Science
Science
The Science Department provides comprehensive, modern, and technologically innovative science education. Students learn how the scientific method, a cornerstone of science, is used to solve problems and develop new technologies to improve health, environment, and lives. Students begin dedicated science instruction on our Lower School campuses which establishes a scientific foundation for the process oriented guided interactive learning (POGIL) course work in Middle and Upper School. Students in science classes engage in hands-on activities that provide the background for developing an understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry. They ask questions, plan, and conduct investigations and use appropriate tools and techniques to gather data. Throughout the year, students can be found designing catapults and bottle rockets. Student centered approaches include POGIL, and modeling, in which students analyze data to understand the evidence that supports modern scientific theories.
Episcopal teachers understand that outstanding science education extends beyond the walls of their classrooms. Many science courses provide students with field experience opportunities which include swimming with the manatees in Crystal River and meeting with professors at research facilities and universities such as Stanford and MIT. Courses also offer field trips to Little Talbot Island State Park, Guana Estuarine Research Preserve, and the Arlington East Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Courses prepare students to pursue advanced science degrees at prestigious colleges and universities throughout the country. Core courses include Earth Science, Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Science Research, and Human Anatomy & Physiology.
Communications
Communications
Communication, whether oral, written, or visual, is at the core of the human experience. The Communications Department helps students better understand and express themselves in engaging, clear, and mindful ways through several courses offered at the Upper School and Middle School levels.
Research 8 provides students a thorough introduction to the research process, teaching them the most productive ways to find, evaluate, and properly use source materials in order to better communicate their thoughts and ideas in various forms of research papers and presentations.
Freshman Seminar assists ninth grade students in learning and practicing skills required to be successful students and responsible community members. Various skills honed in this course include (but are not limited to) those pertaining to life management, public speaking, computer science, and financial literacy.
Public Speaking provides students with the skills to communicate effectively, speak with purpose, and select audience-appropriate topics, as well as organize their ideas.
Yearbook: Yearbook educates students on the process of yearbook production, with an emphasis on journalistic writing, photography, and design.
Journalism: Newspaper educates students on newspaper-based journalism, with an emphasis on writing and photography. The student newspaper, The Talon Times, is posted online and includes podcasts and articles by the staff.
Media Production studies the art of filmmaking and digital content creation. Students learn all aspects of filmmaking, including pre-production, production, and post-production. Students utilize digital cameras and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite to create videos, photos, and content in a broad range of styles.
Film Analysis introduces students to the basics of film analysis, cinematic formal elements, genre, and narrative structure. This course additionally helps students develop the skills to recognize, analyze, describe and enjoy film as an art form and as an entertainment form.
AP Psychology studies the scope of human behavior and cognitive processes. The goals of this course are to immerse students in modern psychological investigation techniques, to explore the ethics and morality of human interaction, and to emphasize critical thinking skills in the application of sound scientific principles. Psychology is a complex social science with multiple perspectives and interpretations.
Theology
Theology
The Theology Department directs students to the deepest and best of the Christian intellectual tradition and helps them understand how that tradition engages a pluralistic world. The department’s goal extends beyond merely offering courses in Bible or formal ethics and instead strives to integrate a substantive Christian perspective within the framework of the entire educational process.
Middle School students, in the 7th and 8th grades, take introductory courses to the Old and New Testaments to introduce them to the basic message and genres of Holy Scripture. Students in Upper School begin their theological studies with a semester-long introductory course that explores the Nicene Creed as the guide to Christian doctrine and biblical texts which inform the understanding of creation, fall, covenant, and redemption. After completing the introductory course, students then have options for more specialized semester-long courses focused on exploring the Old and New Testaments respectively, a course focused on discipleship and ethics, and a course devoted to the writings of CS Lewis.
Episcopal schools invite all who attend and work in them—Episcopalians and non-Episcopalians, Christians and non-Christians, people of no faith tradition—to seek clarity about their own beliefs and religions and to honor those traditions more fully and faithfully in their own lives. Religious studies are meaningful, academically substantive, and age-appropriate; and intentionally foster dialogue with other faith traditions.
