I currently go to Episcopal High School and can answer anyone’s questions that they have! Episcopal is a gem. My roommate got into Andover, Choate, Cate, and Groton (all fantastic schools) and chose Episcopal. That says a lot about the school in comparison to some of the best in the country. Did she choose EHS for a lighter workload? Not at all. We are both very challenged here, but in a way that doesn’t stress us out 24/7. We learn the same as GLADCHEMMS, but most teachers understand we have other commitments/social lives and try to teach us in a way that won’t require us to go back on dorm and re-learn everything. As for social life, I usually eat dinner pretty early (5:30 or so) and then spend my remaining hour and a half to two hours with friends before study hall. Evenings at EHS are when I used to get the most homesick as a scared freshman, but now are my most treasured time at school. It’s the closest to “me-time” as you’re gonna get at boarding school. It’s time to relax on dorm or outside if it’s nice, time to walk my advisors dogs or just go and play my flute. Then it’s homework and lights out. Oh and by the way, food is pretty decent here. It can get repetitive at times but they really do try and switch things up. Dessert is delicious as well 
hope this helps any prospective students/applicants!
I’m currently a student at EHS, and stumbling upon this post by chance, it made me smile.
I’m a junior girl currently attending EHS. I grew up in the area and have been talking to a lot of kids who are looking at or planning on coming to the Hill next year and I’m more than happy to share some of my opinions here.
One thing I will say is that I am actually somewhat shocked that “DS” – who I likely know in fact-- witnessed an honor code violation while revisiting campus. In my three years here, I have gone from despising to absolutely loving the honor code. At first it scared me but is now my favorite part of this school. I have heard of kids cheating but in all honesty have never witnessed it myself. I do know that most kids caught breaking the honor code are asked to leave. It is definitely not taken lightly, and most students actually stand by the decision to punish those who break it because we value it so much. One thing that I always tell people about the honor code is that at all times of the day students leave their backpacks and personal belongings strewn about campus. I have never felt unsure about this because stealing is so rare at our school.
I also looked at Northern boarding schools like Taft, westminster, and Berkshire. Although I initially wanted to go to boarding achool to get out of Alexandria (due to the private day school culture, which is suprisingly so different from EHS), I decided to stay in town but as a boarder. One of the main reasons is the social atmosphere at Episcopal. Like you said, “sir” and “mam” and part of the boys’ language here, and you really feel the southern comfort in the people here. I love the southern tradition of EHS, like The Game, our annual football game against rival Woodberry Forest which has been going on for more than 100 years, where parents can be heard in southern accents screaming “Go Hai Skoo!” Or “mass meetings” which are essentially our version of pep rallies, aka 400 kids jumping up and down in a mosh pit of maroon and black paint under strobe lights and music for 20 mins on a school night to get us pumped for big games. Weird, but a favorite tradition.
One thing I think is important to note about Episcopal is that you don’t have to be a star student to succeed here. I came in my freshman year and finished my first quarter with a 79, yes 79, average. In the last quarter of my junior year I have reached high list three times with a 4rd quarter average of 92. I owe this to the learning specialists. The two women that have come to be my second mothers. For kids with an 85 or below average, they help them with homeowrk, make sure they’re on track, and continuously nag them to get stuff done, and I appreciate them so much for that as they have been the key to my success here. The Learning Specialists Center is newly renovated and awesome with a big atudy hall room and private tutoring booths. Although often teachers have a “tough luck” style, they know that with or without help we are more than capable.
In addition, I am also not a serious athlete, but I have never found that to be an issue. EHS is really flexible with athletic requirements. I played tennis for two years but dropped it and am now a three season yearbook staffer which I really love, and have also done community service instead of sports which is a great program where I made a lot of new friends. I write for the student newspaper and edit for the student literary magazine.
The internet does not lie: the teachers here are awesome. My Writing Workshop teacher has not only helped me to grow into a skilled writer, but has also made an effort to get to know me and help me do my best. My AP US teacher is tough, I was scared of him before I took the class. Now he is my all-time favorite teacher. He accepts nothing less than my best and has really shown me what I am capable of while sparking my strong interest in history. On my term paper, he sat down for an hour with me to help me develop a topic that I would be interested in. After I decided to dig into the changing relationship between the media and the government in the mid 20th century (nixon, watergate, etc) he checked in with me during every class to offer guidance.
My absolute favorite part of EHS is living on dorm with my best friends. In three years, i have not only made a close knit, awesome group of friends, but gotten to know almost everyone at this school. Really. People at EHS are great, they are so warm and friendly and all but a few people I could easily walk up to in a room and hold a conversation with.
Thats my short–okay not short at all-- inside on EHS. If only I were this postive when my mom calls me after a long study hall. If anyone wants to know more or get some cons to contrast this I am happy to share more honest info about EHS!
