Headmaster’s Welcome

Dear Visitor,

On behalf of the Keswick School community, I would like to welcome you to our website. Whether you are a parent, educational consultant, therapist, or prospective employee, I hope you will find our website informative and take the opportunity to learn more about our school community.

Over 50 years ago, Robert and Libby Wilson began Keswick School with a vision of a place where boys who struggled in traditional academic settings could find the safety and support to meet their full potential. That same vision is what drew my wife and I to join the staff of TKS over 20 years ago.

Today, as Headmaster, I am proud of the tradition of excellence we continue to deliver to our students and families. Our school’s philosophy is founded on a nurturing, relationship-based approach that focuses on the individual social, emotional, and academic needs of each student. This philosophy is reflected in our culture of dignity, respect, service, and our commitment to developing strong minds and character.

From the moment you arrive on our campus, located on 25 pastoral acres just east of Charlottesville, Virginia, at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is clear that our priority is to foster a safe and welcoming environment. We believe that this environment is a key component of our students’ success. Our facilities have seen many changes in the past decade, resulting in three new dormitories, a new academic center, library, new recreational facilities, and improved therapeutic support offices. Our staff represents the foundation of our program. Through their passion and engagement our staff provides the professional care necessary for our boys in supporting their academic, social and emotional development.

Our goal is not only to help students become competent learners, but also independent, vital members of their families, home and communities. What makes Keswick School stand out from other therapeutic boarding schools is that the vision, created more than half a century ago, has developed into a tradition of excellence. This vision creates a distinct difference that is reflected in our school community, our staff, students and the families who work side by side with us. It is who we are.

Sincerely,

Marc Columbus, M.Ed.
Headmaster