Prepared to Live Well, More Than College Preparation
The Upper School years invite students to think deeply, pursue their strengths, and take greater ownership of their education. A rigorous college-preparatory program is enriched by meaningful relationships with teachers and classmates who know, support, and challenge one another. Through this close-knit community, students are formed in mind, body, and spirit and prepared to thrive beyond Covenant.
Forming Students Who Are...
List of 6 items.
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Equipped Scholars
Pursuing academic excellence while connecting ideas across Theology, English, History, Science, World Languages, Math, and the Arts. -
Effective Communicators
Expressing and analyzing ideas with clarity, confidence, and grace through reading, writing, and Socratic discussion, culminating in a senior thesis. -
Faithful Disciples
Deepening their faith and preparing to bring truth, hope, and light into their future communities and vocations. -
Creative Artists
Developing imagination and confidence through visual art, music, theatre, and performance. -
Disciplined Competitors
Building perseverance, teamwork, leadership, and humility through athletics and healthy competition. -
Engaged Community Members
Finding belonging through the House system while using their gifts to serve others and contribute to the wider community.
“We could not be more pleased with our boys' experience at The Covenant School. The faculty and staff care deeply about every facet of our children's education, enriching their minds as well as their hearts and character. For them, school is not boring. It is a place that takes them seriously, that wants the best for them and is there to support them as they continue to grow.”
Course Offerings
Meet Mrs. Nikki Shrader, Head of Upper School
Nikki Shrader graduated from the University of Virginia in 2005, earning her Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Teaching degrees. A native of Virginia’s Northern Neck, Nikki grew up with a deep love of family, history, and community. In 2022, Mrs. Shrader joined the History Department at The Covenant School, after having taught social studies classes for 17 years in local public schools. Whether teaching 8th grade Civics, Collaborative World History, or AP courses, Nikki has made strong connections with her students at all levels, and fhas found immense joy in helping teenagers better understand the world around them, and their roles in it. Outside of the classroom, Nikki has sponsored Student Council, facilitated student leadership programs, and coached JV & Varsity Softball, and JV Field Hockey. Away from school, she enjoys cooking and baking, cheering for the Wahoos, and spending as much time with her husband, son, and extended family and friends as possible. As Upper School Director, Nikki serves students and families in Grades 9-12.
Birdwood Campus
Hickory Campus
Located in Charlottesville, VA, The Covenant School is a non-denominational, private, Christian day school for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, visual and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
The Covenant School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, or sex in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, tuition assistance programs, athletic and other school-administered programs, nor in the hiring of faculty or staff.
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