Townsend Hall


"[A teacher’s classroom] becomes a space like a living room in their own home. That’s very important to the students, to see the mood is really conducive to learning."

- English Department Chair Mason New

At the heart of the Episcopal High School experience is an exceptional liberal arts education. However, the classrooms in which students study literature, history, religion, and world cultures - the foundation of an Episcopal education - simply do not provide the inspiring environment in which students learn best.

Newly named Townsend Hall, in honor of former Board Chairman John Townsend '73, renovation of the west wing of Hoxton will maximize the use of the 1929 structure and create a spacious and stimulating environment for teaching and learning. Improved classrooms and furnishings for social studies and English will provide better access and will accommodate various groupings and teaching methods.

A significant renovation will maximize use of the space and create flexibility so that faculty can better deliver a dynamic and challenging curriculum. Improvements will include:

  • Updated classroom configurations and furnishings;
  • Average classroom square footage will increase by 108 percent;
  • Expanded wireless laptop technology and audio-visual capabilities; all faculty will receive a tablet PC, and each classroom will have a projector, speakers with an audiovisual rack and amplifier and video sources such as a DVD player or satellite receiver.
  • Reconfigured third-floor "study hall," allowing expansion of undersized classrooms;
  • Redesigned and dedicated space for learning specialists;
  • Increased handicapped accessibility;
  • Replacement of the HVAC systems; and
  • Enhanced and proper entrance.