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Pathways: Episcopal Identity

No two schools are exactly the same, but all Episcopal schools have some things in common. Episcopal identity is the term we use to describe this, by focusing on four key areas: community life, spiritual formation, worship, and social justice.

Here are some key resources on Episcopal identity.

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Recent Webinars on Episcopal Identity

Faith in Action: Strengthening Civic Engagement in Episcopal School Communities (Webinar)

Civic engagement as individuals and institutions plays a foundational role in our society and common life together. Watch this program to explore two fundamental dynamics that can help us lean into our responsibilities for civic engagement and navigate this topic during this moment in our country.

The Three C’s Framework—Affirming the Episcopal Model of School Leadership (Webinar)

In an increasingly complex world, leaders in Episcopal schools—of all faith backgrounds—are called to guide their communities with a deep sense of purpose and compassion that embraces the dignity of each community member. The Three C’s Framework offers a faith-centered leadership model that is anchored by the Baptismal COVENANT, modeled after CHRIST, and oriented towards COMMUNITY. This webinar presents a model of Episcopal school leadership that both affirms and strengthens the great work already happening in schools while offering a faith-based strategy to build mission-aligned, inclusive, and Christ-centered communities where all are valued.

Deep Dive: State of the Chaplaincy (Webinar)

The chaplaincy plays a vital role in Episcopal schools, and a clear understanding of this role is essential for chaplains to thrive. Drawing on insights from the 2024 NAES Chaplaincy Survey Report, this webinar will explore key aspects of chaplaincy and the impactful work of chaplains. Designed for heads of school, administrators, rectors, bishops, and chaplains, this session will provide valuable perspectives to support and strengthen chaplaincy in Episcopal schools.

Episcopal Identity 101 for Administrators and Faculty Leaders 2024 (Webinar)

What makes a school “Episcopal?” How can teachers, administrators, and school leaders new to an Episcopal school better understand, articulate, and live out their school’s Episcopal mission, culture, and program? This webinar will explore the distinguishing features of Episcopal schools with a specific focus on the roles of administrators and faculty leaders.

New Heads Introduction to Episcopal Schools 2024 (Webinar)

This webinar is designed for brand-new school heads as well as experienced heads new to an Episcopal school, including directors and heads of early childhood programs. Learn about the key characteristics of Episcopal schools and the role of the head in advancing the particular dimensions of school mission and daily life that are rooted in its Episcopal identity, including equity, inclusion, and justice as well as sustaining community.

Mission Anchored Compensation Strategies for Independent Schools (Webinar)

Over the past two years, NBOA conducted extensive, innovative research on independent school faculty and staff compensation models with generous support from the E.E. Ford Foundation, including a landscape analysis to gather information from a wide variety of independent schools on their approaches to faculty and staff compensation. Learn about the key findings from this Mission-Anchored Compensation Strategies for Independent Schools project and the research-based resources developed to support independent school leaders as they leverage compensation strategies to attract, retain, motivate, and grow a high-quality and mission-aligned workforce of educators.

Episcopal Identity and DEIJ—Community Cultural Wealth (Webinar)

This workshop will explore Dr. Tara Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth Model as a framework for embracing the unique spiritual assets of students and families of color in the context of our Episcopal identity. We will discuss how we can transform our practice in ways that welcome students’ whole selves and actively honor diverse ways of knowing and learning about God and our spiritual selves. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own cultural spiritual practices and religious experiences; brainstorm ways to incorporate practices that actively promote inclusive, asset-based spiritual teaching and learning experiences; and build their capacity to design inclusive spiritual experiences through the lens of Episcopal identity.

Case Study: Episcopal Identity at the Episcopal School of Dallas (Webinar)

How does one condense a sea of information into a drop of dialogue? Episcopal Identity is so vast and robust, touching on so many aspects of the whole child, that it can be hard to effectively communicate what makes an Episcopal education unique, inspiring, inclusive, and valuable in the Independent School Market. Come join the Rev. Nate Bostian, the Senior Chaplain at the Episcopal School of Dallas, to look at different strategies and perspectives to communicate Episcopal identity with diverse constituent groups. We will explore ways to cut through the noise in our competitive school markets to show families, staff, and board members how Episcopal Identity creates a robust and inclusive educational environment that is different from other peer schools.

Episcopal Identity Deep Dive: Service Learning and Community Service (Webinar)

Join colleagues from across the country to learn more about how the pillars of Episcopal Identity, especially Community Life and Social Justice inform and shape community engagement through service learning and/or community service. In this webinar, we will explore complex issues that affect the ways in which schools approach this aspect of their program including equity, inclusion, decisions about requiring community service hours, establishing community partners, and managing requests for fundraisers.
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Latest Articles on Episcopal Identity

NAES Guidance on Accepting Public Funding for Private School Tuition

As Episcopal schools, we are committed to creating communities that welcome, affirm, and sustain students and families from diverse backgrounds. As schools discern their paths forward, this resource offers guidance to heads of school, trustees, and other leaders in making thoughtful, mission-driven decisions. The article also includes a sample board agenda and a simple breakdown of key opportunities and challenges.