English
English
The discussion-based English curriculum on the Munnerlyn Campus equips students to express themselves with confidence,clarity, and purpose. Passionate, experienced educators in grades 6-12 use their expertise to guide students as they explore a rich range of classical and contemporary texts in a college preparatory environment. Students evolve into effective writers and speakers by reading critically, listening effectively, and analyzing and evaluating a variety of texts. The department’s thoughtfully designed, research-based programs enable its faculty to collaborate with and challenge students, inspiring engaged, reflective, and strategic learners. Our learner-centered classrooms foster civil discourse and invite students to engage with literature and its connections to their own lives and the broader human condition. We are committed to helping our students develop the critical reading, writing, and thinking skills that prepare them for success, both in and beyond the classroom.
Physical Education
Physical Education
Episcopal believes in the strong correlation between the physical well-being of students and their performance in the classroom. The Physical Education (PE) Program is designed to provide students with an enjoyable means by which to acquire new skills and healthy habits, which they can use to expand their opportunities for a lifetime of personal achievement.
Middle School
PE courses focus on a solid progression from the assessment of basic motor skills to the instruction of specific sports units whereby students learn the sport’s rules and required skills. It is not uncommon for PE students to participate in more than ten sports within a given academic year. Middle School development programs are designed to transition directly into the Upper School performance programs. For instance, beginning in the eighth grade, students can take Introduction to Sports Performance, which is designed to teach and to improve strength and movements associated with sports.Upper School
PE classes are an integral part of students’ personal development and their campus experience. General physical education classes promote active lifestyles, nutrition, team-building, leadership, and management. These classes are accessible to all students and teach life skills that transcend any given sport. More specialized however, Sports Performance classes support the needs of our student-athletes, in-season and out-of-season, in order to improve strength and mobility and to enhance therapy and recovery.
Technology & Innovation
Technology & Innovation
Technology & Innovation
Nurturing a love of learning, creativity, and innovation is the foundation of curriculum projects developed by the ESJ Technology & Innovation Department. A key goal of the department is to provide engaging and challenging development in digital literacy and technology, enabling the discovery of tomorrow’s opportunities and solutions for today’s problems. Real-world applications of computer science and inquiry-based learning are at the heart of projects in classrooms, computer labs, and STEM spaces across campus. Working freely between hardware and software in both the Lower and Upper School builds lifelong confidence in ESJ students and strengthens the future communities they will serve.Middle and Upper Schools
In sixth through eighth grades, students build digital literacy, research skills, and design thinking while using collaborative tools such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Office. Courses emphasize the ethical use of technology, creativity in digital design, and applied problem-solving through programming—progressing from block coding to Python. Students also explore media literacy, AI, and data analysis, preparing them for advanced projects. Opportunities in robotics, drones, STEAM challenges, and 3D modeling introduce students to the engineering and design processes, helping them brainstorm, prototype, and share their own innovations. By Upper School, students are confident with design thinking and problem-solving. In courses such as Honors Engineering Design, Digital Design Studio, Blockchain & Business Technology, App Development, Robotics, and AP offerings in Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, and Networking Fundamentals, they advance their programming skills in Python, Java, and SWIFT while applying industry-relevant tools for design and development. ESJ’s Technology & Innovation curriculum is supported by two computer labs, a Robotics/STEM Lab within a maker space environment, and a growing list of hardware and software to meet the needs of 21st-century learners. Participation in ESJ’s two FIRST Robotics teams provides students in grades 6–12 with opportunities to collaborate, problem-solve, and showcase their innovation in competition.
History
History
Within the larger context of our liberal arts approach to education at Episcopal, the history curriculum is designed to both inform students with a better understanding of our common past and contemporary world, while also emphasizing the development of critical thinking skills that are at the heart of an informed and active citizenry. As such, the curriculum is structured so as to educate and challenge students in a spiraling and developmentally appropriate manner as they progress through the sequential phases of an Episcopal education.
We are devoted practitioners of the Harkness Method of instruction at Episcopal, and as such we approach the study of history in a learner-centered and analytical manner. Such an approach emphasizes individual understanding, engagement, and advocacy.
