My name is Dean Nicholas. This is my second year as Head of School, but it is actually my 27th year at CHCA. This is a place where I have not only grown as a teacher, learner, and leader, but where I have watched my own children grow and develop into the people God created them to be.

We desire to create an environment where each student is fully engaged in their learning—from our Reggio-inspired preschool, to an emphasis on project-based learning in our Lower School, to experiential learning opportunities in our Upper School Intersession programs, along with a wide variety of elective courses from Asian History to Entrepreneurial Studies to Outdoor Education. But the classroom setting is only a part of the learning and development that shapes our students. At CHCA, we understand education to be more than acquiring knowledge evidenced by a high GPA and standardized test scores. We believe that true education is about development—not just of the mind but of the whole person. So, while our students are challenged within a rigorous academic course of study, this is only a part of their formation into the people that God made them to be.

Whether in our competitive athletic and expansive fine arts programs, or our world class robotics teams, or community service opportunities, every student finds their place to develop their unique gifts and talents alongside their classmates. And it is within this broad educational experience that we desire for all of our students—from a two-year-old preschooler to a graduating senior—to explore the mystery of how Christ is in all, through all, and holds all things together. In age-appropriate ways, our students are challenged to consider how we might engage God’s world thoughtfully and faithfully. Richard Foster writes in the opening to his book, The Celebration of Discipline, that our world is in need of deep people. It is CHCA's mission to educate well-rounded students who thoughtfully and faithfully use their God-given gifts to bring healing and restoration to a broken world.

This year, our theme is "Together as One". We are focusing on John 17, where Jesus prays for His present disciples and those who would later believe because of the disciples’ testimony. He prays for our protection and unity with Himself and the Father, and with each other, so that we might be an example to the world. So as we seek to grow in both learning and faith, we also look to grow in community with each other.

And if you are new to CHCA or considering us for your child’s education, we would be honored to have you join us as we strengthen the bonds between us as a reflection of the unity of the Kingdom of God under the eternal lordship of Jesus. We are excited for the things God will do among us!