Choosing the right educational path for your child feels overwhelming, especially when considering boarding school. The questions swirl endlessly - is my child ready? Will they thrive away from home? What kind of environment will truly help them grow?

In this episode, I sit down with Mary Pryor, Assistant Director of Admission at Christchurch School, a stunning Episcopal day and boarding school nestled along Virginia's Rappahannock River. Mary shares how their unique approach to education goes far beyond traditional classroom learning, using the river itself as a living laboratory for growth and discovery.

We explore how experiential learning transforms students from ninth grade through graduation, with hands-on projects ranging from oyster restoration to brook trout conservation. Mary reveals how their nationally ranked sailing program - placing fifth in the nation at championships - teaches far more than boat handling and racing tactics.

The conversation reveals the deeper magic happening at schools like Christchurch, where students don't just learn subjects - they learn to become. Mary walks us through their comprehensive support systems, including specialized programs for students with learning differences and innovative approaches to building confidence and resilience.

• How place-based education creates lasting transformation - From local creek restoration to understanding global environmental connections
• The real benefits of competitive sailing - Building leadership, managing failure, and developing mental resilience under pressure
• Supporting students with learning differences - Creating toolkits for success that extend far beyond high school
• What belonging truly looks like - How faculty create environments where every student feels seen and valued
• Signs your child might be ready for boarding school - Practical guidance for parents considering this significant step

Mary's insights about failure and resilience particularly resonate. She shares how sailors learn to "rinse out the sponge" after difficult races, developing the mental edge to bounce back from setbacks - skills that serve them well beyond the water.

As Mary beautifully explains, "We're cultivating a community that thrives on connection, building relationships... recognizing the dignity of every single person."

Whether you're exploring boarding school options or simply curious about innovative educational approaches, this conversation offers a window into how the right environment can help students discover their potential and find their place in the world.

Learn more here!! https://www.christchurchschool.org/