The Middle School history curriculum is a series of focused historical survey courses: sixth grade studies ancient world history; the seventh-grade World Geography course provides an overview of the world and eighth graders learn about the early history of the United States – from pre-colonial America through the Civil War, with an emphasis on citizenship and civics. As students extend their understanding of the modern world and the early history of this nation, they also are challenged to think, write, and speak in a progressively more analytical fashion.
The history curriculum at Episcopal carries into and culminates with a study of world history from the Classical Era through the 20th century during the freshman and sophomore years, finishing with a focused survey of US History since the Reconstruction Era during junior year. True to the Harkness Method and the historical discipline, a seminar-based approach in these Upper School courses enables students to both exercise and expand their skills in synthesis, analysis, and individual expression. Students will also be heavily involved in interpreting history through documents, engaging in discussions, and articulating their own critical conclusions through both spoken and written mediums. Likewise, students are steadily afforded more self-choice in the direction they take their historical studies in the Upper School - whether through the different thematically based courses of second-semester US History concerning topics such as Civil Rights and Identity, or through the selection of a host of Advanced Placement and elective offerings available from the sophomore year onward.
World Languages
World Languages
The Episcopal world languages curriculum strengthens students’ communication skills, deepens their cultural awareness, and prepares students to thrive in a global community. Episcopal offers four languages to Middle and Upper School students: Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish. Students are introduced to each language in 6th grade. In 7th grade, students begin learning the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of a language and its related cultures. Students are required to learn a language through level 3, and their language acquisition studies can continue through the AP level. Classes are interactive and engaging: using discussions, authentic texts, and creative activities to make language learning meaningful. Classroom exercises include individual and group work, debates, role plays, videos, podcasts, and exposure to music, philosophy, and cuisine.
Chinese is the most spoken language in the world, and students learn to communicate through speaking, listening, reading, the Pinyin writing system, and traditional Chinese characters. They also explore rich classical and contemporary Chinese texts to learn about the world’s oldest continuing culture.
French is the second most taught language in the world, and students learn to communicate through speaking, listening, reading, and writing. French students further explore French and other Francophone cultures through novellas and films. French students have opportunities to compete at Congrés (a statewide competition in Orlando) and participate in an exchange program with students from Nantes, France.
Latin was the language of the Roman Empire, and students explore Roman culture, mythology, history, and government through the translation of stories and ancient texts. They also learn about how the Latin language and the Romans influenced modern art, architecture, and literature. Latin students have the opportunity to compete at Regional Latin Forum (a city-wide competition in Jacksonville).
Spanish is the second most common language in the United States, and students learn to communicate through speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Novellas and literature connect students to Hispanic and Latin cultures, history, and language. Spanish students have opportunities to compete at the Florida State Spanish Competition, participate in an exchange program with students from Zaragoza, Spain, and participate in the Costa Rica Immersion Program.
American Sign Language is offered to a limited number of Upper School students as determined through an application and placement process. ASL students experience a different way of learning, learn to express themselves through signing and receiving, and develop a greater appreciation of American deaf culture.
Episcopal students may earn the Global Seal of BiliteracyTM in these or other languages. This credential celebrates advanced language proficiency and sets recipients apart for future schools and employers.
Math
Math
The Mathematics curriculum on the Munnerlyn Campus is designed to meet the needs of all Episcopal students, with keen attention paid to students’ differing mathematical backgrounds, developmental levels, and conceptual abilities. Topics and concepts are presented and developed theoretically, at developmentally appropriate levels, then reinforced analytically, graphically, and numerically. Mathematics courses are required each year from grade 6 through grade 12.
The curriculum carefully follows the standards established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the State of Florida, and the College Board. Collaboration between our Lower School mathematics teachers and Middle School mathematics teachers allows for students to have a seamless transition to Middle School coursework. Classes in Middle and Upper School include the study of pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, precalculus, calculus, and probability and statistics. Students are carefully placed in standard or honors level sections (beginning in eighth grade) to meet their specific needs and interests at each level of study. Advanced Placement courses (beginning in tenth grade) are offered in Precalculus, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, and Statistics. An honors-level seminar course is available to seniors who have exhausted the Advanced Placement Calculus curriculum.
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