Episcopal schools are known for educational excellence. As embodiments of the Christian faith, they serve God in Christ in all persons, regardless of origin, background, ability, or religion and “strive for justice and peace among all people and [to] respect the dignity of every human being.” This intentional pluralism is also a distinguishing hallmark of Episcopal schools.

In addition, Episcopal schools:

• Come together for regular chapel and worship services that are creative, age-appropriate, inclusive, and grounded in the traditions of the Episcopal Church.

• Value and emphasize a community life in which the physical, spiritual, and emotional health of all are supported and nurtured.

• Engage in a study of religion that is academically substantive, age-appropriate, and fosters dialogue with other faith traditions.

• Integrate the ideals and concepts of equity, justice, and a just society throughout the life of the school. Community service is an integral part of the life of the school.

The Idea of an Episcopal School

What Are the Principal Qualities That Distinguish a School as Episcopal?

 

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. This is reflected in the fact that the student body of an Episcopal parish school or early childhood education program is, on average, about 25% Episcopal, 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.
 

Students and families from a variety of religious, cultural, racial, and economic backgrounds attend Episcopal schools. Episcopal schools serve children from infancy through high school.
 

No, you do not need to be a Christian or an Episcopalian to attend an Episcopal school. Episcopal schools actively seek families and students of all faiths and backgrounds.

In addition, every NAES member or associate member school must certify that it admits students of any race, color, national, or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available to students at the school; and that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school-administered programs.
 

Each Episcopal school establishes its own admission criteria and procedures. A parish or cathedral school may give an admissions preference to children of parishioners. It is best to check with each school regarding any admissions preference based on affiliation with the Episcopal Church.
 

Episcopal schools seek to enroll qualified students from all economic backgrounds. Schools offer financial aid as their resources permit. Each school establishes its own programs and criteria for the allocation of financial aid and other scholarships. Financial aid is normally allocated on the basis of financial need as demonstrated through the financial aid application process. It is best to check with each school regarding its programs.
 

Financial aid is normally allocated on the basis of financial need as demonstrated through the financial aid application process. Although denominationally-based tuition discounts and scholarships are not normally provided, it is best to check with each school regarding any financial consideration based on affiliation with the Episcopal Church.
 

We regret that NAES neither has nor administers on behalf of another agency scholarships or financial aid for Episcopal school students. It is best to check with each school regarding its scholarship and financial aid programs.
 

School chapel provides a unique opportunity for worship, reflection, spiritual growth, and the corporate gathering of the school community. The learning that goes on in chapel is a blend of intellectual, emotional, and spiritual understanding; it is here that a school community learns and understands together. Community worship binds students of different ages together, building community across the age span of the school.

In Episcopal schools, chapel is intended to be a place of genuine hospitality that supports the spiritual growth of all, regardless of faith tradition, even as it explicates the school’s Episcopal roots and heritage.

Episcopal school chapel includes a variety of approaches to Episcopal worship, from the full liturgy of the Holy Eucharist to celebratory gatherings steeped in school tradition and informal gatherings of song, story, and prayer.

Principles of Good Practice for Chapel and Worship in Episcopal Schools

 

The study of religion in Episcopal schools is an academic subject. In keeping with the traditions of the Episcopal Church, Episcopal schools use a rigorous, reasoned approach to asking and answering ultimate questions about God, faith, religion, and human spirituality. The classroom study of religion introduces a critical component into religious and spiritual reflection, opening up a student’s mind to a more careful scrutiny of the content of religious life.

There is no common curriculum for the study of religion in Episcopal schools; each school develops its own scope and sequence for religious studies that is in keeping with its mission, student body, and educational program. Common topics include the Bible and other sacred texts and stories, world religions, and ethics.

Principles of Good Practice for the Study of Religion in Episcopal Schools

 

Episcopal schools have a variety of governing structures. The governing relationship between an Episcopal parish, seminary, cathedral, or diocesan school and its sponsoring organization is normally outlined in the school’s bylaws and/or in diocesan canons. The governance of an independent Episcopal school is outlined in its bylaws.

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.
 

Early childhood education programs are registered with or licensed by the state within which they operate and, in addition, may be accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency.

Elementary and secondary schools are normally accredited by their regional or state independent school accrediting agency.

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.

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.

For a list of and links to organizations that accredit Episcopal schools, go to Accreditation.
 

Episcopal schools are funded primarily by tuition and fees, supplemented by charitable contributions. Some Episcopal schools use a sliding scale tuition or tuition-free model. Episcopal schools are not funded by the Episcopal Church, NAES, or the federal government.
 

NAES is an independent, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation. It is a voluntary membership services organization. View our Strategic Plan & Annual Reports to learn more about members, donors, and activities.
 

NAES is governed by a self-electing Governing Board comprised of school leaders, clergy, and friends from throughout the community of Episcopal schools. The presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church is the honorary chair of the board. The Association’s executive director serves as an ex officio voting member.
 

NAES neither reports to nor is governed by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, the Church's governing body. We are a fully independent organization.
 

Funding for NAES comes from membership dues from Episcopal schools, contributions from individuals and organizations, corporate subscription, and revenue from services and events.

Other than in-kind gifts of office space and some services, we do not receive any funding from the Episcopal Church.

To learn how your school can join NAES, go to Membership.

To make a gift to NAES, go to Support Our Work.

Or, your organization may wish to learn about Corporate Subscription.
 

NAES was founded in 1965. Its roots are in a headmaster and headmistresses group dating back to the 1930s and in the unincorporated Episcopal Schools Association of the 1950s. A schools officer in the Episcopal Church's then department of Christian education supported the the latter group. 

When the 1964 General Convention of the Episcopal Church discontinued the schools officer postion, a group of Episcopal school leaders organized and incorporated NAES. Two of these leaders were Ruth Jeknins and the Rev. John D. Verdery, for whom NAES’ two highest awards are named.