Thank you so much everyone who has written in about the school! These responses are really great and gives all kinds of useful information that might be hard for me to get out by trying to figure out questions to ask.
Uptown Funk - EHS Style!
heyyy, the Maroon are seriously synced . . . y’all just set the bar a little higher, well played!
Final exam week at EHS. Today the faculty signed diplomas. This act is my favorite EHS tradition, and while there are many traditions at EHS that I enjoy, this one is unique and special. Every faculty member (80+) signs every graduate diploma affirming not only the successful completion of coursework, but also the Episcopal experience. Headmaster Hershey said it best at last year’s commencement, “It is not just a piece of paper representing the completion of the academic experience of high school – it is a personal document, continuing the time-honored tradition of bearing the individual signatures of all 87 faculty members who have worked closely with this class, confirming each faculty member’s acknowledgement that each individual recipient of this Class of 2014 has fulfilled the covenant of meeting the School’s expectation in all realms."
For the faculty, it is also one of their favorite EHS traditions. Dr. Olsen, Chair of Science Department notes, “while it may seem like a perfunctory process to some, I absolutely love the experience of diploma signing. As you may know, each EHS diploma is hand-signed by the entire faculty, which happens the last week of school during exam period. Each faculty member is given a time slot to sign, and all of the diplomas are laid out in Centennial on long tables. We move through the entire senior class and sign each one, and as I move along, I think about each student, recall the great experiences we’ve had together on dorm, in class, and across campus. During this week, senior seminar interviews are also being held, so it’s a wonderful chance to reminisce and reflect on how each senior has grown over the years. It’s a very personal and bittersweet day for me.”
It is a bittersweet week for DS. In between exams and studying, he is savoring every last moment with graduating senior friends. Yesterday (Memorial Day) his wrestling coach and some team members rose early, before the last day of regular classes, to run by the Korean, WWII, and Vietnam memorials. It was their way of paying respect to our country’s fallen heroes.
We drive down to attend Baccalaureate on Friday night and then leave Saturday after morning commencement. Half way complete.
Very exciting news to share. EHS’s next Head of School was just announced. Mr. Charles M. Stillwell will become EHS’s 12th Head of School.
http://www.episcopalhighschool.org/about_ehs/the-12th-head-of-episcopal-high-school/index.aspx
Back on the Holy Hill for the 2015-2016 school year. Instead of dropping one for pre-season athletics, we dropped two. While DS continues his journey (junior), DD’s odyssey begins as a freshman. That’s right, DW and I now suffer from EOENS, Early Onset Empty Nester Syndrome (credit to @girlgeekmom ).
We drove to EHS and dropped off on 8/31, only to return a week later for new student orientation. Despite the return trip, it was a relief to avoid the madness and heat of move-in day. It was swealtering (low 90s and humid).
Registration/move in for new students was 8-11 am. At 11 am, Headmaster Hershey welcomed us in Callaway Chapel. After 18 years at the helm, Mr. Hershey will be stepping down at the end of the school year (June 30, 2016). I’ve seen Mr. Hershey speak numerous times to parents over the last two years. It amazes me that he can articulate the values and principle of EHS over and over without repeating himself. He will be missed. After chapel we met with the 9th grade deans who described the freshman schedule/resources over the next week, and encouraged parents to be patient with student adjustment. While this information was not new to us, it was reassuring to see other parent’s lack of panic. Next was a 30 minute sit-down lunch with new students and their advisory. After lunch, parents huddled in the respective dorms (by floor) and reviewed sign in/out procedure, adult/monitor resources, etc. The biggest concern expressed by new parents related to the ability to leave campus and travel into D.C. Did the school recommend Uber for travel to/from campus? Some parents voiced concern about Uber’s lack of background checks. EHS does not recommend a particular taxi service. They defer this conversation to the parents/child.
Around 2 pm, students and parents gathered in front of Ainsle Arts Center to meet teachers. Each department assembled in an area that made it convenient to seek out DD respective teacher. Since we already knew DD’s science and english teacher, we connected with foreign language, history, and math. After cordial introductions, we mingled in the shade (it was 95 degrees) and waited for Mr. Hershey’s closing remarks. Like two years prior, he summoned the crowd and thanked us for entrusting EHS with the care of our children. Students and parents were reassured. Homesickness was inevitable. He was empathetic, yet short. It was time to say goodbye. Unlike DS’s goodbye two years ago, this one seemed faster and sharper. A quick, yet tender and tearful embrace, a few words of encouragement, an about face, and DD embarked on an opportunity very few experience. Since DS was there with us, we walked him to his dorm and said goodbye, “Take care of yourself, watch over your sister.”
