Episcopal Insider - BEACHES CAMPUS
August 1, 2025
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Munnerlyn Campus - April 24, 2026
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The Episcopal Fund is important because:
- It supports current year operating needs
- It directly impacts all students and teachers in the year the gift is made
- It is the philanthropic foundation of the school
- It gives Episcopal the ability to respond quickly to opportunities and needs that arise each year
Episcopal was built on the generosity of past donors. Let’s do our part so the school can continue to provide students with the best education possible.
We invite you to make your gift online today.
ESJ’s financial aid application for the 2027–2028 school year is open for students in Pre-K 3 through Grade 12. Families must apply annually to be considered. We evaluate financial aid awards using Clarity, a secure third-party platform. We keep all application information strictly confidential.
- November 13 – Application Deadline
- Applications submitted after the deadline will not be reviewed by the Financial Aid Committee until early April, after awards have been offered to new families. Please be aware that financial aid may no longer be available at that time.
- January 15 – Award Notification & Re-enrollment
Required Documents:
- 2025 1040 and W2 (auto-imported from IRS)
- Recent paystub(s) or earning statement(s)
Clarity application webinars that will include open Q&A with families.
Dates and Registration Links:
Tuesday September 30, 2026 6 pm ET
Wednesday October 28, 2026 6 pm ET
Questions?
- Email support at support@clarityapp.com
- Clarity phone support at 206-210-3752
- M-F 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
- “HELP” button on the Clarity website
- Application and support available in English and Spanish
- Refer to ESJ’s Financial Aid FAQ for additional information
- Contact the Financial Aid Committee at financialaid@esj.org
For information on the financial aid process and to apply, click here.
As a thank-you for your patience and continued partnership, Lands’ End is offering our school community 40% off with code OURTREAT40. The offer ends October 13.
Use the code when shopping through Lands’ End School Outfitters to take advantage of this special offer.
New This Week
The ESJ Fine Arts department is pleased to present this year’s Upper School plays, Almost, Maine and Title of Show with you.
These plays will be presented in the Sikes Theatre April 22-23, 7PM (Almost, Maine); and April 24 at 7PM and April 25 at 2 PM (Title of Show).
Tickets are now available at esj.booktix.com. Tickets are $15 for general admission. ESJ students are free, but must have a ticket as space in the Sikes Theatre is limited.
No late entry due to the layout of the stage in the Sikes Theatre. Please plan accordingly.
For more information, please contact Stacy Bowen at bowens@esj.org.
We invite rising 8th and 9th grade students to explore sailing this summer through programs at the Florida Yacht Club Waterfront Summer Camps, an excellent way to get involved in this dynamic and rewarding sport.
For more information about the ESJ sailing program or summer sailing opportunities, please contact Nogay Dokmeci, the Director of Sailing at the Florida Yacht Club, at Sailing@thefyc.org.
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Episcopal School of Jacksonville Sailing Team Concludes Standout Season, Advances to SAISA District Championship
Jacksonville, FL — The sailing team at Episcopal School of Jacksonville has concluded an impressive 2025–2026 season, earning a 7th-place finish in the highly competitive SAISA North Points District and qualifying for the SAISA District Championship, an achievement comparable to advancing to a state championship in a team sport like soccer.
Competing in the South Atlantic Interscholastic Sailing Association (SAISA), the team faced top-tier programs from across the Southeast. At the District Championship, Episcopal sailors raced against some of the strongest teams in the country, including competitors traveling from as far as the U.S. Virgin Islands. At this regatta, the top three teams advanced to nationals, placing Episcopal among an elite group of high-performing programs in the region.
Beyond competition results, the season highlighted the unique demands of high school sailing. Often misunderstood as a purely recreational activity, competitive sailing requires both physical strength and endurance, as well as sharp mental focus, strategy, and split-second decision-making. Successful sailors must read wind patterns, anticipate shifts, and communicate effectively with their teammates, making it one of the most dynamic and challenging sports offered at the high school level.
The team’s graduating seniors exemplify this balance of athletic and academic excellence. As leaders on the water and in the classroom, members of the senior class will attend highly selective universities, including Dartmouth College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Looking ahead, the Episcopal sailing program is focused on building the next generation of student-athletes. Rising 8th and 9th-grade students are encouraged to explore sailing this summer through programs at the Florida Yacht Club Waterfront Summer Camps. These camps provide an excellent introduction to the sport and serve as a pathway to joining the school team.
“Our program is about more than competition,” said rising Junior, Penelope Cornais. “Sailing develops resilience, confidence, and teamwork in a way few sports can. We’re excited to welcome new students who are eager to challenge themselves and be part of something special.”
For more information about the sailing program or summer sailing opportunities, please contact Nogay Dokmeci, the Director of Sailing at the Florida Yacht Club, at Sailing@thefyc.org.
