Christopher Kramaric, Chief Advancement Officer at Church Farm School, has dedicated his career to expanding educational access and ensuring young men receive the support they need to succeed.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Coatesville’s East End, Kramaric learned the value of hard work early on. His first job, at just 11 years old, was as a dishwasher at a local diner — a role he took on to help his mother make ends meet.
A graduate of Bishop Shanahan High School, Kramaric went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English and German from Boston College, followed by a master’s in English Literature and Literary Theory from the University of Freiburg in Germany. He later pursued a doctorate in American Studies at Yale University, reaching the ABD (All But Dissertation) stage.
As Church Farm School’s first-ever Chief Advancement Officer, Kramaric is responsible for increasing the school’s fundraising, branding, and public engagement efforts. He is passionate about addressing the national crisis in men’s education, where less than half of young men who start college complete their degrees within six years. However, Church Farm School stands as an exception to this statistic, with nearly 100 percent of its graduates continuing or completing their college degrees — a rare achievement in today’s educational landscape.
“There’s a misconception that private schools cater only to wealthy families,” Kramaric said. “Church Farm School is different; we have a $160M endowment, one of the largest among private schools in the country, and we use it to provide over $6 million in scholarships annually. My job is to ensure we have the philanthropic support to keep this model sustainable.”
Among his proudest professional accomplishments is securing the funding necessary to build the Center for Literacy and Learning at Woodlynde School during his tenure as Assistant Head of School. This milestone not only elevated the school’s fundraising success but also expanded vital neuropsychological and psychoeducational services for students across the Delaware Valley.
Kramaric credits two mentors for shaping his career: Marge Campbell, who helped him access educational opportunities as a young student, and Amy L. Clemons, a leader in the independent school sector who taught him the complexities of running a mission-driven institution.
When he’s not working to support students and their futures, Kramaric enjoys dining at Andiario for its refined yet unfussy cuisine and spending time with friends at Four Dogs Tavern.
Kramaric and the rest of the 2025 Class of VISTA NextGen Superstars will be honored at the Awards Reception & Celebration on Thursday, May 8 at the Penn State Great Valley Conference Center.
Sponsors are still being sought for the VNS Awards Reception & Celebration. A sponsorship offers unparalleled networking opportunities, enhances your organization’s visibility, and aligns you with a celebration of excellence and innovation. Learn more about the various opportunities available to partner with VISTA Today as it honors Chester County’s next generation of leaders, or contact Steve Knickerbocker at [email protected] or 484-437-2826.
