Initially located at Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Fort Wayne, it started as a nondenominational, self-supported school with 89 students in kindergarten through grade 6.

The school aimed to inspire and motivate students while instilling Christian values and morals, fostering an appreciation for the fine arts, developing foreign language skills, and maintaining high standards for teaching and learning.

In 1987, the year Canterbury graduated its first seniors, the school expanded once again, opening a campus for grades 9 to 12 on Smith Road.

Additionally, programs for students as young as 2 were added that year, providing educational opportunities for children of all ages.

[4] Classes throughout all grades, including high school, are intentionally small, providing more individualized assistance and fostering one-on-one relationships with teachers.

[6] Recently, Canterbury has established an Academy of the Arts program where students meet weekly in school to showcase individually prepared works in their respective pursuits.