The next day (Wednesday) DD and the freshman class attended the traditional morning assembly to sign the Honor Code Pledge which dates back to 1857 (more on this later). After assembly they gathered to learn more about the Washington Program, (http://www.episcopalhighschool.org/academics/washington_program/index.aspx). Next up was a scavenger hunt in D.C., which provided DD an opportunity to send a quick pic/video via text. Wednesday evening was the first seated dinner and Vespers. Dorm meetings, a quick walk through of next day classes with monitors, and then lights out.
Since then, we have not heard much from DD other than a short text asking if she could buy that fancy calculator required for math. We know from DS, that she is homesick, which we expected. She was going to check in last night, but had to study for a Friday quiz. Freshman have required study hall from 8-10 pm and lights out are at 10:30 pm. Not much time to check in after study hall. Looks like we will catch up this weekend.
Oh yeah, DS is doing great or as he says, “I’m pumped.” He couldn’t wait to return to school. Prior to drop off, we visited USNA again. This time a former EHS classmate (female) gave us a 2+ hour tour. Suffice it to say, his desire to serve is his priority and he will apply to all service academies.
Like most juniors at BS, he has a rigorous schedule. EHS has done away with AP classes. They call them “Advanced” which enables the teachers to go beyond the AP curriculum. His five classes are all honors or advanced. He elected to push Advanced Biology to senior year and take Adv Physics 1 this year. He loves Physics and hopes this class will be looked on favorably by the service academies. Sprinkle XC (no more football) for fall sport and three singing groups and this boy is straight out. Also, he was elected to a leadership council and plans to start his own club that honors and provides service to the military. PSAT in October, and SAT in November and December. Good thing he has a single room this year.
I’ve mentioned this in above posts, but there are no words to describe his transformation and growth. How much is adolescent growth versus boarding school osmosis, I don’t know. But he is very independent, knows what he wants, and is on a mission to reach his goal. My only worry (actually there are a few) is whether he will slow down at times to enjoy the view.
Congratulations, @i70sband on having both of your children at one excellent school. Good luck to both of them this year, and I wish i70sSon all the best as he pursues his service dreams. The process of applying to a service academy is almost entirely outside the BS CC process as I’m sure you know as your son has probably already started the multi-pronged application process. For our son, the process spanned almost an entire year. Please feel free to PM me if I can help in any way (I can’t, but I’m glad to listen and share stories).
Beat Navy! 
EOENS. So that’s what I’ve got. Best of luck to you and your kids. I enjoy learning about EHS through your posts.
One of the oldest secondary school honor codes. Since 1857, EHS students have pledged:
I will not lie.
I will not cheat.
I will not steal.
I will report the student who does so.
Yes this is similar pledge that is enshrined on West Point’s Honor Code monument, as well at other notable universities. But what do these words mean? Especially in today’s society. Even EHS’s website is short on details. This year’s EHS Honor Committee Chair eloquently delivered her Honor Code Speech to new students. After the speech, all new students signed their name in the Honor Code Register. IMHO it is one of the better explanations of what trust, community, honor, and integrity mean at EHS, or any school. Just another reason DW and I are grateful DS/DD have this BS opportunity.
Definitely words to live by, i70s, and so glad our kids are growing up with this ethic.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadet_Honor_Code#/media/File:TheCadetHonorCodeMonument.jpg
^ +1000 CM. When we visited WP, both DS and I stared at this monument and could not believe how similar it was to EHS’s honor code. Seriously it is almost identical to WP’s! And it was so important to Cadet life that it had its own monument in the open for all to see. It was like we had just witnessed the moment of creation.
This morning we (and all freshman parents) received the following email about “Burch.” What is Burch? Well it is another example of how EHS fosters leadership, determination, and community. The Burch Outdoor Program, which was made possible by a generous endowment in the fall of 1997 from Lucius M. Burch '59, is designed to build confidence and leadership skills, to improve the cohesion of the class, and the foster relations with EHS faculty members in a non-academic setting.
In late September each year, after approximately three weeks of school, the entire freshman class journeys to the Appalachians of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Western Maryland participating actively in a five-day backpacking expedition run by the Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School. No comfort of dormitories, dining services, or plumbing. And no cell phones!
The students are divided into “crews” of 10-12 students, one EHS faculty member, and two Outward Bound instructors. Crews work closely together to accomplish all that such a wilderness experience entails: camping, cooking, cleaning, orienteering, etc. At some point during the week, each student will try his or her hand at top-rope climbing or high ropes work. This trip challenges the students both mentally and physically. Some daily hikes are 10+ miles. It’s cold at night. If it rains, they will be wet. The students are forced to push themselves not only individually but also as a group, which establishes a bond among the new classmates that will endure long after their return to campus.
Outward Bound provide tents, sleeping bags, food, etc., all of which must be carried by the students. There was a personal items packing list for DD which was stored in its own special trunk, marked “Burch!”
