Our Philosophy

With ideal class sizes, a nurturing environment and accredited curriculum, Beaches Episcopal School is one of Jacksonville, The Beaches and Ponte Vedra’s finest private elementary schools.

Educational Philosophy:

Serving families of all faiths and religious beliefs throughout Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra, Beaches Episcopal School provides a Christian environment for learning through educational experiences that offer opportunities for academic achievements. A challenging curriculum, including a commitment to enrichment programs, helps develop inquisitive and creative minds – and has made BES one of Jacksonville’s top private schools. Our caring and qualified faculty and staff seek to provide opportunities for responsible citizenship by building self-esteem and leadership. We are committed to guiding each individual student towards reaching his/her full potential and to developing lifelong learners.
For over 50 years, Beaches Episcopal School has provided the Jacksonville beaches area with a wholesome, stimulating, educational environment for children preschool through sixth grade. Our strong academic curriculum is enhanced by outstanding enrichment classes in fine arts, Christian Education, Spanish, and Physical Education. These programs provide outlets for discovery and creativity, as well as give each student an opportunity for success. Classroom computers, two computer labs and up-to-date support equipment are used to meaningfully integrate classroom curriculum into educational technology.
As children move from the safety and protection of home into an educational setting, they need a community of people who will challenge them where they need to be challenged, yet always be ready to recognize and celebrate their gifts. A top Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra private elementary school, Beaches Episcopal School has a 50-year tradition of helping children grow both intellectually and spiritually.

At Beaches Episcopal School, your child will be welcomed and known by name by teachers and staff. We are dedicated to caring for the total child, educationally, emotionally and socially. We want to help children grow in mind and heart so that they learn to value their own unique gifts as well as their connections and responsibilities to others. And we want our students to feel that they're not just at school, they are at home.

Small Class Sizes:

BES has one of the best student- to-teacher ratios of any Jacksonville private school. In fact, smaller classes have been the hallmark of Beaches Episcopal School from the very beginning. Students are more successful and engaged when classes are smaller. Teachers can work with individual learning styles, adjusting to each child’s strengths and weakness. There’s more time for hands-on projects and more participation opportunities. In a smaller class, every voice can be heard and every contribution acknowledged.

Mission Statement:

As an outreach of St. Paul's by the Sea Episcopal Church, Beaches Episcopal School provides education in a caring, Christian environment that enriches the lives of its students and their families.  We are committed to providing a solid foundation for every aspect of our students' futures, and to help children grow intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and physically in an atmosphere that promotes trust and freedom.

Diversity Statement:

Beaches Episcopal School does not discriminate on the bases of race, sex, creed, or national origin.

Special Cultivating Events:

There are many events throughout the year that promote the warm culture and environment that we at BES are proud of. Events such as Open House, Head of School BBQ, Grandparents'/ Special Friends' Day, holiday chapel services, Founder's Chapels, Challenge Day, annual school musical, school awards ceremony, and graduation enhance the fun, excitement and exceptional educational experience at BES – and make us one of Jacksonville’s best private schools.

Download the Student Handbook (pdf)