'Chess is the art which expresses the science of logic.'
– Mikhail Botvinnik
Chess is not just a game of kings and queens, but a rich and powerful tool that can develop critical thinking and strategic skills. Chess at New Roads' is a great opportunity for elementary, middle and high school students to not only learn the game but also to cultivate their minds. By playing chess, students learn to think ahead, analyze situations, and make calculated moves. Moreover, chess provides a platform for students to compete and hone their skills while also developing sustained attention, sportsmanship and resilience.
This year, New Roads has hosted an all-campus chess tournament with 58 players and over 100 official tournament games. In March, the elementary school will be hosting Village School at our first ever invitational tournament with over 25 players, and we are also coordinating with Crossroads our first ever high school tournament. Chess program faculty advisor Jason Nicholson shares, “Bridging out beyond our campus with other schools reminds me of what GM Simon Williams once said: 'The beauty of chess is it can be whatever you want it to be. It transcends language, age, race, religion, politics, gender and socioeconomic background.'
If you're a young student looking to challenge your mind and develop your strategic thinking, chess at New Roads might be the perfect place to start your journey.
Pictured: New Roads takes on the Village School’s chess program
New Roads School is a college preparatory K-12 private independent school in Santa Monica, CA, serving over 514 elementary school, middle school and high school children from the greater Los Angeles area. New Roads School provides an inspired educational program from which an authentically diverse student population, mirroring the rich diversity of Los Angeles, develops a personal dedication to learning, a respect for independent thinking, and an expanding curiosity about the world and its people.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS New Roads School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.