I never forget the tone of DS’s voice when we spoke to him after his return two years ago. Aside from the dorm’s being locked to prevent the boys from showering (a nice touch by the upperclassmen), this was the moment he truly felt apart of the EHS community. Fingers crossed DD feels the same.
Dear Parents,
Your children departed for Burch this morning in a whirlwind of overflowing duffel bags (soon to be emptied and their contents redistributed into big Outward Bound backpacks), and goodbye hugs. Your children left Episcopal as tentative, newly minted ninth graders, but they will return feeling as if they are more seasoned, experienced members of the community. At Episcopal, all students consider Burch a milestone and a turning point, and the ninth graders immediately sense that they are perceived differently upon their return. The place seems a little more like home.
On Tuesday evening when they return en masse, Mike Reynolds and I expect to hear wonderful stories of teamwork, individual strength, personal revelation and pride, and moments of joy and humor. We also expect to hear a fair amount of complaining and accounts of hardships and unsolved challenges. All good. Burch stretches students physically and emotionally, and, though for some it is more of a challenge than for others, it teaches resilience to all.
On Wednesday, we will have the opportunity to debrief with your children. They will get to sleep in, enjoy a special welcome-back breakfast, and spend time reflecting on their Burch experience. Our hope is that they will take seriously the lessons they learned from their days in the woods and begin to think about how they can apply those lessons to life at Episcopal. How can they become the best teammates they can be? How can they learn to step out of their comfort zones regularly, knowing that great rewards await them? Our debrief day will kick off our Leadership and Ethics Program for the 9th grade, a curriculum that we believe will lead to meaningful self-discovery and growth.
Of the many benefits to Burch, one of the most rewarding is returning to campus feeling a bit more like a veteran EHS student, having shaken off some of the “dust” of being new. Being new is not always easy, but the only way around is through, and I am proud of your children for navigating the newness of their EHS experiences every day. Even when things might seem disorienting or overwhelming, they are diving in, approaching problems with inquiry and resolve, and trying to find their place. Mike and I look forward to a busy few weeks post-Burch until we see you all again at Parents Weekend.
My best,
Lucy Goldstein, ‘97
Co-9th Grade Dean
English Faculty
EHS student advances to the Student-Made Robot International Championships in Vienna, Austria. Opportunities to dream, create, and compete occur at all of these wonderful schools. Many of BS’s discussed, and some that are not, are special places. And it starts with the teachers and students.
Update from the Fall 2015 Parents Weekend on The Holy Hill. Beautiful clear skies and crisp temperatures provided the perfect autumn backdrop to a busy weekend of faculty meetings, school presentations, performing art shows, and athletic events.
Highlights and Other News
- Over the course of Friday and a half day Saturday, DW and I visited with 14 teachers/advisors, twice the usual number.
- Honors Geometry and Honors A2 Trig are utilizing PEA’s math curriculum. No plans to include Pre-Calc or other advanced math courses.
- Successfully launched the newly designed Leadership and Ethics Program.
- Episcopal also joined the Global Online Academy, an online symposium of 30 schools that this year allowed EHS to expand students’ curricular experience into classes such as graphic design, global health, Arabic, digital journalism, bioethics, and Japanese.
- Headmaster Hershey’s speech featured a review of the schools priorities, financial results, and parent concerns (mainly the rising cost of private school education).
- Attended freshman and junior class meetings. Junior class was most informative since much of the discussion centered on upcoming college counseling process.
- Watched both kids compete in XC meet where they both ran personal bests in 5k.
- Watched both perform in performing art show, DS (school choir, chamber singers, a Capella) and DD (guitar).
- On November 18th, DS and EHS School Choirs will join Virginia Theological Seminary for a special Thanksgiving chapel service to be recorded and then broadcast on the BBC Radio.
- EHS Choir planning a trip to England in June 2016.
- New coral restoration service trip in Key Largo, FL planned for Spring Break 2016.
Financials
- 146 new students enrolled, most competitive freshman class ever, 13% increase in completed applications, 62% yield - 6% above 5-year average.
- According to Mr. Hershey, compared to the 40 leading boarding schools, EHS faculty average salaries are ranked approximately 5th highest and that is intentional. They want EHS faculty to view EHS as a final destination.
- From a tuition cost standpoint, EHS is approximately the 35th most expensive (student tuition and fees).
- Total raised in gifts and commitments last year was $12M.
- EHS is in best financial condition ever.
- School had 2014-2015 operating surplus of $650k due to over enrollment.
- EHS endowment is $214M as of 6/30/15.
- No major deferred maintenance projects on the near horizon.
