About
Located in central Maine, Kents Hill School is an independent, coeducational boarding and day school grades 9-Postgraduate attracting students from Maine, the United States, and around the world.
Since 1824, Kents Hill has been dedicated to providing transformative experiences rooted in the power of community, character, and core values.
About Chris
With 25 years of experience in education, Chris has spent his entire professional life preparing young leaders for maximum impact in their careers and communities.
Prior to joining Kents Hill School, Chris served as the Head of School at LEAF Academy in Bratislava, Slovakia; Assistant Dean for Admissions and University Guidance at African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa; and Chair of the Environmental Science Department and Director of College Advising at Kimball Union Academy.
He has also held teaching positions at Colorado Academy, Northfield Mount Hermon School, Williston Northampton School, Milton Academy, and Hanover High School.
Chris is a graduate of Bowdoin College where he earned a degree in Biology and Environmental Studies, and Harvard University where he received a M.Ed. with a concentration in administration, planning, and social policy. Chris and his partner Lisa are the parents of two daughters, Shea and Zoe.
From the Head of School
From the moment that I first stepped into a classroom as a teacher, I have had the privilege to continually watch students transform in the independent boarding and day school environments.
This past year has been unique and hard for many, however, I am honored to say that it has given me the opportunity to see our community rise up and show an incredible amount of flexibility, creativity, and compassion.
A Creative Approach
From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that we had a plan and that we followed to ensure that our community remains as healthy, happy, and safe as possible. It has been stressful at times, but it has also been successful. We have demonstrated that with diligence, flexibility, and a belief in science that we can do this.
Perhaps what I am most proud of is how our faculty and staff have not only made it through COVID-19, but have made our school stronger. We have grown and evolved the 4D academic curriculum by adding project-based learning units to each course, ensuring that every student has a hands-on, real world experience and really understands the "why" behind learning.
Outside of the classroom, we have expanded our club and leadership offerings as well as improving our weekend activities. We have over 30 clubs for students to participate in. Some are traditional, like Student Council, Peer Advisors, School Newspaper, and Dorm Proctors, while others like the S.L.O.T.H (Slow Listening on the Hill) Zoom Radio Show, Model UN and Debate, Community Wood-Fired Oven, eSports, and Female Fitness Club, reflect what students are interested in and care about.
Compassion and Belonging
Maybe most importantly, we have strengthened our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Belonging. All of our faculty and staff participated in multiple professional development workshops prior to the start of the academic year, and including training on designing an inclusive courses and projects. The PEAK (Principles, Ethics, and Action at Kents Hill) program also allowed our students and faculty to engage with challenging issues and topics, as well as identify ways to make our community - both on campus and off - a better place. I believe that these important initiatives are essential aspects of a 21st Century education and are things that Kents Hill values as we seek to provide a transformative educational experience for our students. At Kents Hill, we know that “one person of principle can always make a difference.” This has and always will be true.
I couldn’t be more proud to be the Head of School at Kents Hill School. This is a school that values each student and their personal journey and emphasizes personal connections between and amongst faculty, students, staff, and families. This is what makes Kents Hill a special community and one that whether during COVID-19 or beyond, is always #strongertogether.
I hope that you enjoy your introduction to our community, whether it be virtual or in-person. I am confident that there is a place just for you here on the Hill.
Best,
Chris
Christopher S. Cheney
Head of School
Kents Hill is a community that I was overjoyed for my daughters to join because I knew that they would be surrounded by students who are inspired to reach their fullest potential, and by adults who are encouraging, supportive, and care deeply about them.
—Christopher S. Cheney, Head of School
Grounded In Maine, Connected to the World
We believe in the importance of preparing students for and connecting them to the real world so that they are ready for all of the experiences and challenges that will come their way.
In Your Corner, All the Time
We believe in goals and growth, and that we never stop learning. At Kents Hill, learning and growth takes place 365-days-a-year.
Built on Belonging
We believe one person of principle can always make a difference and that as a community we can make our school, and the world, a better place.
Prepared for Anything
We believe that high schools should provide relevant, engaging, and challenging academic
experiences that connect students to talented faculty and peers.