Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Episcopal schools and NAES.
About Episcopal Schools: Facts, Figures & Definitions
How many Episcopal schools and Early Childhood Education programs are there?
There are over 1,200 Episcopal schools and Early Childhood Education programs throughout The Episcopal Church, which includes dioceses in the states, territories, and commonwealths of the United States and in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, the British Virgin Islands, Honduras, Columbia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Taiwan, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.
What types of programs are Episcopal schools?
Episcopal schools are early childhood education programs and elementary, middle, secondary and comprehensive (P-12) schools; parish-, cathedral-, diocesan-, religious-order- and seminary-sponsored schools (all of which are either separately- or not-separately-incorporated from their sponsoring entities), and independent schools; urban, suburban, and rural schools; coeducational and single-sex schools; day-only, boarding-only, and day-and-boarding schools; military and Montessori schools.
Why does NAES use the term "parish school" and not "parochial school"? What’s the difference?
Parish schools are founded and exist to serve the educational needs of the entire community in which they are located, not just those of parishioners. Hence the fact that the student body of an Episcopal parish school or Early Childhood Education program is, on average, about 25% Episcopalian, and that our programs serve diverse population with respect to religious tradition and affiliation. Parochial schools function primarily to serve the educational needs of parish members only.
How many parish and cathedral schools and Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs are there?
The NAES database records over 900 parish and cathedral schools and ECE programs throughout the Episcopal Church.
What about the numbers of diocesan, independent, religious order and seminary schools and ECE programs?
The NAES database records 64 diocesan schools and ECE programs, 89 independent schools and ECE programs, 3 religious order schools and 2 ECE programs sponsored by seminaries.
How many new programs have opened recently?
Since 1990, over 100 Episcopal schools and Early Childhood Education programs have opened their doors.
How many groups are considering the opening of a new Episcopal school or Early Childhood Education program?
NAES records in its database some 49 committees considering the establishment of a new program.
What is the oldest, continually operating Episcopal school?
According to NAES’ records, Trinity School, New York City, founded in 1709, is the oldest, continually operating Episcopal school.
How many students do Episcopal schools and Early Childhood Education programs serve?
Episcopal schools serve an inclusive population of over 160,000 children, with significant socio-economic, racial, cultural, and religious diversity.
What is the religious-affiliation profile of the students in Episcopal schools and Early Childhood Education programs?
On average, about 25% of the students in Episcopal schools are Episcopalians, meaning our schools serve a large number of students from other Christian denominations, non-Christian traditions or no formal faith background.
Is enrollment in Episcopal schools and Early Childhood Education programs growing?
Enrollment in Episcopal schools has increased 29% since 1990, one of the most significant increases in any sphere of American independent education. This is according to statistics published in 2001 by the National Center for Education Statistics.
How many people do Episcopal schools and Early Childhood Education programs employ?
Episcopal schools and Early Childhood Education programs employ over 12,000 administrators, faculty and staff members.
How many Episcopal schools, Early Childhood Education programs, schools establishment committees and other schools are member of NAES?
462 programs were NAES members for the 2007–2008 school year.
Contact NAES with your questions not answered here.
Accreditation
Who accredits Episcopal schools and Early Childhood Education programs?
Accreditation of independent (non-public) schools is overseen by state or regional organizations designated by state legislatures to perform this service. As a voluntary membership services organization, NAES does not accredit Episcopal schools, nor does it establish or have statutory oversight of the academic and religious programs or governance of any Episcopal school. Episcopal schools need not be accredited in order to join NAES. However, the Association strongly urges and recommends that all Episcopal schools pursue and maintain accreditation as integral to their mission as Episcopal schools and as a sign of their commitment to the students they serve.
Contact NAES with your questions not answered here.
The Role of NAES
What is NAES' role in relation to Episcopal schools and Early Childhood Education programs?
The National Association of Episcopal Schools is an independently incorporated, voluntary membership organization that supports, serves, and advocates for the vital work and ministry of those who serve over 1,000 schools, Early Childhood Education programs, and school establishment efforts throughout The Episcopal Church. The Association's role is to recommend principles of good practice for various aspects of Episcopal school life and ministry drawn from the experience of its member programs and to provide school leaders with resources, conferences, and other assistance regarding Episcopal school identity, leadership, and governance, and leaders' own professional, personal, and spiritual development.