Upper School Course Catalogue
2026 - 2027
Upper School Course Catalogue
2026-2027
Introduction
Episcopal School of Jacksonville’s approach to our balanced education (academics, fine arts, athletics, and spiritual development) is sustained by the expectation of excellence in all areas of campus life. The school works to develop “leaders and doers of good,” as is stated in our mission statement, created by our Founders in 1966. A liberal arts curriculum prepares the college-bound student by focusing on effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills in a learner-centered environment. The Munnerlyn Campus, situated on 84 acres on the St. Johns River, is a caring community with faculty who are outstanding in their field, all who are dedicated to helping our students develop their creative talents, discover their passions, and deepen their faith and commitment to service for others.
The school develops graduates who: seek understanding while valuing curiosity, collaboration, and inclusion and embracing learning as an ever-evolving process; develop a sense of self through experience and reflection, possessing confidence that is tempered with humility; live with honor and purpose choosing to lead and do good, through service to others; and pursue a life of faith by seeking a relationship with God and others, while respecting the dignity of every human being.
Mission Statement
The mission of Episcopal School of Jacksonville is to provide a superior college preparatory education in an environment marked by high expectation, Christian nurture, and social diversity. Through a balanced program of academics, arts and athletics, Episcopal’s faculty seeks to instill in each student intellectual growth, character development, responsible leadership and a commitment to community service.
Welcome to Episcopal Upper School
Episcopal School of Jacksonville’s Upper School has a strong college-preparatory curriculum, consisting of English, History, Mathematics, Science, and World Languages, and is complemented by a wide range of additional required and elective courses.
The creation of a student’s schedule takes into consideration academic history, faculty recommendations, and standardized test scores. Final course selections for students new to Episcopal’s Upper School are based on consultation with the Director of Enrollment, the Head of Upper School, and Department Chairs. Where an honors or AP course seems appropriate, a student may choose to take a placement test. Once enrolled, the process of course selection is done with the support of the advisor in collaboration with the student, current teachers, and parents.
Freshmen are scheduled for seven classes. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are required to be scheduled for six classes and typically have a free period. If they are on Academic Probation, they will be required to report to the Library for quiet study during their free period.
Our ability to offer course sections is contingent upon a combination of student interest and staffing resources. Enrollment in classes, including AP classes, may be limited, due to the number of sections Episcopal School of Jacksonville can offer. In the aforementioned cases, enrollment in the courses will be determined by the prerequisites and requirements set by the department. Additionally, courses may not be scheduled if student interest is not high enough to warrant a full section of students. If a course requested by a student is not scheduled, the student will be placed in an alternate course.
Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP Exam and/or submit their portfolios in May.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate from Episcopal a student must have a minimum of 24 credits. One credit is the equivalent of a year-long course. The requirements are listed below:
Requirements for the classes of 2027-2029:
- Communications – Freshman Seminar – 1 credit. Taken in 9th grade. (page 4)
- English – 4 credits, one each year. (page 7)
- Fine Arts – 2 credits or 1 credits. 2 credits if pursuing a Fine Arts track. 1 credit if taking basic requirement courses. (page 12)
- History – 3 credits. Including World History, Modern World History, and United States History. (page 19)
- Mathematics – 4 credits. Must complete curriculum through Algebra 2, plus additional courses to reach the 4 credits. (page 22)
- Physical Education – 1 credit. Requirement can also be met by participation in any ESJ interscholastic sport for three seasons, dance classes for three years, or dance ensemble for three years. (page 26)
- Science – 3 credits. Including Biology and Chemistry. (page 27)
- Theology – 1 credit. Introduction to Christian Theology and Theology elective or Theological Arts. (page 33)
- World Languages – 2 or 3 credits. Must ensure completion of level 3 of the same language. (page 35)
Requirements for the class of 2030:
- Communications – Freshman Seminar – 1 credit. Taken in 9th grade. (page 4)
- English – 4 credits, one each year. (page 7)
- Fine Arts – 2 credits or 1.5 credits. 2 if pursuing a Fine Arts track. 1.5 if taking basic requirement courses and/or Practical Arts courses. (page 12)
- History – 3 credits. Including World History, Modern World History, and United States History. (page 19)
- Mathematics – 4 credits. Must complete curriculum through Algebra 2, plus additional courses to reach the 4 credits. (page 22)
- Physical Education – 1 credit. Requirement can also be met by participation in any ESJ interscholastic sport for three seasons, dance classes for three years, or dance ensemble for three years. (page 26)
- Science – 3 credits. Including Biology and Chemistry. (page 27)
- Theology – 1 credit. Introduction to Christian Theology and Theology elective or Theological Arts. (page 33)
- World Languages – 2 or 3 credits. Must ensure completion of level 3 of the same language. (page 35)
Modifications to Graduation Requirements for students enrolling in 12th grade:
- Students must earn one half credit (one semester) toward the fulfillment of the Fine Arts and Physical Fitness graduation requirement that had not been completed prior to enrollment.
Changes for the 2026-2027 School Year
- Within English:
- English 12: The Book was Better is now offered.
- Within Communications:
- Public Speaking is no longer offered.
- Within History:
- Modern Military History & Strategy is no longer offered.
- Within Mathematics:
- Mathematics for College Readiness is no longer offered.
- Within Physical Education:
- Nutrition & Mindfulness is no longer offered.
- Team Sports and Fitness is now offered.
- Within Technology & Innovation:
- AP Cybersecurity is now offered.
- Within World Languages:
- Spanish Through the Arts is now offered.
- Spanish Through Hispanic Traditions is now offered.
- Within English: