Religion - Overview

As one of the finest Jacksonville private schools and an outreach ministry of St. Paul's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Beaches Episcopal School is committed to being a religiously inclusive community grounded in respect and compassion. These are the cornerstones of our Christian Episcopal tradition, so Beaches Episcopal School is proud to welcome families of all faiths. The religious pluralism of the school community provides an opportunity to foster the religious and spiritual formation of children from a variety of religious backgrounds.

Chapel Services

As part of our private elementary school's ongoing mission, Beaches Episcopal School offers children opportunities for rich spiritual growth. Chapel services help children connect scripture to their own lives, and allow time for prayer and contemplation. The pre-kindergarten through second grade have an age appropriate chapel service on Mondays that is led by our second graders who serve as the leaders, readers, and acolytes. The third through sixth grade chapel service and our All School Chapel are led by the fifth and sixth grade students, and homilies are presented by the rector of St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, and BES faculty/staff.

Christian Education

Christian Education is a vital part of the spiritual life at Beaches Episcopal School. This spiritual life includes not only Chapel services and Christian Education classes for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade students, but extends also to the community in the form of community outreach activities. We are very proud of our student scripture study, and how the students show true compassion and kindness to each other throughout the year.

Character Education

Character Education starts in the classrooms with morning meetings facilitated by the homeroom teachers. The program establishes a class environment that fosters integrated learning, thinking, cooperation and personal, social, and spiritual growth. This will help students develop skills to maintain good relationships with parents, peers, teachers and members of the community. The topics discussed are coordinated with the Christian Education curriculum throughout the school year, and lessons are facilitated by the school guidance counselor.  

A Character Education Chapel is held one Wednesday a month, and each grade level is given the opportunity once a year to present the new character trait of the month