Just like every other education institution, Christ Church Episcopal School is navigating a new normal with students learning virtually at home. Another major change for CCES: Dr. Leonard Kupersmith, CCES’ longest-serving headmaster, is retiring.
Dr. Kupersmith joined CCES as Associate Headmaster in 2006 before becoming Headmaster in 2008. His 50 total years of education experience extends almost as far back as the founding of CCES, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
During his 12 years leading CCES, Dr. Kupersmith also played a leading role in supporting the GVL community. His achievements include:
- Leading the Faith in the Future campaign to strengthen CCES’ athletic department and creating the Hartness Performing Arts Center + Achievement Center, giving students access to superior arts, athletic + academic programs
- Increased financial aid by 24.9% and award amounts by 26%, making CCES more accessible to all students
- Kickstarted CCES’ 2017-2022 Strategic Plan to construct new programs + new positions to transform CCES for the next generation of students
- Strengthened CCES’ relationship with BMW Manufacturing as the leading educator for ex-pat German students
- Advocated and supported alumni fundraisers + community programs, like Race 4 Ecuador
- Served on the Board of Directors for multiple Greenville institutions including Greenville Humane Society, Greenville First Steps, Artisphere, and Metro YMCA of Greenville
The CCES family will miss him deeply and wishes him the best upon his retirement.
Keep reading for more of what makes CCES special as the school celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Five impressive facts about CCES
60 years ago, CCES started out in 3 school houses with 17 faculty members. Now, the K-12 independent preparatory school boasts a 72-acre campus, 129 full-time faculty members + 1,100 students (with some seriously noteworthy alumni).
While the traditional gift for a 60th anniversary is a white diamond, we’ll gift you with these five impressive facts about CCES that reflect the school’s sixty-year growth:
1. Global appeal 🌎
CCES welcomes students from all over the globe – 16.7% of the student body is made up of international students.
2. Retirees who lunch 🍽️
The Golden Cavaliers are a group of retired CCES faculty + staff members who have been getting together for lunch for the past 25 years.
3. Family values 💛
CCES boasts 3,317 alumni, many of whom choose to send their children (and grandchildren) to the school.
4. Arts appreciation 🎭
While CCES originally offered just choir and music, students can now participate in band, orchestra, choir, plays, musicals, and visual arts. They’re also home to two acapella groups: Bluebelles + Acafellas.
5. Award-winning athletics 🏀
60 years ago, CCES had a boy’s basketball team, a football team + a cheerleading squad. They now have 44 athletic teams with 101 state championships to their name. Ⓟ
