St. Michael's Episcopal School

We do small in a big way

The St. Michael's Story

Richmond’s oldest independent school south of the James River. Come tour our exciting 70-acre campus!

At St. Michael’s, we do small in a BIG way!

St. Michael’s is an independent school where academic achievement, religious affiliation with the Episcopal Church and participation by our students and parents are all highly valued. Our academic community is small enough for adults and children to know one another, but large enough to provide exciting opportunities in performing arts, sports, clubs, and robotics.

Established in 1957 by St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, St. Michael’s is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Our kindergarten through eighth grade co-educational school draws students from 28 different zipcodes from Richmond City and the surrounding counties of Henrico, Hanover, Goochland, Chesterfield, and Powhatan. We are proud to be celebrating our 66th year!

Mission Statement

St. Michael’s Episcopal School nurtures the spirit, ignites the mind, and celebrates childhood in a community of love, affirmation, and belonging that fosters educational excellence.

Located on the scenic 70-acre W.E. and Dale Harman Singleton Campus, the Lower School serves approximately 245 kindergarten through fifth graders in a NEW state-of-the-art school building that opened at the start of the 2018-19 school year. The Middle School, which serves approximately 147 sixth through eighth graders. St. Michael’s offers two classes per grade with a faculty ratio of 10:1. Most classes average 20 students. Core academic classes in the Middle School average 15 students.

We are proud of our students and the unique community that exists at St. Michael’s. We are equally proud of our graduates who are consistently praised by high school guidance counselors and admission directors for their superior academic achievement, interpersonal skills, and enthusiasm for learning. It truly is an exciting time to be at St. Michael’s!

The Lower School

Cultivating each child’s talents and abilities

The Lower School (grades K-5) offers students a strong academic program emphasizing phonics, reading and language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, research skills, and creative writing. Classroom instruction is enhanced by field trips, group projects, a student garden, and hands-on experiments designed to spark students’ imaginations and develop inquisitive minds. Enrichment classes include music, art, physical education, library, technology/computer science, religion, outdoor learning, and Spanish beginning in first grade.

Class drama productions teach public speaking and build confidence and are a beloved K-5 tradition at St. Michael’s. Co-curricular activities include field hockey, basketball, fishing, and more. Our students are well-prepared for the Middle School program.

COME TOUR OUR LOWER SCHOOL BUILDING!

We are excited that our Lower School started the 2018-2019 school year in Hubbard Hall, a new state-of-the-art building on our 70 acre Singleton Campus. Teaching content is no longer enough to prepare students for the technology-rich, globally-connected 21st century.

Today’s students must think creatively and critically, collaborate with others and communicate effectively. Hubbard Hall is designed to support and engage students in an active learning environment whether working in groups and interacting with peers, with ample opportunities for outdoor learning and play. Equipped with new technology, student-centered accommodations, and storage for projects and activity supplies, the Lower School classrooms are bright and spacious with natural daylight and views to the outside of the woods and wetlands. Kindergarten and first grade classrooms have direct access to the outside, allowing access to our expansive campus trails.

"Lots of places, including St. Michael’s, deliver first-rate academic learning. What we LOVE most about St. Michael’s is the 'culture of kindness' that uniquely defines our School ... We love our special little gem of a School for molding not only our children's minds, but also their hearts."

A St. Michael's Parent

Key Features

  • Children feel a sense of comfort and community.

  • Teachers meet with parents three times a year to discuss students’ progress.

  • Patriotism and values are integral to life at St. Michael’s. Chapels are held weekly in the church sanctuary.

  • Students learn citizenship and responsibility.

  • Students develop poise and confidence by participating in dramatic and musical performances and by serving as acolytes and readers in chapel services.

  • Parents have opportunities to become involved in classrooms as well as extracurricular activities.

The Middle School

Encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and innovation

Through rigorous daily instruction in language arts, history, Spanish, math and science, our Middle School teachers strive to inspire and encourage intellectual curiosity and academic achievement. At St. Michael’s, students become independent learners and develop the knowledge, attitude and skills they need to participate actively and responsibly in a changing and increasingly interrelated world.

The challenging academic program, with opportunities for participation in leadership roles, encourages students to develop skills, interests and character based on Episcopal values. Enrichment classes include design and technology/coding, art, physical education, music, values, and study skills. Students also participate in fall, winter, and spring electives. As our students consistently score in the top percentiles on achievement tests, our Middle School graduates are well-prepared for high school and head to top area high schools and public specialty centers.

The Middle School experience also includes competitive sports and a wide range of inclusive co-curricular activities, such as clubs, student government and community outreach opportunities. As honor and integrity are engrained in our School culture, all Middle School students sign and abide by an Honor Code. The Honor Code is intended to foster an atmosphere of trust, responsibility, and cooperation among students, faculty, and other members of our community.

"We LOVE St. Michael’s for its strong curriculum that challenges students to ask questions, dig deeper and explore lots of perspectives before arriving at a conclusion. St. Michael’s combines this premier educational experience with a truly welcoming, vibrant community and a wonderfully pervasive emphasis on morals and values."

A St. Michael's Middle School Parent

Key Features

  • The Honor Code is integral to the Middle School program.

  • Values are stressed in class and through chapels and service projects.

  • Study halls are scheduled weekly and tutorials are available to students who need additional support.

  • A variety of clubs are available each semester. Each student is involved in a club which meets during the school day.

  • The Student Council Association coordinates outreach projects and social activities.

  • Chapels and service projects reinforce values instruction.

Come Visit Us!*

Visiting St. Michael’s is the best way to learn about the School and experience the St. Michael’s difference firsthand.

Our nurturing environment allows students to thrive, teachers to excel and parents to engage. From the moment you step through our doors to the moment you say your goodbyes, you experience a hands-on academic community brimming with energy, creativity, curiosity and limitless opportunities.

Contact us today to learn how St. Michael’s does small in a BIG way!

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Accreditations: St. Michael’s is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

Founded in 1973, VAIS is the leader in advancing and advocating for independent school education in Virginia. The VAIS accreditation program is one of a select few recognized at the international level through the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA). VAIS also is recognized and approved by the Virginia Board of Education through the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE).