Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Private School

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.

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 and SMARTBoards, two computer labs and up-to-date support equipment are used to meaningfully integrate classroom curriculum into educational technology.

Educational Philosophy:

Helping children grow in mind and heart

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. Beaches Episcopal School has a 50-year tradition of helping children grow both intellectually and spiritually.

At Beaches Episcopal School, we believe that each child comes to the classroom door full of curiosity about the world and about his or her place in it. As educators, we want to nurture that sense of wonder, so that learning is an enjoyable experience. Our strong academic curriculum is enhanced by outstanding enrichment classes in fine arts, athletics and Christian education. These programs provide outlets for discovery and creativity as well as give each student a chance to succeed. We offer pre-K and Kindergarten classes and elementary grades first through sixth grade.

We see your child the way you do

From the moment they’re born, every child is unique— singular and amazing, with gifts all his or her own. As a parent you treasure your child’s individuality and you look for a learning environment that’s personalized and loving with teachers who will not only educate, but will celebrate your child.

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 to 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’re at home.

Smaller classes, more room to learn

BES has one of the best student-to-teacher ratios of any private school in Jacksonville. 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 weaknesses. 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.

A curriculum that invites curiosity & creativity

Enrichment programs are an important part of the curriculum at Beaches Episcopal School. In art and in music, children are able to express themselves through visual and musical mediums. Students build physical strength and learn cooperation and sportsmanship in PE. Spanish offers the chance to learn another language and gain an understanding of different cultures. Computer class, with its state-of-the-art equipment, readies students for the electronic information age while the library helps instill a love of reading and books. And teaching by word and example, classes in Christian Education provide a moral foundation for good decision-making. These enrichment classes together with core academics well prepare BES students for their next step in education.

Good teaching inspires a love of learning

Our faculty is a team of experienced and dedicated teachers who are enthusiastic about their subject areas, their students and teaching itself. BES teachers act as mentors leading children to seek out answers for themselves so that they become self-motivated learners. They look for students’ individual aptitudes and interests to use as a springboard to help the child achieve success in other areas.

BES teachers also work together to help students make connections across disciplines. A concept or theme explored in science might be taken up in library, expressed in music or discussed in chapel. Children are encouraged to relate what they are studying to the world so that learning continues outside of the classroom and into life.

More than a school, an extended family

There is a warm family feeling at Beaches Episcopal School. Parents are truly partners in their children’s learning experience. BES parents are on campus every day, volunteering in the classroom, the lunchroom and throughout the school. The Parent Support Organization works closely with the faculty and administration to support efforts to improve the facilities, acquire necessary teaching materials and organize school events. The BES Board also assists with long-range planning and fund-raising.

Nurturing spiritual traditions

Originally called St. Paul’s By-The-Sea Episcopal Day School, Beaches Episcopal School began as an outreach ministry of St. Paul’s By-The-Sea Episcopal Church. While our name has changed, we continue to have strong ties to the church and its tradition. As part of our school’s ongoing mission, we offer children opportunities for spiritual growth. Chapel services help children connect scripture to their own lives and allows time for prayer and contemplation. Children also participate in community outreach and service programs and are encouraged to share their time and talents with others. Respect and compassion are the cornerstone of our Christian Episcopal tradition and we welcome families of all faiths.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.

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, Pajama Day, Blessing of the Pets, 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)