renovations, and landscaping occur at the McIntire campus. The library is remodeled and a computerized catalog system is implemented.
1994
Enrollment reaches 450 (Kindergarten through Grade 10). An enrichment program, multipurpose room, computer lab, and additional classrooms are added to the school’s McIntire campus.
1995
Enrollment demands result in the need for a second campus: the Upper School (Grades 7 through 11) remain at the McIntire campus and the Lower School (Kindergarten through Grade 6) moves to the Mountainwood facility on Old Lynchburg Road.
1996
With full staff, faculty, and student body at two campuses, programs academics, fine arts, athletics, clubs, and extracurricular activities expand and flourish. The annual Senior Class trip to England is established. Covenant graduates 43 students.
1997
The Covenant School graduates 32 seniors and begins its capital campaign for a new facility. Covenant wins its first-ever state championship (in Varsity Baseball).
1998
Elizabeth “Betty” Edwards serves as Interim Head of School as a search begins for a new Headmaster. The school begins a partnership with the WILS Language School in Seoul, Korea, providing a total immersion experience for approximately 20 Korean students each January. Students, hosted by Covenant families, spend a month enrolled at the school. The Board votes unanimously to build the new Upper School. Thirty-seven students graduate from Covenant. TCS receives its VAIS re-accreditation for Kindergarten through Grade 6 and Grades 7 through 12.
1999
Dr. Ronald Sykes is called to be Headmaster. Forty-nine students graduate.
2000
A ground-breaking ceremony for a new high school facility is held at the Hickory Street property, a 29.7 acre gift from a Covenant grandparent. Fifty-two students graduate.
2001
Many miracles including gracious contract terms by English Construction Company and a ‘year of sunshine’, allowing for an unprecedented, on-time construction schedule for the new Upper School campus. The Covenant School continues to “stand on God’s promises”: families, faculty, staff, and friends come together to write scripture verses and prayers on the sub-flooring throughout the new building. The Covenant community also provides exceptional and energetic manpower for the two moves: Upper School to the new campus, Lower School to the McIntire Campus. A special Prayer Dedication for the Upper School building is held in May with more than 400 in attendance. Fifty-five students graduate from Covenant.
2002
Covenant holds its first Alumni Reunion. Covenant adds a football team with 32 high school boys. Fifty-three students graduate from The Covenant School.
2003
Accreditation is received from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. A $1.3 million gift results in the dedication of the Newton W. and Wilma C. Thomas Library at the Upper Campus. The school begins a pre-kindergarten program and 59 students graduate.
2004
In its 20th year, The Covenant School begins with 638 students and ends with 650 enrolled in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. By the conclusion of the school year, students complete 12,000 hours of community service and participate in mission trips to Hungary, Liberia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Ukraine. The school fields 36 sports teams. Twenty-three percent of Covenant’s students benefit from financial aid which reaches a first-time high of $645, 000. Sixty-eight students receive Covenant diplomas.
2005
We begin a year of celebration with a record enrollment of 675, highlighted by the Anniversary Breakfast on October 28. A substantial gift to the school results in the building and opening of the state-of-the-art baseball field. Another generous donor enables construction of the hillside bleachers.
2006
Enrollment increases to 695 students. Technology updates in the Upper School include a wireless mobile computer unit equipped with laptops to serve classrooms. The Covenant Singers perform in San Marco Square in Venice. Construction begins on a Lower School athletic field (donated by Covenant parents). Sixty-six students graduate with one National Merit Scholar, four National Merit Commended students, and two National Achievement Scholars.
2007
An enrollment record is set: 710 students! The Lower School introduces a new program in the area of Fine Arts – Yamaha’s Music In Education curriculum and program which uses state of the art keyboards. Seventy-five seniors graduate from The Covenant School.
2008
Several generous donations provide special touches: new furnishings in the Middle and Upper School commons areas for students to enjoy in their respective wings; a new awning for Lower School walkway. Covenant wins three State Championship Titles in one day – Girls’ Soccer, Boys’ Tennis, and Boys’ Lacrosse! An addition to the athletic offerings: Junior High Football fielded by 44 players from grades 7 through 9 is introduced. Covenant graduates sixty-seven seniors.
2009
The Covenant School celebrates its 25th year of educating young people with “Academic Excellence Under the Sovereignty of God”. Enrollment stands at 570 students. Fifty Covenant graduates have gone on to play sports at the college level. The Lower School annual book fair sells a record $11,000 worth of books. Sixty seniors received Covenant diplomas.
2010
Dr. Ronald Sykes moves into a new position as Director of Advancement and Headmaster Emeritus with a focus on the next phase of Covenant’s building campaign. Mr. Spencer Burton serves as Interim Head of The Covenant School. In the Lower School, Mrs. Sue Fulton steps down as Head and Ms. Carolyn Polson is appointed as Interim. A search committee is formed to seek a new Head of School. Sixty-four seniors will receive their diplomas in May 2011.
2011
New Headmaster, George Sanker, shares his vision for a New Era of Leadership at Covenant. Spencer Burton becomes Assistant Headmaster and Upper School Director, while Dr. Mo Gaffney brings lots of energy and exciting curriculum changes as new Head of Lower School. The school year begins with 114 new students!
Founding verse
“I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I will also hold you by the hand and watch over You, And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the nations, To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the dungeon And those that dwell in darkness from the prison.” I am the Lord, that is my name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images. ” Behold, the former things have come to pass. Now I declare new things; Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”
As the history of The Covenant School unfolds,
God’s amazing faithfulness continues.