Priorities
- Expansion/extension of the Washington Program. Investing much more $'s and energy in events and personnel. Wednesday tour/excursions are now involuntary. Wednesday prior to Parents Weekend 99% of the students were spread out over the District visiting 19 different sites. The Washington Program is unique to EHS and provides unparalleled experiential learning. For those unfamiliar with the Washington Program, read about it here:
- Redesigned Leadership and Ethics Program http://www.episcopalhighschool.org/student_life/leadership_ethics/index.aspx
- Expanded more community service options and faculty support. On Wednesday there will be at least one choice and two or more on weekends. A few weeks ago, DS harvested crops and learned about organic and sustainable farming at Arcadia Farms. He has a new appreciation for meaning “farm to table.”
- Dramatically expanded Outdoor Education Program. This is no longer a club where kids sign up to do occasional hikes, etc. Faculty member who is co-chair of this program is a world-class kayaker, rock climber, and outdoor educator. Two weeks ago, DS and 10 other students left campus on a Friday night and traveled to Old Rag Mountain in VA. Their hike began at 10:30 pm and stopped at 1 pm to set up base camp. That's right, they hiked by moonlight. After rising the next morning they continued their bouldering hike to the top of the Rag Mountain to enjoy some of the best views in VA. This past Friday, DS and fellow hikers again departed around 7 pm, and drove 3.5 hours. Their destination was La Via Ferrata, Italian for "by way of the iron” in WV. After settling in on Friday night, he rose early and climbed several hundred vertical feet above the valley floor on metal rungs bolted into the rock. After his climb, he hiked along the ridge line of Spruce Knob, to the highest point in West Virginia and camped out. Along the ridge line was a suspension footbridge. DS took the opportunity to lower himself below the bridge and enjoy the view from 200' above. He was happy his gear did not give out. Reaching the top of the mountain at sunset, he settled in for a night of stargazing. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate and clouds obscured the nighttime sky. Nonetheless, he overcame many fears and there are no words to describe the excitement in his voice.
- School is focusing on global programming. Goal is to determine whether they are offering an academic curriculum that reflects a global experience and prepares student for global opportunities.
- Introduced 12th headmaster (7/2016), Mr. Charles Stillwell. The Stillwell's are experiencing EHS this year as the parent of a boarder. He is very well respected in the education community and no doubt will have big shoes to fill with the departure of the beloved Mr. Hershey.
- Introduced the new Director of College Counseling, Mrs. Tara Maglio. Prior EHS director retired. Mrs. Maglio comes with a tremendous amount experience including most recently 12 years at Georgetown Visitation as Director of admissions. Prior to GV, she served assistant director of admission at Georgetown University and associate director of MBA admissions at NYU. She has already coordinated a college admission trip in March 2016 to various CA schools. This lady is high energy and the senior class feedback is already very positive.
- EHS is offering free new SAT and ACT prep classes on Sundays.
- Old Stewart Gymnasium, which is currently used as a student bookstore, mailroom, game room, etc., will begin its renovation in January 2016. Expansion will complete in time for the beginning of school in September 2016 and DS's senior year. Thank goodness! This is the last building to be renovated. New Stewart will be a student center complete with snack bar (burgers, etc.), TV room, game spaces, class meeting space, outside stage for student events (DJ/coffee house performances), porch, expanded student store, expanded mail room, and much more. This expansion is made possible thanks to the generous donations of alumni, especially conservationist Mr. Louis Bacon. While students like to walk across the street to "The Center” and grab a quick alternative meal, it will be nice to have access to deli sandwiches and burgers a stone's throw away from dorm.
Fall Parents Weekend 2015 (continued)
Now a quick note about DS and his new club. As I have noted prior, DS bleeds red, white, and blue and (as of today) has a deep desire to serve his country as a commissioned officer. While his patriotic plan may change, his current college list is dominated by service academies and engineering schools that offer ROTC. Last Spring it was not unusual for him to run Sunday 5ks through Arlington National Cemetery, stopping to respect the graves of the fallen. Over the summer he brainstormed about how to create a school servicing option that would benefit service members and their families, as well as educate EHS students about their needs. He didn’t want the club to be something you just up signed up for to receive a t-shirt. He wanted the club to have purpose. His new club is called Military Appreciation Club or EHS MAC. During the opening weekend, he marketed his club at the student fair and received over 150 sign ups. He submitted his mission statement to administration and now has two faculty advisors as a resource. I bring this up to highlight how the school is supporting his initiative and many resources available.
First he will work closely with the school’s Service Council, the group that coordinates service events. The service council can leverage service council members in addition to those who signed up for MAC This group of students will help advertise service events, e.g., care packages, wreathe laying, bringing veterans to work out with school athletes, etc.
