Senator John S. McCain attended Episcopal High School from 1951 through his graduation in 1954.
EHS TODAY
Since 1839, Episcopal High School has provided educational excellence
by bringing together high-quality faculty with talented students in a
100 percent residential boarding school.
For photos of the Episcopal High School Campus, go to the EHS Campus slide show.
Located on a 130-acre campus just outside Washington, D.C., EHS emphasizes the intellectual, spiritual, physical, and moral development of every student. A challenging college preparatory curriculum, regularly scheduled chapel services, comprehensive athletic program, close relationships with faculty, and strong honor code form the foundation of school life. Individual classes regularly use the educational and cultural resources of Washington, D.C., and seniors pursue a May internship in the metropolitan area.
Headmaster
F. Robertson Hershey (appointed 1998)
2007-08 Enrollment
430 students (55% boys, 45% girls) from 31 states and 17 countries
Diversity
24% students of color
Financial Assistance
30% of student body receives some form of financial assistance. The average grant for the 2007-08 school year is $25,000.
Student-Teacher Ratio
6 - 1
Average Class Size
12 (most range from 8 to 14)
Faculty
80 faculty members; 85% live on campus
Academic Program
More than 140 courses offered in eight disciplines
26 Advanced Placement courses and 17 honors courses.
EHS IN THE 1950s
Senator McCain graduated from Episcopal High School in 1954. At the time, the student body was all boys. There were 240 students, 22 faculty members, and the annual tuition was $1,400. The School observed a Sunday and Monday weekend, rather than Saturday and Sunday.
The EHS honor code, which is one of the oldest among secondary schools, was as important to student life in the 1950s as it is today. When asked recently what about his Episcopal experience had the greatest impact on his life, the Senator responded, “My exposure to the honor code, which has guided me throughout my life.”
In order to graduate, students were required to take English, mathematics, American History, and a foreign language. Students were also required to take one religion class each year, referred to as sacred studies, and additional classes were offered in science, art, music, and history.
Prayer attendance was required in the School chapel each morning and in the dining hall after dinner each evening. Other student activities important in the life of the School were athletics, literary societies, and student publications. Senator McCain was a member of the football, wrestling, and tennis teams as well as the yearbook and student newspaper staffs.