Episcopal High School
1200 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA 22302
(703)933-3000
The core values of Episcopal High School are honor, academic distinction, spiritual growth, and community.
Episcopal High School is a private, coed boarding school for grades 9 through 12 in Alexandria, Virginia. The campus is located ~10 minutes away from Washington, D.C.
The school was founded in 1839 and the campus expands over 130 acres. There are ~440 students of which 13% are international. Students come from 19 countries and 26 states. The school is 100% boarding, making it one of only four of entirely residential prep schools in the country. The average class has 11 students. There is a 1:6 Teacher/Student Ratio and 81% of the faculty has advanced degrees.
Charles M. Stillwell - Head of School; grew up as a child of a boarding school faculty member and attended boarding school himself. Scott Conklin is Dean of Admissions. 35% acceptance rate.
Curriculum: Students can choose from over 150 courses, including more than 40 honors or advanced courses. There are 8 academic departments: English, mathematics/computer science, social studies, modern and classical languages, science, the arts, theology, health and wellness. Students must complete a certain amount of credits in each of these 8 academic departments and must earn at least 23 credits in 4 years to graduate. An essential part of the academic program at EHS is the Washington Program, a unique experiential education program
The Washington Program: Students explore Washington through 4 concentration areas: public policy, sustainability, cultural awareness, and entrepreneurship. As freshmen, they gain a broad understanding of Washington’s political structure, geography and resources. Sophomores focus on learning about the specifics of the 4 concentrations. During junior year, students choose a concentration that they find interesting. As seniors, students are required to participate in a yearlong capstone project that culminates in a month-long off-campus externship.
Sports/Activity Requirements: All students are expected to participate in a sport or school-sponsored activity during each afternoon throughout the school year. Students can choose from 48 interscholastic teams in 18 sports. EHS is home to world-class athletic facilities that were used previously for training by US National Teams. 81% of students participate in interscholastic athletics each year. School-sponsored activities include community service, applied journalism, dance, drama, art, and orchestra.
Religious Affiliation: Episocopal tradition. Students are required to attend chapel services three times a week. The chapel service held on Friday is organized by students and provides a forum for community members to speak to the school.
Seated Meals: Seated meals are either “advisory” meals, where students eat with their advisor and other students in their advisory, or “rotation” meals, where students are assigned randomly to a table. Seated lunch is on Monday, while seated dinner is on Wednesday.
Study Hall: Evening study hours take place from 8-10pm from Sunday through Thursday.
Saturday Programming: No Saturday classes, but students may have requirements for their co-curriculars that they must attend on Saturday.
Residential Life: Students are able to participate in a wide range of on-campus and off-campus activities. Some clubs and organizations are Book Club, Debate Club, Fashion Club, Fishing Club, Human Rights Advocacy, Mental Health Awareness CLub, and Model UN. Off-campus activities consist of trips to the Kennedy Center, the National Theatre, the Smithsonian, National Zoo, Georgetown shopping district, and more. On-campus activities include Firepit Friday, karaoke night, grilling out, yard games, casino night, and formal dances.