In addition, one of his advisors suggested he go on an upcoming student tour with the Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator. As mentioned earlier, The Washington Program offers four concentration areas, including Entrepreneurship. Besides visiting a myriad of local businesses, EHS rents a “seat/chair” at a local incubator space, actually one of the largest in D.C. area. Incubator spaces house start-ups of all sizes; one person, 10 people, etc. Some share office space, while others grow out of the space and move on to larger venues. It’s a place where entrepreneurs can build relationships, share ideas, and sometimes make contacts to raise capital. During his tour, DS and some other students met with the owners of various start-ups. This trip provided the perfect opportunity for DS to meet with three companies (Capitol Post, Sandboxx, and No Greater Sacrifice), all who offer varying services to the military and their families. He spoke at length with all of the founders about his club’s intent and they suggested he return and sit down to brainstorm further. They also discussed the advantage of forming a non-profit, how to raise capital, etc. In short it was a face-paced conversation with plenty of energy and excitement. After sharing his experience with his advisors, the decision was made to further refine his idea and then meet again with these business leaders.
DS called after evening study hall and was over the moon. I hung up the phone and reflected on his last few weeks at EHS; working on a local organic farm, hiking under a moonlit nighttime sky, scaling a rock face a 1000’ above the valley, running his best 5k ever, singing with pride with the school choir on parents weekend, and collaborating with seasoned entrepreneurs about his club idea. I was in awe. He is living a dream. His confidence is growing exponentially by the week. DW and I hear it in his voice. He is so much more articulate. DS is taking chances, overcoming fears, seeking leadership opportunities, connecting with nature like never before, and enjoying the harder academic path. And yet he seems more relaxed.
Best wishes to all, especially the class of 2016. I’ll report back around or after “The Game”, the 115th consecutive meeting between Episcopal High School and Woodberry Forest on November 13th, the longest football rivalry in the South (longer than Army – Navy). Go High School – beat Woodberry!!
P.S. For future applicants and their parents, EHS’s second classroom is D.C. and they take full advantage of all things a major metro area can offer. Besides being 100% boarding, the Washington Program is what makes EHS distinctive. Couple this experiential learning opportunity with caring faculty, a very tight knit community, a school that knows what it stands for, and you have the ingredients for a wonderful high school experience.
Want to give a big shout out to the Episcopal High School theatre department, otherwise known as EHS Mainstage, and Artistic Director Meg O’Connor, both proving to be worthy of high recognition. This program has quietly become one of the finer high school theatre programs in the USA as evidenced by recent awards.
American High School Theatre Festival
2014 - National Finalists
2015 - Selected to compete and traveled to highly selective American High School Theatre Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland (50 schools selected from 3500) (Performed Helpless Doorknobs)
Link to what Helpless Doorknobs - http://www.helplessdoorknobs.com/#!reviews/c9qb
Folger Library Secondary School Shakespeare Festival
2013 and 2015 - various excellence in acting and other awards
2015 Virginia Theatre Association - competed in HS division of 58 schools at Virginia States
- Comedy of Errors chosen as Best Production State Runner Up - will now compete in South East Theatre Conference in March 2016. This is the largest high school competition in the U.S.
- Best Actress
- Three students named to All-State Cast
- Costume Merit Award
- Judges recognition for Excellence in Ensemble
Recent Productions
- Comedy of Errors
- Helpless Doorknobs (by Playwright M.L. O’Connor)
- Romeo & Juliet
- 20 Plays in 60 minutes (Improv)
- Footloose
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Anything Goes
- Journey to the West
- The Learned Ladies
- Almost, Maine
- Guys and Dolls
- Little Shop of Horrors
- The Wizard of Oz
Theatre spaces include Pendleton Hall which seats 535 and an amazing Black Box Theatre.
Some of the opportunities include
- 3-4 main stage productions including one Shakespeare play
- 4-5 studio plays
- Participation in the Folger Secondary School Shakespeare Festival
- Workshops with visiting artists
- Internships with local companies
- Trips to Kennedy Center, National Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, and Folger Theatre
LInk to Theatre Program at EHS
http://www.episcopalhighschool.org/arts/theater/index.aspx
If you want to pursue acting in high school, follow the yellow brick road to EHS Mainstage!
Just returned from “The Game” and all the weekend festivities at EHS.
For new students, one of the first things they learn about and look forward to is “The Game.” The week before is called Spirit Week and students/faculty dress up every day in a different theme; decades, goth vs geek, etc. Sheets are hung throughout campus, displaying student spirit and to remind Woodberry players and fans (when they arrive) - they are in enemy territory. The celebration crescendos on Friday night with a bonfire/pep rally, complete with the burning of a “W.”
On Friday night while students were finishing their athletic/artistic commitments, we attended The Spirit of The High School Cocktail Reception and Dinner. This is an formal adult only soiree that celebrates spirit of “The High School.” The Board of Trustees announced the renaming of the athletic center to the “Hershey Athletic Center” in recognition of outgoing Headmaster Hershey and presented the Distinguished Service Award to Julian Robertson '51, founder of Tiger Management Corp and longtime supporter of EHS. For those unfamiliar with Mr. Robertson, look up the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program. This extraordinary four-year scholarship is awarded each year to approximately 36 (18 each to Duke/UNC) students.
