Sunday, January 27, <strong>2019</strong> T8
EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF JACKSONVILLE Preparing students for next step in life Located on the banks of the St. Johns River, Episcopal <strong>School</strong> of Jacksonville is a renowned co-educational institution serving grades 6-12. The school historically sends 100 percent of its graduates to top colleges and universities across the country. An Episcopal education rests on Four Pillars — Academics, Athletics, Fine Arts and Spiritual Life — which collectively build a solid foundation for students’ lives beyond graduation. Episcopal embraces a learner-centered approach to education in which students are actively engaged in the learning process. A hallmark of the school’s learner-centered environment is the Harkness Method, a method of teaching in which students are seated around a large table, empowering them to direct the discussion, rather than the traditional classroom where the teacher lectures and students take notes. The Harkness Method requires all students to share the responsibility for the discussion and requires them to be prepared to participate. Episcopal teachers, all of whom are experts in their field of study, utilize the Harkness Method and other learner-centered pedagogy to foster students’ ability to think critically, work collaboratively and cultivate ownership of their ideas within the group. To further prepare students for their next step in life, Episcopal college A hallmark of academics at Episcopal <strong>School</strong> of Jacksonville is the Harkness Method, a method of teaching in which students are seated around a large table, empowering them to direct the discussion. [PHOTOS BY LAURA EVANS/EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF JACKSONVILLE] counselors work one-onone with students from ninth grade until graduation. Counselors maintain personal contacts with admissions offices across the country, host seminars for parents and work diligently to find students’ best college fit. Episcopal’s athletics program recently benefited from $17 million in capital improvements, which included a new 1,000-seat football stadium, a new aquatic center, 10 USTA tennis courts and a baseball training facility. This capital campaign also completed the development of the 28-acre Knight Sports Campus, which features sports fields, a lacrosse wall, cross country trail and field house. The school’s new and renovated athletic facilities now match the excellence of its athletic programs and the caliber of its coaches, most of whom played at the collegiate The centerpiece of Episcopal <strong>School</strong> of Jacksonville’s fine arts program is the Munnerlyn Center for Worship and Fine Arts, where students not only get to perform, but may also learn the behind-the-scenes technical aspects of creating a show. and/or professional level. Episcopal fields more than 60 teams and has a no-cut middle school sports policy, allowing every student the opportunity to benefit from the learning opportunities provided by team sports. The centerpiece of Episcopal <strong>School</strong> of Jacksonville’s third pillar, its fine arts program, is the Munnerlyn Center for Worship and Fine Arts. Student-made paintings, sculptures and Episcopal <strong>School</strong> of Jacksonville 4455 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville (904) 396-5751 ESJ.org projects are displayed in the entrance gallery. The Munnerlyn Center has a 700-seat auditorium facing a state-of-the-art stage complete with a fly system and orchestra pit. Students not only get to perform, but may also learn the behind-thescenes technical aspects of creating a show. The visual arts complex holds digital photography labs, painting and drawing studios, as well as a ceramics lab. The Fine Arts faculty at Episcopal is comprised of professional artists who are passionate about fostering an appreciation for the arts, further developing artistic skills and uncovering hidden artistic talents in our students. Episcopal’s fourth Pillar, Spiritual Life, encourages students to deepen their commitment to their community and their faith through weekly chapel services and a broad array of opportunities to serve others. Episcopal welcomes students, faculty and staff from all or no faith traditions, with the belief that engaging with one’s faith and understanding the perspective of others enriches all other aspects of learning. T9 Sunday, January 27, <strong>2019</strong>