2024-04-29 - Jacksonville Beach Episcopal - Front Elevation 3-1 clean B

Beaches Campus Classroom Expansion Campaign

In accordance with ESJ’s strategic plan, the Beaches Campus has rapidly increased enrollment over the past three years. When Episcopal School of Jacksonville and Beaches Episcopal School merged, the plan was to grow the Beaches Campus to two sections per grade and build up from the youngest grades. Currently there are two sections through 1st grade at the Beaches Campus. The school anticipates achieving the two sections per grade goal by the 2027-2028 school year.

In order to best serve our students on the Beaches Campus, ESJ has invested heavily in the physical plant by building a new gymnasium and performing arts center, creating a new science classroom and library in Hope Hall, and installing two modular classrooms (on an interim basis) to accommodate the growth to two sections. The next step is to add classroom space that will accommodate enrollment.

Classroom Expansion Project

The school is fortunate to own property adjacent to the campus at the corner of 4th Street and 11th Avenue North. With support from the ESJ community, the school plans to build a two-story building that will feature:

  • Eight classrooms
  • A reception area 
  • Faculty workspace

This building will allow for improvements on the current campus footprint as well:

  • Modular classrooms will be replaced with additional green space for students to play 
  • The lunch patio will be expanded to accommodate our larger student body 
  • McCormick Hall restrooms will be updated

Campaign Timeline

  • May 2024 - August 2025 - Campaign
  • June 2024 - July 2025 - Construction
  • Late July 2025 Classrooms complete and open for 2025-2026 school year

The school is raising funds via the Beaches Classroom Expansion Capital Campaign to fund this project. Tuition, the Episcopal Fund, and Beach Bash proceeds support annual operating expenses. Episcopal utilizes capital campaigns to raise additional funds for facilities additions and upgrades. All of the school's current facilities are a result of the generosity of previous donors, and it is up to our community to pay it forward through supporting this effort for our current students and the generations to follow. 

For more information or to inquire about naming opportunities, please contact Ryan Riggs, Director of Major Gifts, at [email protected] or 904.396.5751 ext. 1202.