Please contact us should you have any further questions.
Where do your students come from?
In the 2008-09 academic year, students are coming from 30 states and 17 countries. The five states most represented in our student body are Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, and South Carolina. Episcopal values geographic diversity and accordingly, the staff of the Admissions Office travel across the country and to selected international locations looking for talented students.
What is the boarding to day student ratio?
Episcopal is 100% residential. All students live on campus in one of the School's five boys' and four girls' dormitories. Dorms also house faculty members and student Monitors, who help provide a comfortable place in which students can live and study. All new students are assigned roommates in the same grade.
What are the benefits of a coeducational boarding school education?
There are many reasons why almost 90 percent of independent school students choose to attend co-educational schools like Episcopal. Ultimately, schools are charged with preparing students for success in the classroom and life beyond. Working together, boys and girls develop natural friendships and interact in class, extracurricular activities, and free time. They learn developmentally appropriate ways of working with each other in non-social settings that will make them more successful adults.
At Episcopal, boys and girls are passionate about exploring multiple areas of interest. Each year, some of our most prominent boy athletes sing in the a cappella choirs, play in the orchestra, and draw in the art studio; and girls seek and obtain leadership positions in many areas. Co-education is the "real world" and is thriving at Episcopal. Come see for yourself.
How much will it cost for my child to attend Episcopal High School?
The comprehensive fee for the 2008-09 school year is $40,875. This fee includes tuition, room and board, and all non-personal expenses related to EHS-sponsored cultural, recreational, and educational activities. This fee does not include books and personal expenses, which vary by student. Also, there is a $250 technology fee for unlimited access to telephone and high-speed communications lines. The laptop program at Episcopal requires all entering students to purchase a laptop through our designated vendor. The cost is typically less than $2,100.
Is financial assistance available for new students at EHS?
Yes. More than $3 million in aid was awarded to students last year based on family financial need, as determined in part by the analysis done by the Student and School Service for Financial Aid (SSS). In addition, between 5 and 10 merit scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 in value, are awarded each year by the Admissions Committee. Approximately 30 percent of the student body receives financial assistance, and the average grant is about $27,000 for new students. Visit Financial Aid to learn more.
How will faculty supervise and interact with my child?
There are a variety of ways Episcopal faculty interact with your child. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor. The advisor helps coordinate and track a student's academic progress, and serves as a resource and friend to each student. The advisor communicates regularly with parents and teachers to ensure that a student keeps on course. Dorms house faculty members and student Monitors who serve as surrogate parents and maintain a comfortable and safe living environment. You cannot be anonymous at Episcopal!
Will my child receive assistance in their college search at Episcopal High School?
Yes. EHS's College Counseling Office works with all students to assist them with the college admission process. Visit College Counseling to learn more.
Does EHS have different academic tracks?
There are not different academic tracks. However, there are 40 honors and Advanced Placement classes for those seeking more academic challenge. Each individual has a class schedule tailored to his/her own needs and strengths.
What are the available resources if my child experiences academic difficulties?
Episcopal has a demanding academic program, but teachers and advisors are always available to help students with their academic work. If a student is experiencing significant academic difficulty in classes, he/she will be referred to the Learning Specialist, who is a full-time member of the faculty. Typically, the student's advisor will consult with his or her teachers and parents and devise a plan that may include work with the Learning Specialist and more frequent monitoring.
What happens at EHS on the weekends?
With only rare exceptions, classes do not meet on Saturdays, so students usually enjoy a full weekend. In addition to wide variety of on-campus activities—including dances, movies, dinners, and artistic and athletic events—there are always several trips to D.C. area events and locations that are available at no extra cost. View a list of the many activities available to EHS students.
Does an EHS student have to be a Christian?
No, although everyone, regardless of religious beliefs, attends chapel at designated times. Chapel services are held three days a week just before lunch. Additionally, all students are required to attend Vespers, an evening service, once or twice a month. The Chaplain plays an active role in arranging for students to attend religious services of all faiths off-campus.
What are EHS's policies on drug and alcohol abuse?
Episcopal takes a very proactive stance towards both of these issues, which are grounds for dismissal. Use, distribution, or possession of drugs while under the authority of the School will result in dismissal. Use, distribution, or possession of alcohol, regardless of amount or alcoholic content, while on Campus also results in dismissal. The School provides extensive education and counseling on these topics to students throughout the year.
How does EHS handle security in a major metropolitan area?
There is a professional security detail on campus 24 hours a day. After 6:00 p.m., access to the campus is limited to one gate that is guarded by security personnel until 6:00 a.m. Students are required to sign out whenever leaving campus, and they are encouraged to go with a friend when they do so. Every student has access to a 24-hour emergency telephone number that reaches the Administrative Duty Office by cell phone. A comprehensive emergency response plan is also in effect on the campus.
What criteria are most important to the Admissions Committee?
Episcopal is interested in students of strong character, who have demonstrated at their prior school(s) that they have the intelligence, curiosity, and motivation needed to succeed in our classrooms. In addition, the Admissions Committee looks for students who have the ability to contribute to the extracurricular life of the School, be it artistically or athletically. The primary academic criteria are a student's grades, teacher recommendations, and standardized test scores.
Can I use the Boarding Schools Common Application Forms when applying to Episcopal?
Yes; however, we require that you also complete the following Episcopal High School forms: Part B, Student Profile (to be completed and handwritten by the student); and Parts C and D (to be completed by the parents.)
Which standardized tests are required for admission?
Applicants for the 9th and 10th grades should register to take the
Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) in November, December, or
January. Scores received from the February test date will be accepted provided all other application requirements are met by the January 31 deadline.
While the Admissions Office prefers the SSAT, the Independent School
Entrance Exam (ISEE) is also accepted for 9th and 10th grade applicants.
Applicants
for the 11th grade may substitute the PSAT or SAT for the SSAT or the
ISEE. Students for whom English is a second language may take the TOEFL
test in addition to the SSAT. Visit the SSAT Student Guide Online for
more information.
What is the dress code at EHS?
During the academic day, the dress code for boys is dress shirts with ties and casual trousers. Girls wear pants or skirts with a blouse or sweater.