Rooted in Christ: Building a Foundation for Life at C.F. Richards Christian School
When parents and grandparents look for a school for their children, their hopes stretch far beyond grades and report cards. They want a place where their child will be safe, loved, and inspired to grow into a kind, capable, and faithful person. At C.F. Richards Christian School, we believe the most important foundation we can give a child is one rooted in Christ. Everything else—academics, friendships, service, and leadership—grows out of that central commitment.
For more than sixty years, our school has partnered with families in the Shenandoah Valley to nurture both the mind and the heart. It is in the laughter of our Pre-K students as they may hear certain Bible stories for the first time, the questions of our elementary learners as they connect Scripture with science, and the prayers of our middle schoolers as they seek God’s direction for their lives. At every level, our goal is not just to teach information, but to form character that reflects Jesus.
A School Day That Begins With God
At C.F. Richards, the day doesn’t begin with math problems or spelling lists—it begins with God’s Word. Mrs. Charity Pitton, our Principal and dedicated 5th–8th grade teacher, sets the tone with this commitment: “Every subject we teach, every activity we plan, we want it to point children to the God who loves them and has a purpose for their lives.”
When students walk into her classroom, they quickly learn that academics and faith are not separate. A history lesson is a chance to reflect on God’s hand throughout the centuries. A literature assignment becomes an exploration of truth and honesty. Even a math problem can spark a conversation about the order and precision of God’s creation.
This approach is not limited to the upper grades. Heidi Wagner, who teaches K–4th grade, shares, “We spend a lot of time establishing a positive, kind, loving, classroom environment that feels safe. This christian approach benefits the education of the whole child – academic, social, cognitive, and emotional.”
Right beside them, Greta Leukert, our Teacher’s Aide, brings warmth and encouragement to the classroom. Whether helping a child sound out a tricky word or gently guiding them back on task, she reminds them that patience and kindness reflect the heart of Jesus.
Planting Seeds in the Youngest Hearts
Our littlest learners in Pre-K are often experiencing their first structured time away from home. It can feel like a big step—for both the children and their parents. That’s why Christina Sheffer, our Pre-K teacher, sees her classroom as a sacred space.
“Every story time, every craft project, every song is a chance to plant seeds of faith,” Christina explains. “When we sing about God’s love or talk about how He made the animals, the children are absorbing truths that will stay with them their whole lives.”
For a four or five-year-old, lessons about sharing toys or saying kind words are just as important as learning letters and numbers. Christina sees these daily moments as opportunities to shape both social skills and spiritual habits. “We want them to know from the very beginning that God cares about the little things—and so do we.”
The Power of Community Worship
Beyond individual classrooms, one of the most cherished traditions at C.F. Richards is Friday morning chapel. Each week, students and staff gather for a time of singing, prayer, and reflection. It’s not unusual to hear the joyful voices of children rising in worship, filling the room with energy that’s contagious.
Our chapels are led in partnership with local pastors who care deeply about our students’ spiritual growth. Pastor AJ Gröschel, Pastor Luis Beltré, Jr., and Pastor Karl Leukert, rotate in leading these services, each bringing a unique voice and perspective. Whether using stories that make the Bible come alive in the students’ imagination, challenging them to see how God’s Word applies in real-life choices and friendships, or using simple science experiments as object lessons, each of our pastors infuses chapel with warmth and encouragement, reminding students that they are never too young to be part of God’s mission.
Together, these leaders guide our school community in worship and spiritual reflection, ensuring that our children experience the joy of belonging to a faith family larger than themselves.
Walking Beside Families
C.F. Richards is more than just a school—it’s a partnership with parents and grandparents who long to see their children grow strong in both faith and learning. We recognize that families are the primary spiritual leaders of their children, and our role is to come alongside, reinforcing the lessons of home and church.
Sam Murdoch, our school Treasurer, often speaks to this partnership when sharing about the school’s mission: “We’re here to support families—not replace them. Parents entrust us with their most precious treasure, and we want to give them confidence that their child is being nurtured in both mind and spirit.”
This vision shapes the way we communicate with families, involve them in school life, and welcome them into our community events. Whether it’s watching their child sing in chapel, joining for a special program, or volunteering in the classroom, families are active participants in the faith journey of their children.
More Than Academics—A Way of Life
For parents exploring school options, it’s easy to compare test scores, facilities, or extracurriculars. But what truly sets C.F. Richards apart is the conviction that education without Christ at the center is incomplete. We believe that learning to read is vital—but learning to understand Bible and the Christ of the Bible is eternal. We believe that science is fascinating—but understanding the Creator behind it is transformational. We believe that history is important—but knowing the Redeemer who entered history changes everything.
Students at C.F. Richards don’t just memorize Bible verses; they learn how to live them out. They practice forgiveness on the playground, generosity in classroom projects, and prayer during times of stress or worry. These daily practices form habits of faith that last long after they leave our hallways.
A Living Legacy
Every year, we hear stories from alumni who look back on their time at C.F. Richards with gratitude. Many recall the teachers who prayed with them, the chapels that stirred their hearts, or the moments when they first decided to follow Jesus more closely. These testimonies remind us that our work is not just about today’s students—it’s about equipping future leaders, parents, and citizens who will live out their faith in the world.
As Principal Pitton reflects, “We’re not just preparing children for the next grade—we’re preparing them for eternity. That changes how you approach every lesson, every conversation, every prayer.”
An Invitation
If you are a parent or grandparent searching for a school that will invest not only in your child’s academic success but also in their spiritual foundation, we invite you to consider C.F. Richards Christian School. Step into our classrooms, listen to the laughter and singing, and you’ll see what makes our school special: a community where Christ is at the center, and children are cherished as His beloved creation.
At C.F. Richards, faith is not an add-on—it is the heartbeat of everything we do. Together, we are building a foundation that will last a lifetime and beyond.