After dinner we attended the student/alumni bonfire and watched the legion of students circle a bonfire that included a burning “W” (Woodberry). As the winds picked up, the fire had to be extinguished. But that did not dampen the student’s frenzied spirit. Cheerleaders rode in on motorcycles and entered what was the ring of fire. With lit iPhones, the students illuminated the cheerleaders/players and yelled cheers such as “Burn the Forest” and “Black”, “Maroon”, etc. Finally Coach V took the mic and offered some words of praise, punctuated with the rallying call to “Beat Woodberry!” With that the students ran to the next event, a DJ/dance. Both of our kids ran past us yelling “see you tomorrow!” So much for homesickness…
We arrived early Saturday morning to help set up the Class of 2017’s tailgate. The weather was glorious; 50 degrees and a cloudless ski. Tailgate food included pulled pork and chicken, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and many desserts. Each class had its own designated area. After set up, we bounced between the Class of 2017 and 2019. Most parents/alumni were dressed in Maroon/Black and all of the EHS boys were dressed in the prep school best; white shirt and EHS tie. Girls wore black dresses, accented with Maroon scarfs and leather jackets. Woodberry fans arrived around 11 am and tailgated across the field in their own designated area. Woodberry boys (an all-boys, 100% boarding school located in Orange, VA) always looks impressive; khakis, white shirt/tie, and blue sports coat. Parents/alumni wore tinges of orange. I’d estimate that there were in excess of three thousand students/alumni/parents/visitor at the tailgate.
Around 1:15 pm, we are made our way to Hummel Bowl, EHS’s gridiron. It is a magnificent field, a picture perfect perimeter that includes a brick bowl with ivy similar to Wrigley Field’s. When I saw Hummel for the first time, I wondered if this was a high school or college field? As we made our way to the home stands, we stopped to watch the pre-game festivities. Thousands of fans had arrived and you could feel the electricity in the air. The pre-game celebration was in full gear. Woodberry students lined the field first to welcome their team, a Woodberry player sprinting with a “W” flag held high, followed by a thundering herd of teammates. EHS students lined the field next and the ceremonial Tiger, or the unfortunately selected freshman, was tormented and beaten as he made his way to the 50 yard line. He was placed in a wooden coffin with R.I.P written in red on the side and carried off the field. The Maroon team then ran through the student made tunnel. After the team made its way to the sideline, the throng of students raced off the field to the their home bleachers. It was quite a sight.
As you can see, there are high school football games and then there is “The Game”, Episcopal High School Maroon vs Woodberry Forest School Tigers, the longest running high school football rivalry in the South and one of the oldest in the USA. Always played on the second Saturday in November, the significance of “The Game” has been chronicled in magazines and the 100th game was televised on ESPN. Here is an article that discusses “The Game.”
http://www.virginialiving.com/travel-leisure/sporting/bragging-rights/
This year, EHS and WFS met on the EHS gridiron for the 115th consecutive time (longer than Army/Navy). Thousands of enthusiastic fans on both sides watched Episcopal’s D shut down WFS’s high powered offense for most of the game. Woodberry scored a touchdown with less than 2 minutes remaining in 4th quarter to complete their come back and tie the game at 14. With thousands of EHS fans holding their mutual breath, they watched a EHS game winning field goal attempt fall short as time expired. Evidently, tradition is to not play OT. Thus a 14-14 tie stands, only the 9th in their storied history.
EHS Varsity football finished 6-1-1 and was co-champion of the IAC.
For high school sport fans, this is a spectacle unlike no other. Tradition coupled with college game day like atmosphere, alumni from all four corners of the world, intense and spirited play, and yet in the end, win or lose - a handshake of mutual respect at mid field. Already counting the days until next year’s game at WFS.
Finally, both kids are doing great. However they need a break. After a rare Saturday (11/21) abbreviated classes, they will fly home. Looking forward to watching them lay on the couch and laugh while watching Spongbob.
History was made at EHS last Friday. Due to the approaching blizzard Jonas, a snow day was declared, a first, and classes were cancelled. Who said they don’t have snow days at BS’s? Actually, Friday was the last day of the first semester, a half day, and many students were already scheduled to leave in the afternoon to enjoy their long weekend/winter break. Fortunately in their wisdom, EHS Deans cancelled classes and allowed students to depart on Thursday/Friday am. DS and DD’s original Friday pm flight was cancelled. Thanks to quick reaction by yours truly, I was able to reschedule them onto an early am Friday flight out of D.C. on JetBlue, but had to wait for JB to announce a weather waiver.