Senior Exam Information & Schedule:
Exam time and specific location for those testing will be available in the My ESJ Student portals a week prior to testing. All Seniors scheduled to take exams will do so in the Semmes Gym, except for students testing with accommodations, who will test in other classroom locations on the Munnerlyn Campus. Students should check My ESJ under Daily Schedule to confirm exam locations. Students must remain in the testing location for the full testing period. Seniors with grades of A- or above for the 2nd semester may be exempt from their exam at the discretion of the classroom teacher.
Monday, May 11
- 8:05 AM – 10:05 AM – World Language
- 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Mathematics
Tuesday, May 12
- 8:05 AM – 10:05 AM – English
- 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Science
Wednesday, May 13
- 8:05 AM – 10:05 AM – History & Theology
- 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Conflicts
Grades 9 – 11 Exam Information & Schedule:
Upper School students in grades 9 – 11 will take exams in English, Science, History, World Language, and Mathematics. Standard and Accommodation Exams will begin at 8:30 AM, and students must arrive on campus by 8:15 AM. Students should check My ESJ under Daily Schedule to confirm exam locations. If your child is ill, please contact the school at exams@esj.org; the Attendance Office will be notified, and you will be contacted regarding rescheduling the missed exam. The exam schedule is below.
Monday, May 18 – World Language
- Standard Exams – 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- Accommodation Exams – 8:30 start, end time varies by student
Tuesday, May 19 – Mathematics
- Standard Exams – 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- Accommodation Exams – 8:30 start, end time varies by student
Wednesday, May 20 – English
- Standard Exams – 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- Accommodation Exams – 8:30 start, end time varies by student
Thursday, May 21 – Science
- Standard Exams – 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- Accommodation Exams – 8:30 start, end time varies by student
Friday, May 22 – History
- Standard Exams – 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- Accommodation Exams – 8:30 start, end time varies by student
Exam Week Quiet Study
The Bryan Library will be open Monday through Friday 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM. Students needing to remain on campus after the library closes may study in the Buck. The Buck will be open Monday through Thursday until 3:00 PM and on Friday until 12:00 PM.
If you have any questions or your child is ill during exam week, please contact the school at exams@esj.org.
6th Grade Information:
Sixth grade students do not take exams during Exam Week and do not come to campus. The last day of school for sixth grade students is Friday, May 15.
7th Grade Exam Information & Schedule:
Seventh grade students will take exams in World Language, Math and English. Standard and Accommodation Exams will begin at 8:30 AM, and students must arrive on campus by 8:15 AM. Students should check My ESJ under Daily Schedule to confirm exam locations. Standard Exams for seventh grade students will be administered in the Alumni Gym. If your child is ill, please contact the school at exams@esj.org; the Attendance Office will be notified, and you will be contacted regarding rescheduling the missed exam. The seventh grade exam schedule is below.
Monday, May 18 – World Language
- Standard Exams – 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- Accommodation Exams – 8:30 start, end time varies by student
Tuesday, May 19 – Mathematics
- Standard Exams – 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- Accommodation Exams – 8:30 start, end time varies by student
Wednesday, May 20 – English
- Standard Exams – 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- Accommodation Exams – 8:30 start, end time varies by student
8th Grade Exam Information & Schedule:
Eighth grade students will take exams in World Language, Math, English, Science, and History. Standard and Accommodation Exams will begin at 8:30 AM, and students must arrive on campus by 8:15 AM. Students should check My ESJ under Daily Schedule to confirm exam locations. Standards Exams for eighth grade students will be administered in the Semmes Gym. If your child is ill, please contact the school at exams@esj.org; the Attendance Office will be notified, and you will be contacted regarding rescheduling the missed exam. The eighth grade exam schedule is below.
Monday, May 18 – World Language
- Standard Exams – 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- Accommodation Exams – 8:30 start, end time varies by student
Tuesday, May 19 – Mathematics
- Standard Exams – 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- Accommodation Exams – 8:30 start, end time varies by student
Wednesday, May 20 – English
- Standard Exams – 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- Accommodation Exams – 8:30 start, end time varies by student
Thursday, May 21 – Science
- Standard Exams – 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- Accommodation Exams – 8:30 start, end time varies by student
Friday, May 22 – History
- Standard Exams – 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- Accommodation Exams – 8:30 start, end time varies by student
Exam Week Quiet Study
The Bryan Library will be open Monday through Friday 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM. Students needing to remain on campus after the library closes may study in the Buck. The Buck will be open Monday through Thursday until 3:00 PM and on Friday until 12:00 PM.
If you have any questions or your child is ill during exam week, please contact the school at exams@esj.org.
2026 Book Buyback begins Monday, May 11
- Seniors – Eligible textbooks can be returned starting May 11
- 7th – 11th grade– Eligible textbooks can be returned starting May 18
- 6th grade instructors facilitate Book Buyback during class time
Books that are eligible for Book Buyback are as follows:
- Textbooks are used in the upcoming school year’s curriculum.
- Textbooks are cleared of papers, tabs, sticky notes, etc.
- Pages and binding are intact.
