Academics

Boarding Program

We are as invested in your son’s education as we are in his character development. We nurture students through personalized mentorship that complements competitive academics. Our graduates are confident leaders with a socially responsible worldview.
 
 
CFS has so many cultural perspectives on campus. This is shown in our clubs, groups, events and the classroom. Our diversity is something I truly take pride in.
– Timi DanSalami ’21, Lehigh University
It’s hard to imagine that anything could possibly prepare you more for a competitive college experience and the real world than living and learning at school. But there’s so much more to it at Church Farm School. 

We are teaching critical life skills such as time management and self-discipline, and we are teaching young men how to be socially responsible citizens of the world by surrounding them with peers from all walks of life from all over the world. CFS’ student body reflects a global community, and our students not only embrace those differing perspectives, faiths, and cultures -- but they also open their hearts and minds to what is and what’s possible. 

At Church Farm School, boarding students live in 10 cottages, 18 students per cottage. These cottages are a home away from home staffed by live-in faculty who treat their residents like family. 

Our cottage parents take great pride in their work, creating a home-like atmosphere -- supervising study hall and chores, engaging students in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) activities that cultivate character and emotional wellness, hosting movie nights, special dinners, celebrating birthdays, and more. 

Each cottage has faculty apartments (one per floor), a common room, kitchen, bathrooms, and a basement with movie rooms or game rooms, ping pong tables, and a washer and dryer. Communal living gives students a head start on living independently and preparing for college life.

The Church Farm School Approach to Student Success
 
Academic Preparedness — In addition to a challenging curriculum (view our 2020-2021 Curriculum Guide), we have a college guidance program that finds “best fit” schools for each student, SAT Prep and College Transition courses, and  a variety of AP and honors courses.
 
Learning Together — Diversity isn't a sideline issue at Church Farm School — it's a core part of our culture. Your son will learn and grow with students from all over the world and from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
 
Life Skills — From time management to doing laundry, our boarding students get hands-on experience living independently, preparing them for college and life after. Our boarding program is supported by Social Emotional Learning (SEL), helping students learn to manage their emotions, set goals, and make responsible decisions.

Leadership Skills — Students are actively mentored, involved in ambassador and leadership programs, and participate in town halls to discuss important national and worldwide issues. This helps them build their dedication to social justice.

Character and Values — Our Episcopal foundation supports our four core values — respect, responsibility, integrity, and brotherhood -- and twice-weekly chapel services reflect a variety of faith traditions. Each CFS student upholds our Honor Pledge.
 
Athletics — We have 24 athletic teams for 11 sports, plus club sports, and extensive facilities, including a gym and pavilion, a track, baseball field, soccer and lacrosse fields, and an outdoor swimming pool.

Health & Wellbeing — We have a Health Center open daily, offering medication administration, assessments for minor illnesses, and scheduling of transportation for offsite doctor appointments. Our School Counselor operates and oversees several programs to provide personal, social, and emotional support to students.

A Day in the Life of a Church Farm School Student:
 
7:45 a.m. Breakfast ends 
7:45 a.m. - 12:15 p. m. Classes
12:15 p.m. Lunch/Clubs  
12:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Classes 
3:30 p.m. Athletics 
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m. Cottage Chores/Study Hall 
9:30 p.m. Hangout with friends 
11:00 p.m. Lights Out*

Chapel is held on Wednesdays and Sundays and is required. 
*Lights out varies by grade level and by weekday vs. weekend.
Quick Facts about Church Farm School:
 
  • 75 faculty members; 70% hold advanced degrees
     
  • Student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1 with an average class size of 10
     
  • Cross-discipline academic collaboration through our STEM curriculum and 43 electives to choose from
     
The Church Farm School Brotherhood: Friendships and Mentorship
 
Relationships and a personalized approach are what sets Church Farm School apart from other college prep schools.  Students get to know their teachers through virtually every area of school life, and, in turn,  our faculty and staff serve as mentors: our School Counselor who tends to mental and social growth; our Director of College Guidance who keeps our students motivated toward their goals; cottage faculty who ensure students are learning to live respectfully and independently in a community; a Director of Studies who helps with course selection; and Coaches who motivate our young men to develop leadership, sportsmanship, and teamwork skills.

100% of our graduates are accepted to college
, and many are recruited by some of the best schools in the nation, including: Brown University, Cornell University, Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, Vanderbilt University, Yale University, and many more.
 
Tuition and Financial Aid
 
We award financial aid to a wide range of incomes, including some middle and upper-income families. We consider your family's household income and expenses when calculating awards. Even if you're not sure you would qualify for financial aid, we encourage you to apply.
Church Farm School’s financial aid program is open to students of any race, color, religion, nationality or ethnic origin. Parents' Financial Statements are due at Church Farm by January 15, and complete financial aid applications are due by February 15. 

Boarding tuition - $50,400 *
*Tuition costs are inclusive of fees, books, room and board, meals and the provision of a laptop computer. Incidental costs may include trip fees, music lessons, laptop insurance and weekly allowance. A health insurance plan is available for separate purchase for international students.
 
 
CFS has not only prepared me academically, but when it comes to being socially aware and independent, I feel ready for anything. I grew here and was given a chance to succeed. I played sports I had never even heard of. I built a network of friends that live worldwide. I had fun and lived my high school experience in a place filled with people that didn’t want to see anything but me and my class make it in life. So, for that I give one final thank you to CFS and ask, ‘What’s not special about this place?’
-Dion Mathews ‘20, Middle Georgia State University
Visit Church Farm School
 
Prospective students and their families can visit Church Farm School during fall/winter Open House events, spring Revisit Days, or on their own schedule with a personal tour. Conveniently located in Exton, Pennsylvania -- only 15 minutes from King of Prussia and 40 minutes from Philadelphia -- Church Farm School’s beautiful 150- acre campus was named the ‘Most Beautiful Private High School in Pennsylvania’ by Architectural Digest in 2018. Schedule your visit today and see all that Church Farm School has to offer!

 
The Church Farm School is an independent boarding and day school for boys in grades 9-12 located in Exton, PA. Founded in 1918 to provide an excellent education to young men from limited means, Church Farm School now serves boys from a range of socio-economic circumstances who are seeking an extraordinary educational opportunity. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum and an exceptional level of personal attention, with class sizes averaging between just 7 and 12 students.