Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School Blog: Take Charge

Gemma Pike ‘25, now in the spring of her first year at Endicott College, has been told from a young age that she has an eye for seeing things others miss. This statement is true both in the classroom, where Gemma considers herself a visual learner, but also outside of academics, where it manifested as an early interest in photography. She started out sharing photos with friends or over Instagram, but her passion for the medium truly snapped into focus once she began photography classes at CH-CH.

As we close out Black History Month, CH-CH welcomed the opportunity to experience history in a new and exciting way. Craft Sutton, historian, researcher, cultural enthusiast, and passionate storyteller, visited our campus to explore the powerful intersection of sneakers, culture, identity, and history.

From the moment he said, “Good morning,” it was clear this wouldn’t be a traditional lecture. Craft invited us into conversation immediately, asking, “Are there any sneakerheads in the building?” Hands went up. What followed was a dynamic, student-centered exploration of how something as everyday as a pair of sneakers holds generations of meaning.

At Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall, Health and Wellness courses look different. All students at CH-CH receive 6-7 weeks of wellness lessons during class meeting times, and the type of lessons and the content they engage with change and grow with each student each year. 9th and 10th grade programs are specifically designed to help students settle into high school life. Once students reach 11th grade, they get the opportunity to choose their own wellness curriculum. This unique program to CH-CH is allowing students to engage in Health and Wellness topics they’re interested in, boosting engagement, and providing students with essential real-world skills.

Ian MacPhail, CH-CH History Department Chair, Co-Director of Campus Life, and Head Boys' Lacrosse Coach shares his insights on student clubs, leadership opportunities, and the vibrant club culture at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall.

Even at a young age, I loved getting to shop for school supplies. Even though it meant that summer was coming to a close, there was always something so exciting about a fresh pair of pens and a shiny new binder! I’ll admit- not much has changed, but as I got older, I learned that it’s not all about the tools you have, but the strategies you use. 

As Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall kicks-off the 2025-2026 school year, we are excited to welcome new members to our community. The new members of the faculty and staff have spent the beginning of the year in CH-CH's pre-sessions, meeting members of the community, and learning all about CH-CH's approach in and out of the classroom. We're excited to introduce you to CH-CH's newest faculty and staff:

My brain and my body were at war. I was too tired for where I was on the course. My muscles were working too hard for what they were producing. Each foot fall felt like crashing into sludge, and pulling my feet out for another step felt impossible. My lungs were on fire, heating my entire body to the point that I didn't notice the bite of early November wind across my cheeks. Even as I understood that my goal was out of reach, I pushed forward.

Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School celebrated the opening of The Landry Center on Saturday, May 31st, marking the completion of the largest capital campaign in the independent school's 197-year history.

The ribbon-cutting followed the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2025, and drew alumni, parents, trustees, and community members to witness the unveiling of the School's newest academic building.

After a rainy morning, the clouds cleared, and the sun began to shine just as the Wilkins Hall bell began its 52 rings. The bell signals the 52 graduates of the Class of 2025 to begin their traditional walk over the hill to Morgan Lawn for the start of the School’s 197th Commencement ceremony. 

As lead learner at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School, I am forever absorbing and reflecting on the various teaching and learning practices around our community.  Teaching and learning not simply in the classroom environs, but also in our Co-Curricular programming, Student and Residential Life programs, and even in our school operation spaces.  Simply asked, how can we better engage and seek greater learning and meaning from the moments we nurture throughout the day and each week?  What reflective practices are we committed to as individual learners, as well as a school community?