This year Linton Hall School celebrates its 90th year. In its various incarnations, the school has been a staple in Bristow. While, once it served as a boarding school in a untamed wilderness, Linton Hall now serves the needs of the modern religious student.
Currently, Linton Hall School is an independent Catholic co-educational K-8 school, which also offers a full and half-day preschool. It follows the tenants of the Catholic Church and the Diocese of Arlington, but is otherwise unaffiliated and tuition funded.
It is a very inclusive school that welcomes all children, while placing an emphasis on community and living a virtuous life, through seriousness of purpose and interactions towards others.
Principal Elizabeth “Liz” Poole began coaching at the school when she was a college student visit the United States from England. After teaching, working as a counselor and assistant principal in various private and public schools, she was happy to come full circle and return as principal.
Not all Catholic schools are the same. Linton Hall School follows the principles set forth by St. Benedict, and followed by the Benedictine monks. St. Benedict wrote rules on how a monastery should be run, but also how people should see Christ in one another.
“There is this Benedictine charism that permeates. It’s about balance; it’s about building character,” said Stephanie Curry, Director of Development for the Benedictine Sister of Virginia. “It’s about accepting everyone and new ideas, looking at everyone as they’re Christ.”
St. Benedict emphasized a harmonious existence, in which others are treated with respect. He also thought people should love and praise God in every action they perform.
“The big idea is treat everyone with respect, listen with the ear of your heart, and to do everything with diligence with care and commitment.” Poole said
As such, Linton Hall School fosters strong relationships among students, in a small, caring environment. They teach students to respect all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs. They encourage them to be studious, helpful and respectful.
“There are still open to new people and new ideas. That’s why in a small community it works so well,” Curry said.
However, she doubts that most students realize all of what they have absorbed, until they have graduated. After that, they come back to tell the faculty the differences that Linton Hall School has made to their educational careers.
“Community is huge,” said Erika Marks, Director of Admissions and Linton Hall graduate. “It’s like you have an extended family. I’m still in touch with everybody that I went to school with.”
Curry believes a big part of the Linton Hall difference is encouraging students to do their personal best, and operate as a community of learners, rather than competitors.
As a result, Linton Hall students tend to fair very well in high school, whether they choose to attend private or public schools. But beyond grades, Principal Liz believes the self-assurance students gain at Linton Hall, lasts them a lifetime.
Parents feel comfortable to have their children in a supportive environment that provides a rigorous, interactive education. Part of that environment, includes older children mentoring younger children, and the older students are reminded to be a role model.
They also strive to move beyond academics emphasize extra-curricular programs including sports, and offering a strong arts program.
Linton Hall School will hold an open house on Jan. 27. Parents can register for the open house at the school’s website.
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