- Pencil marks erased and no pen/highlighter marks.
- Books with water damage are ineligible for return.
- Workbooks and novels are not eligible for Book Buyback.
Please join us for our last FANS meeting of the year on Thursday, May 7, from 8:15-9:15 in the Fine Arts Lounge located in the Munnerlyn Center. We’ll have coffee and treats, and we look forward to gathering together in support of the Fine Arts program!
Fine Arts Nurturing Students (FANS) is a parent volunteer organization that enhances the fine arts experience for every Episcopal student and the entire ESJ community. FANS provides essential support to our fine arts students and faculty. As an Episcopal parent, you are automatically a member of every parent organization, including FANS!
Reminders
Second Semester is finally here!! This is a special time for our community as we prepare for Senior events such as Senior Honors Convocation, Baccalaureate and Commencement. The next few months are going to pass quickly. Coupled with senior exams, AP exams, and many academic challenges comes the task of keeping track of all the events that Seniors must attend.
Attached please find a calendar listing all the events that seniors must attend in preparation for Commencement. Seniors, please remember that most of these events are mandatory and that your promptness will help all of us. Parents are invited to attend several of these functions as noted in the calendar. Please note the proper dress for each occasion in the dress code listed below. Caps and gowns will be distributed on Thursday, May 14.
At Commencement, please remember that seats are available on a first come first served basis after 7:00 AM and that a family member must be present to hold seats. Any reserved signs placed on seats prior to 7:00 AM will be removed. The Ironman Competition will be taking place in Jacksonville this year at the same time as Commencement, for more information on how this might effect traffic getting to and from campus the morning of commencement please visit the Ironman website.
Dress Code For All Ceremonies
Wrinkle Free Cap and Gown
(Place gown in dryer with a damp wash cloth and a dryer sheet. Do not iron, the material will melt!!)
Girls:
Attire: Dress or Skirt and Top (Rompers are okay, please be mindful of length) Shoes: No flip flops, canvas or athletic shoes. Please remember that you will be processing through the mulch path, wedges or flats would be best.
Boys:
Must be clean shaven. (We will have shaving kits on hand if you show up for any ceremony and are not clean shaven)
Attire: Light colored Dress Shirt, Dress Pants and Tie. No Shorts!!
We are excited to begin planning our Senior Athletic Banquet, a meaningful evening celebrating our senior athletes and all they’ve accomplished this year.
The banquet will be held on Sunday, May 3rd, with:
- Set Up: Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd
- Event: Sunday, May 3rd
- Break Down: Immediately following the banquet on May 3rd
We are looking for volunteers to help make this culminating event special and seamless for our seniors and their families.
We need help with:
- Friday and Saturday décor and room setup
- Assisting with food and hospitality coordination
- Program and awards assistance during the event
- Supporting the video creation (gathering photos, organizing submissions, assisting the person compiling/editing the senior highlight video)
- Event breakdown and clean up on Sunday evening
Volunteer Sign-Up
Please use the link below to sign up for a volunteer role:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AEA92EA6F58-63036669-senior
We truly appreciate your time and support in helping us celebrate our senior athletes.
Junior Co-Chairs for Next Year
We are also looking for Junior Co-Chairs to shadow this year and take over as Chairs next year. This is a wonderful way to stay involved and help carry this tradition forward.
Junior Co-Chairs would:
- Assist with planning this year
- Learn the timeline and logistics
- Step confidently into leadership next year
If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity — or serving as a Junior Co-Chair — please let us know.
Let’s send our seniors off with a celebration that reflects how proud we are of them.
Thank you for your continued support.
We have an exciting trip planned for our eighth grade students on Friday, May 1. The eighth grade students and Episcopal chaperones will travel to Islands of Adventure in Orlando. This trip is an opportunity to celebrate the culmination of their Middle School experience.
Students should arrive at 6:15 a.m. at the Upper School drop-off to board the buses. Buses will depart at 6:30 a.m. with an estimated return time of 6:30 p.m. The school will send a text to parents when the buses depart Islands of Adventure and again when the buses are 30 minutes from campus.
Students must wear Episcopal spirit dress. They will need money for lunch, snacks, and souvenirs. Student tickets are Islands of Adventure park access only and do not include Universal Express Pass. Students who have a Universal Annual Pass and/or an Annual Universal Express Pass may use it, but neither are required.
There will be a class meeting with the students the week before the trip to discuss the expectations and answer questions. If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Noir-Jones at noir-jonesm@esj.org.
We are excited to share this memorable and fun experience with our eighth graders!
Please join us for our upcoming Parents’ Association Meeting on April 24 at 8:15 a.m. in the Gooding Boardroom located in Bryan Library.
Come hear about the wonderful things we’ve accomplished this year, participate in slating our new board, and help us prepare for an exciting year ahead. We will also be welcoming social chairs for each grade level as we begin planning for next year.
Reach out to Melanie Davis, 804.539.4025 for more information. We hope to see you there!
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