Our Mission
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On the first day of school in 1974, The Reverend Canon Stephen B. Swann and his faculty of two gathered their eleven students around a campfire, and they together established the principles that would become the foundation of The Episcopal School of Dallas.
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Our Founding Tenets of religio, daily worship; eruditio, scholarship; and disciplina, training within a community of learners, have continued to direct our mission to ignite a life of purpose in each student through the development of an educated conscience. In combination with outdoor education and service learning, these elements are essential to the ESD experience, allowing teachers to shepherd children through lessons that enable them to overcome trepidation, develop resilience, and embrace stillness. Though we have grown to serve more than 1,100 students aged 3 to 12th grades, we continue to know and love each child. We optimally challenge all students, capitalizing on their passions or interests, making our most advanced curriculum accessible to all. We shape our curriculum using the Hallmarks of an ESD Education: academic excellence and rigor, a strong sense of community, understanding of self, and a faith-informed foundation of values. |
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Our community members live with honor, integrity, and respect for all, as expressed in our Code of Conduct. ESD’s faculty and staff are the backbone of our institution and are paramount to the school’s success. They are committed to inspiring, developing, and sustaining excellence and strive to balance the rigors of a college-preparatory environment with nurture and compassion. Guided by the belief that we make our collective work better through the sharing of our practice with one another, our educators are committed to reflection, growth, and collaboration. Our faculty of lifelong learners models intellectual discovery, risk-taking, and continuous improvement. Central to the school’s teaching culture is its Episcopal Identity. We value the dignity of every human being, as we believe that each child is a unique individual, created in and reflecting the image of a loving God. We are committed to establishing, maintaining, and nurturing a diverse, safe, and inclusive environment where people of all faith traditions are welcomed, valued, and heard. Essential to our Episcopal Identity is the conviction that diversity enhances the quality of an ESD education and is essential to the development of a well-rounded person. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to socioeconomic background, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. |
Our Episcopal Identity |
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ESD’s academic programs and curriculum create an educational space that encourages all ESD students to be excited by learning, eager to grow through reflection, and called to make an impact through living their purpose.
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At ESD, we believe students learn best through the active pursuit of knowledge and the relevant application of that knowledge. This process is best achieved in a community that fosters critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, personal responsibility, and intellectual risk-taking in a safe and open environment. ESD educators endeavor to guide students through inquiry-based, real-world learning experiences that yield enduring understandings and encourage students to become lifelong learners in an ever-changing, global society. Through its curriculum, ESD leans into its Episcopal Identity and the belief that every child is made in the image of a loving God. Curriculum is chosen that affords opportunities for learners to reach their full potential. ESD teachers, at all levels, believe in truly knowing their students, not just by name but by interests, strengths, activities, challenges, and aspirations. While we hope that our website is informational and inspiring, nothing can replace visiting us in person. Learn about ways and opportunities to schedule a tour or visit here. |
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The goals and philosophy of the Athletics Department support the Mission and Founding Tenets of the School. Student-athletes and coaches are expected to focus on character development, teamwork, commitment, hard work, and excellence within a balanced program of athletic offerings. Students from a variety of backgrounds and aptitudes are encouraged to discover their full potential spiritually, intellectually, and physically. Through participation, we aim to prepare our students for a lifetime of service to others, which is the highest manifestation of God’s presence in our lives. |
To enhance and support these basic principles, the Athletics Department will develop a program that teaches positive lessons of sportsmanship, respect for one’s opponent, respect for the rules, and the ability to win and lose with grace. We will instill perseverance, responsibility, integrity, commitment, leadership, and respect in our student-athletes. Each student-athlete will learn the importance of teamwork, team discipline, and the joy of competition. |
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At ESD, we wholeheartedly believe that participation in the fine arts is an essential component in the education of the whole child. The arts allow students to express themselves through a variety of disciplines. They require students to think critically, take risks, accept failure, and persevere. |
Across all divisions, our students have the opportunity to learn from some of the finest artists and teachers as they develop their skills and hone their craft. Our teachers aren’t just experts. They are passionate and professional working artists who encourage creativity, self-expression, and skilled craftsmanship. Students also have the chance to learn from professional artists and returning alumni. |
