The National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES), in collaboration with Virginia Theological Seminary’s (VTS) Faith-filled Families initiative (FfF), is pleased to announce the launch of a new “Wisdom Circle,” exploring how Episcopal churches and preschools can support parents in early faith formation. Through practical approaches, insights, and creative ideas, the Wisdom Circle will bring together a wide range of Episcopal early childhood leaders, chaplains, and other educators from NAES member schools to explore how parishes and early childhood programs can work effectively to nurture the spiritual lives of children aged 0–6.
Rooted in their school’s Episcopal identity, participants in this program will work together to define a shared vision for what it looks like to foster discipleship in early childhood. Through an examination of their current practices, participants will identify areas for growth and explore ways to strengthen the relationship between their church and their school. Members of this cohort will also provide feedback on existing FfF materials and help create new, culturally-responsive resources to serve a wide range of Episcopal communities. Together, they will develop strategies to empower families as faith leaders, promote inclusion, and ultimately design and implement pilot programs that model sustainable approaches to early faith formation.
NAES is seeking applications from program directors, school chaplains, educators, and rectors serving early childhood programs, who are passionate about early faith formation, eager to learn in community and committed to innovative church-school collaboration. Team applications—for instance, a program director and a chaplain or rector serving the same faith community—are especially welcomed. Participants will receive a $1,500 stipend to support their participation in the Wisdom Circle. Current membership in NAES is a prerequisite for participation in this program.
To apply to participate in this program, please visit www.episcopalschools.org/wisdom-circle. Applications are due by September 1, 2025.
Faith-filled Families is an initiative of Virginia Theological Seminary, funded by a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., to support the spiritual development of young children. FfF provides research-based resources, support groups, and educational programs to Episcopal preschools and congregations, with an aim to strengthen the connection between families, schools, and churches in early faith formation.
The National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) is an independently incorporated, voluntary membership organization that supports, serves, and advocates for the vital work and ministry of those who serve nearly 800 Episcopal schools and early childhood education programs throughout the Episcopal Church, as well as school establishment efforts. Chartered in 1965, with historic roots dating to the 1930s, NAES is the only pre-collegiate educational association that is both national in scope and Episcopal in character. The Association advances Episcopal education and strengthens Episcopal schools through essential services, resources, conferences, and networking opportunities on Episcopal school identity, leadership, and governance, and on the spiritual and professional development of school leaders.