When and why was Episcopal Day School founded?
The School was originally chartered in 1856 and has operated continuously since 1952. The school was founded by Christ Episcopal Church as a program of Christian outreach. Over the years the School has evolved and now is made up of almost 400 students from Grades PreK3 through Eighth.

Who owns Episcopal Day School?

Christ Church owns the School. The ultimate control and legal responsibility for the operation of both the Church and the School rests with the Rector, Wardens, and Vestry of the Church. The Vestry charges the School Board with the responsibility of establishing policies for the School. These policies and beliefs are reinforced by the clergy, administration, faculty, staff, parents and students.

Does the Church subsidize the School?
No, the School budget is separate from the Church budget. The Church and School share the expenses of the facility.

Is Episcopal Day School accredited?
Yes, EDS is accredited by the following professional educational associations that evaluate and accredit independent schools throughout Florida in order to establish and maintain high standards for non-public schools: 
      *Florida Council of Independent Schools

      *Florida Kindergarten Council

EDS is a member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

What are the qualifications of the teachers?
All teachers have, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree and twelve course hours in education. Most of our teachers have a Florida teaching certificate or qualify as candidates for Florida certification.

What is the average student/teacher ratio?

Infant 4:1
One Year Old 6:1
Two Year Old 6:1
Preschool:  8:1 

Kindergarten & First Grade: 9:1

2nd-4th grades:  18:1

5th-8th grades:  20:1

What are the school hours?

Infant - Two Year Old: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Preschool half day:  8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Preschool full day: 8:00 - 2:30 p.m.
K-4th grade:  8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
5th - 8th grade: 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Does the school offer transportation?
No, EDS no longer offers van service.

Is extended care available?
Yes, morning care is available from 7:00 a.m. and afternoon care until 5:30 p.m. for an additional charge.

Is there an additional fee for textbooks?
No, textbooks are included in tuition.

Are there fees in addition to tuition?
Yes, the cost of uniforms, lunches, some school supplies, classroom novels and class activity fees are the responsibility of the parent.

Where are uniforms purchased?
Uniforms can be purchased from Lands' End or Buckhead Uniforms.  

Is there a cafeteria?
No, special lunches from outside restaurants are served each day of the week (pizza, subs, chicken, pasta, etc.) Parents may choose to purchase these lunches for a single day or all five days for an entire semester. In the lower school, lunches are eaten in the classrooms and the upper school lunch is on the big playground.

Does EDS allow parent participation in school life?
Yes, parents are encouraged to serve as volunteers in the School. EDS has a very active Parent Service Organization that provides many services to the School. Volunteer opportunities are available for the annual auction, Book Fair, special events, library, teacher appreciation week, room parents and PSO grade level coordinator to name a few.

What is the EDS curriculum?
EDS  provides an enriched curriculum in a traditional classroom setting. Instruction at all grade levels includes reading/literature, language arts/English, spelling/vocabulary, mathematics, science, social studies, handwriting, writing, technology, physical education (K-8th grade), music ( K3-5th grade), art (K-8th grade) , and Spanish (K3-8th grade). Textbooks for the core curriculum subjects are reviewed by the teachers and administration every five years for adoption based on state and national standards.

Are there field trips?
Yes, field trips to local areas of interest are scheduled throughout the year to enhance the curriculum.

Do students take a standardized test each year?
Yes, students in 1st through 8th grades take the Stanford Achievement Test, Tenth Edition each spring.

How is Christian education presented at EDS?
All students participate in a weekly chapel service, as well as a monthly celebration of the Eucharist (Holy Communion) led by the clergy of Christ Church. Receiving communion is optional. Additionally children in kindergarten - 8th grades participate in Monday morning devotion service. Christian education is taught weekly in all classrooms and grade levels by the Christian Education teacher. Basic Christian values are emphasized in all aspects of Christian education.

Does EDS have a library?
Yes, EDS is fortunate to have an excellent library and a full-time librarian and library aide.  The library holds the book collection for all grade levels and several computer workstations. Classes make a scheduled library visit each week. Students may also come at any time to exchange books, engage in research, or take Accelerated Reader tests (see next question).

What is Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated Reader is a computer based supplemental reading program that is designed to encourage independent reading and improve comprehension. Students take a reading placement test to determine their reading level. After reading a book on their level, students take comprehension tests on the computer where their score is given immediately. Students set personal goals for reading progress. 
 

Are computers available in each classroom?
Yes, in K3-5th grade there are at least three computers per classroom; in 6th through 8th grade, two computers per classroom.

Does the School have a computer lab?
EDS has two technology labs, a lab on the first floor with Apple computers and a PC lab on the second floor using both Apple and Windows platforms. Students receive weekly instruction in the technology lab beginning in K3 and continuing through 8th grade.

Are all computers networked?
Yes.

Do students have access to the Internet on all school computers?
Yes, students have access to the Internet. There are filters for the Internet within the network and a software program. The Technology Specialist, the technology teacher, and the classroom teacher closely monitor all student computer use. Each student and his or her parent must sign an Student Acceptable Use Policy at the beginning of each school year.

What additional technology is available?

Ceiling-mounted LCD projectors in each classroom

Portable Laptop Labs
Smart Boards

Document, Digital and Video Cameras

VCR/DVD players in all classrooms
Closed Circuit Broadcasting System

Does the School have a Student/Parent Handbook?
Yes, the handbook contains general information about the School, general policies, academics, and code of behavior. 
 

Where do students go to high school after graduating from EDS?

Students who graduate from EDS usually attend some of the best private and public high schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa County. Of the 41 graduates in 2008:  Catholic High School (7), Gulf Breeze High School (2),  Pensacola Christian (2), Pensacola High School IB (12), Pine Forest High School (1), Washington High School (10), West Florida High School (3) and out of state (4).