The Three C’s Framework: A Leadership Model for Episcopal Schools Anchored in Faith and Community

In an increasingly complex and diverse world, leaders in Episcopal schools are called to guide their communities with a deep sense of purpose, compassion, and inclusivity. “The Three C’s Framework” offers a comprehensive leadership model that is deeply rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus and designed to foster a sense of belonging and communal well-being within Episcopal Schools. The framework is anchored by the Baptismal Covenant, a central tenet of the Episcopal School tradition that emphasizes the love of God revealed to us in Jesus Christ and the image of God inherent in every person. This framework positions Christ as the ultimate model of leadership—one that establishes a community marked by sacrificial love, service to others, and a commitment to justice and peace.

The State of the Chaplaincy

The purpose of this survey is to provide a demographic profile of chaplains and characteristics of the chaplaincy across the country for analytical, comparative, and reporting purposes as well as to assist heads of school, rectors, bishops, governing boards, and vestries in important program-level decision-making.

NAES Culture and Climate Survey for Administrators, Faculty, and Staff

The NAES Culture and Climate Survey for Administrators, Faculty, and Staff is one of the resources developed by NAES in response to member schools requesting tools to support their efforts to strengthen and sustain their Episcopal identity and commitment to inclusion. This survey is designed to be one element of your school’s ongoing reflective process by providing data from administrators, faculty, and staff about how Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice exist in the school’s programs and practices and the respondents’ experiences.

Principles of Good Practice for Admissions in Episcopal Schools

Approved by the NAES Governing Board in 2024, this document offers best practices and guidelines for the Episcopal school admissions office.

NAES Statement on Inclusion and Episcopal Identity

As the past months have clearly shown us, Episcopal schools need support in their efforts to grow as communities committed to the work of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, and to be able to…

DEI and Episcopal Identity…A Partnership Worth Having

Episcopal Identity and DEI work should go hand in hand, together 24/7 and every day of the school year. Taking time to develop a relationship between the person(s) responsible for maintaining our Episcopal identity AND the person(s) responsible for ensuring we are equitable and inclusive is the only way towards justice.

Common Prayer for Children and Families

Common Prayer for Children and Families is a collection of prayers and liturgies written for kids and the adults or communities who pray with them. Whimsically illustrated with pen and ink, this book…

Episcopal Identity and Leadership Transitions: The Head of School Search

In an Episcopal school, articulating the school’s particular Episcopal identity, ethos, and traditions, as well as its relationship to any Episcopal Church entity such as a parish or diocese, are critical to a successful search for a new head of school. Here are some key questions that boards, search committees, and candidates can ask and answer as they embark upon the search process.

MORE RESOURCES

Upcoming Events on Episcopal Identity

Episcopal Identity: Equity and Justice Conference

February 10–13, 2026
Equal Justice Initiative
Montgomery, AL

Explore our work in Episcopal schools through the lens of Micah 6:8 and the baptismal covenant.

Biennial Conference 2026

November 18–20, 2026
JW Marriott L.A. LIVE
Los Angeles, CA

The premiere nationwide gathering of Episcopal educators.

Episcopal Identity Summit

November 10–12, 2027
New York, NY

Now accepting paper abstract submissions!

Join the Online Community

The NAES Online Community is the best way for members to connect and collaborate. Get started with the Online Community today by creating a profile or signing in to your NAES account.

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Top Products on Episcopal Identity

  • About Episcopal Schools, 2nd Ed.

    This full color poster and pamphlet, newly updated and revised in 2022, examines the key characteristics common to all Episcopal schools, including aspects of Episcopal identity, faith-life, chapel, moral development, academic excellence, and social justice.

    This publication is pamphlet-sized, but can be unfolded and used as a poster. Perfect for use in admission and development information kits, as a faculty/staff training resource or as a general information tool. Available only to members and affiliate members.

    This product is exclusively for NAES members. Log in to place an order for this item.

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  • Weekly Meditations: 2014-2017

  • Principles of Good Practice for Equity and Justice in Episcopal Schools

    By weaving the principles of equity and justice into the very fabric of the school’s overall life, Episcopal schools ensure that their missions are built on the sure foundation of a Christian love that guides and challenges all who attend our schools to build lives of genuine meaning, purpose and service. Adopted by the NAES Governing Board in 2013, this document outlines ideals to which Episcopal schools aspire. It is intended to assist Episcopal schools of all sizes and constellations in their efforts to develop meaningful programs, policies, and curricula, and serves as a useful tool for the ongoing assessment of this work.

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  • Reasons for Being: The Culture and Character of Episcopal Schools, 2nd Ed.

    Reasons for Being: The Culture and Character of Episcopal Schools, first published in 1997, is a collection of essays on foundational, mission-related topics central to Episcopal school identity, governance, and leadership. Newly updated in 2010 and written by Episcopal school leaders and NAES staff members, the fifteen essays examine: the mission and Anglican ethos of Episcopal schools; the history of Episcopal schools and their relationship to the Episcopal Church; the head of school’s role; the school as a spiritual community; chapel and worship; religious studies; religious pluralism; early childhood education; community service; and Episcopal schools as just communities. Each essay includes suggested questions for discussion and reflection.

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Connect with NAES

We’re here for you! To learn more about how NAES supports your school, contact Claire Leheny, NAES Director of Engagement, by calling (212) 716-6135 or by emailing claire@episcopalschools.org.

EMAIL CLAIRE

More Resources on Episcopal Identity

Self-Study on Episcopal Identity
Principles of Good Practice for Furthering Episcopal Identity in Episcopal Schools
NAES Statement on Inclusion and Episcopal Identity