The Beaches Campus recently welcomed prospective families to an Admission Open House, offering guests an opportunity to experience the connected community, inspiring classrooms, and welcoming spirit that make Episcopal School of Jacksonville special.

A highlight of the morning was the opportunity for prospective families to meet some of ESJ’s newest student ambassadors: our fifth graders. As part of their preparation for the Open House, fifth grade students interviewed faculty and staff members across campus, learning more about the people, programs, and experiences that contribute to the ESJ experience.

Armed with knowledge and their own firsthand experiences, the fifth graders welcomed prospective families to campus and shared what life is really like as an ESJ student. From talking about their favorite parts of the school day to sharing their experiences in academics, athletics, the arts, and spiritual life, the students provided an authentic perspective on what it means to be an Eagle.

For our fifth graders, serving as ambassadors was more than simply showing families around campus. It was an opportunity to step into a leadership role, represent their school community, and help prospective families envision themselves as part of ESJ.

“Our fifth graders have an important opportunity to step into leadership as they welcome prospective families to campus,” said Jennifer Ketchum, Head of Lower School, Beaches Campus. “They are learning that leadership is not just about having a title; it is about serving others, sharing your experience, and helping someone else feel welcomed and connected. Watching our students confidently share what they love about ESJ is a wonderful reflection of the character and community we hope to build in every Eagle.”

The Open House also would not be possible without the support of our Parent Ambassadors, who generously volunteered their time to serve as tour guides and share their own perspectives as ESJ parents. Their warm welcome and firsthand insight helped prospective families experience the strong partnership between school and home that is an important part of the ESJ community.

Together, our fifth grade students, Parent Ambassadors, faculty, and staff gave prospective families a meaningful glimpse into life at the Beaches Campus and showed them what it truly means to be an Eagle.