Chris Lengthorn dedicates his career to pursing two simple goals: to bring squash to the people and help them achieve whatever their definition of success may be. After rising up the ranks of the junior squash circuit in England, earning spots in the Top 10 in England, Top 32 in Europe, and playing in the Premiere Division in college, Chris fell in love with the intersection of the philosophy and psychology of sport. His Master’s thesis focused on talent identification and development in youth, using emotional and mental traits as key performance indicators to determine excellence.
Chris spent the next several years as a Development Coach for England Squash, setting up squash programs in schools. He then moved on to be the Head Coach at the National Squash Center in Manchester and eventually started his own business starting up squash programs and organizing tours around the world to watch and play squash. Bringing squash to the people. All while playing semi-professional tournaments.
In deciding what was next, Chris jumped at the opportunity to come to the United States to be the performance coach at Fairmount Athletic Club in King of Prussia.
On Coming to Shipley
“I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to start from a blank canvas in a brand new facility. During my interview, I started talking about my philosophy on coaching, not knowing I’d basically described Shipley’s mission statement and vision. Since that day, I’ve never felt like I worked for Shipley, I work with Shipley. The program has a vision, the School has a vision, everyone is just in harmony. And it breeds success.”
On Coaching
“I believe it’s all about the athlete and what journey they’re on. It’s about being supportive and giving them independence. Sport is a direct reflection of your life and what you’re dealing with, positive or negative. I can teach students skills on a squash court that will help them for the rest of their lives. I genuinely believe that I’m helping our Middle and Upper School students navigate life through the vehicle of squash. I call it the ‘rocky road to success.’ I teach students how to manage setbacks and overcome adversity through hard work, discipline and resilience.”
“I’m the coach they need me to be. I’m constantly thinking, ‘How can I get the best out of you today?’ I want our students to be happy and healthy and to help them achieve whatever their definition of success may be... My biggest career accomplishments come from knowing that I’ve had an impact on their lives.”
Explore Shipley's commitment to developing and empowering student voice. From Lower School greeters to Upper School Admissions Ambassadors, and from fourth-grade debates to Harkness discussions, Shipley cultivates confident communicators who learn to use their voices with empathy and humility and to communicate in a range of forms.
Princeton University graduate Ishea Johnson ’19 credits her Shipley teachers with creating an environment where she developed and thrived as an independent learner, contributing to her success in college. "Shipley is truly outstanding in that it simultaneously provides its students with a rigorous, academically challenging curriculum while also fostering intellectual exploration and creativity," she says.
The Gators wrapped up a successful fall sports season with many teams reaching their respective Friends Schools League Championship and PAISAA state tournament, and many student-athletes earning spots on FSL All-League teams. Read more about each team's season.
Ozzie Jones earned a Barrymore Award nomination for Outstanding Outdoor Production, showcasing his transformative journey and key role in Theater in the X's acclaimed "Dreamgirls."
In the journey of self-discovery and personal development, eighth grade students at Shipley embark on a path of finding their voice. This article highlights eighth grade English, and how students learn to express their opinions, beliefs, and thoughts through literature and class discussions, laying the foundation for compassionate participation in the world.
Shipley All School President Henry Katz ’19, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in May with a BA in Political Communication. This summer, he served as an intern at The White House in the Office of Scheduling and Advance, and has recently started a new position as a Political Strategist at Schoen Cooperman Research in New York City.
Learn more about Chantra Reinman—from her unexpected journey into education to her love for travel, and a surprising encounter with royalty, Chantra shares what drives her to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Discover why she's so passionate about protecting children's options and possibilities, what she loves to do in her free time, and why the classic film Roman Holiday holds a special place in her heart.
In the whirlwind of the first few weeks of school, Shipley's teachers set the tone in their classrooms with engaging ice-breaker activities that transcend traditional introductions. Through these activities, our students are not merely getting to know each other; they are building the foundations of a thriving, supportive, and vibrant community that will guide them on their journey to becoming their best selves.
Phillip Brown, Upper School Theater Director at Shipley, considers his portrayal of Jay Jackson in Lantern Theater Company's "The Royale" to be the role of a lifetime.The play was nominated for seven Barrymore Awards, including Outstanding Overall Production of a Play, with Phillip himself nominated for Outstanding Leading Performance in a Play.
Contour line drawing is more than a classroom exercise, it demands unwavering concentration, forging connections between the artist and their subject, creating a unique interplay between the pen and paper. A poignant reminder that art isn't merely about what we see; it's about how we see it and the stories we can convey through the lines we draw.
The Shipley School proudly recognizes Benjamin Bradlow, Maxwell Davis, and Nicholas Marks, members of the Class of 2024, who have achieved the status of semifinalists in The National Merit Scholarship Program. Merit Scholar designees are selected based on their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.
Explore the world of renowned artist Rory MacArthur at The Speer Gallery in a mesmerizing exhibition on loan from the West Collection. Discover MacArthur's journey into glyphs and abstraction, where he crafts perfect glyph-like objects using color, shape, surface, and form in an age inundated with symbols.
The Shipley Boys and Girls Soccer teams embarked on an incredible 10-day journey to the UK, where they trained with professionals, played friendly matches, and experienced the culture. See photos and read more about their adventure abroad.
In an effort enrich Shipley’s Theater Arts Program, significant changes are underway, touching every aspect of the program—from personnel to scheduling. Learn more about the exciting changes underway in Shipley's Theater Arts.
Meet Sergio Jackson, Shipley’s Director of Athletic Performance, who inspires the community to move and thrive. Learn about his journey from a college athlete to Shipley, where he creates an inclusive and empowering environment for the community. You will also discover how he applies his guiding principles of strength, energy, resilience, and gratitude (SERG) to help students achieve their health and wellness goals.
Departing Director of Physical Plant and Security, Bob Meals, shares his fond memories and gratitude. This place isn't just a workplace; it's a home," he emphasized, having lived on campus for 25 plus years. The family-like environment, the friendships, and the connections with students, families, and coworkers are what make this place so unique."
Join us on Saturday, September 30, for this day-long celebration that will include a kids’ carnival, free community barbecue, athletic events, Kona Ice, and more. Festivities begin at 10:00 am! Carnival, Kona Ice Truck, 5th grade smoothies, and Middle School bake sale proceeds will support Shipley's 22-year partnership with The Brain Tree Primary School in Uganda.
Read reflections from Class of 2023 Shipley alumni, who are now thriving at various prestigious universities. They share how their Shipley experience has equipped them with resilience, adaptability, courage, and a passion for exploration and learning. Read all of the Class of 2023 reflections.
Shipley's very own Director of Bands, Dr. Harley Givler was recognized as a finalist in the 10th Annual Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute Ovation Awards. He and the nine other finalists were nominated by current and former students who wrote essays on “How My Music Teacher Changed My Life.”
Shipley’s Asian Student Alliance (ASA), led by co-presidents Amber Feng ’24 and Anne Gu ’25, recognized Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with programming for Upper School students, including a presentation about AAPI Heritage Month by members of the ASA, and one by guest speaker Elvis Zhang ’17 about his life as an entrepreneur and Asian American.
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.