With the end of the second semester, it’s a good time to provide an update. DD is still adjusting, trying to stay focused on academics and to not let outside issues distract her. She’s doing very well, enjoying all that EHS has to offer, but has moments when she is quite homesick. Fortunately she will see us more in the second semester between breaks and mutual visits. She loves her teachers and facilities, is luke warm about the food, and is making the most of weekends by visiting sites around D.C. She is running indoor track for her winter activity and can’t wait for spring LAX. I think part of her struggle has been the void created by not dancing. She wanted to try new activities and sports and the trade off has been more difficult than she anticipated.
DS continues to soar in every which way. He’s so happy with his classes, classmates, and teachers. He is so relaxed. Even though his course load is more advanced than 9th and 10th grade, academically having his best year by far. he especially loves Advanced (AP) Physics 1, Honors Pre-Calc, and Advanced US History. He is singing a solo with the a Cappella group. Named one of three captains for next years boys’ XC team. He formed a new student group called Military Appreciation Club which has over 60 members and has already provided community service at Arlington National Cemetery. He’s in the process of coordinating another service event to help with the “Honor Flight Network” to D.C veteran memorials. He’s in the middle of varsity wrestling season now and he and the team are enjoying one of the best seasons in many years. And although he will take the ACT in the spring, he’s done with his SATs.
Tomorrow we fly down to pick up DS. He was invited by USNA for a “Candidate Visit Weekend” or CVW. He will arrive Thursday pm and stay over until Saturday am. This is an invitation only opportunity that will give him a bird’s eye view of Plebe life and academics at USNA. DW and I will enjoy the parent session on Friday, pick him up at 07:00 Saturday morning and head to a wrestling tournament in D.C. EHS has excused him from Friday classes as this is considered a college visit.
Additional update from the “Holy Hill.”
- Shane Claiborne visited as Theologian-in-Residence. Shane is a social activist who advocates for nonviolence through service to the poor. His ministry has taken him all over the world from Calcutta, India, where he worked alongside Mother Theresa, to Baghdad, where he served on the Iraq Peace Team. Shane spoke to the school about how to make sense of the demands of a vibrant Christian faith in the light of modernity.
The Theologian-In-Residence Program was established in 1993 through the generosity of Dick Rutledge '51. The program is designed to provide EHS students the chance to establish and/or reinforce a foundation of faith to light their path. This program is aimed at inviting Christian preachers, teachers, and theologians to campus to speak to the school community and work with students.
- The EHS community engaged in the third Leadership and Ethics program of the 2015-16 school year. DS's class was broken up into three parts. First, the assistant head of academics, introduced them to the study of ethics. She taught the students about the difference between duty-defined ethics and consequentialist ethics, analyzing the different ways one might think about “doing the right thing.” Armed with some new vocabulary, the juniors broke into small groups to face a real situation. They were presented with five salespeople, and, imagining him or herself as team leader, each student had to decide which salesperson he or she would fire. Of course, the decision was not easy. The top salesperson had shady morals; the bottom salesperson is your best friend! The discussion made the students think about which values they prioritize in their decision making. Finally, the juniors received the results of their Myers Briggs Type Indicator tests. They had the opportunity to reflect about how their types shed light on appropriate leadership opportunities. DS's personality type was "The Architect", Role = Analyst, strategy = Confident Individualism. He was excited to see who else (Beethoven, Colin Powell, Gates, Einstein) shared this personality type until he saw Vladimir Putin on the list. :-)
- A senior was chosen as a regional finalist in the Siemens Competition, the nation's premier science research competition for high school students.
- A senior and caption of the varsity football team was selected to play in the 5th annual Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. He was joined by EHS head coach who was selected to be the running backs coach.
- During spring break both DS and DD will attend a MarineLab STEM trip in Key Largo, FL which will include coral reef restoration.
- EHS is planning a return service trip to Kenya in June. DS would love to go, but will have a conflict.
- Boys varsity basketball is ranked in D.C.'s All-Met top 15.
- Construction has begun on a new student center which will be completed by school return fall 2016.
- Admissions indicates this has been the busiest fall on record.
- The Damon, EHS's student literary magazine won the Highest Award for Excellence in Student Literary Magazines from the National Council of Teachers of English.
Finally the school gathered on January 17th to celebrate the life of Abel “Shadow” Sebele '09, who passed away tragically on January 7, 2016. Abel’s story takes him from a village in Zimbabwe to EHS, West Virginia University, and then professional soccer. Last fall he served as the assistant coach for the EHS varsity boys soccer team. While at EHS he was a member of the indoor 4x400 state record-holding relay team. He was also a captain of the soccer team, including the 2009 state championship team. In soccer, he holds the EHS record for single season goals (31) and assists (23), and he remains Episcopal’s all-time leading scorer, with 70 goals in 71 games. It’s always difficult to read about the loss of any friend or alumni of EHS, but his passing was especially painful to the EHS community.
As always if you have any questions about Episcopal High School, please feel free to PM me.