St. Stephen's Episcopal School

St. Stephen's Episcopal School is a prestigious, private, coeducational boarding and day school in Austin, Texas. Founded in 1950 by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, it was the first coeducational Episcopal school in the United States and the first integrated boarding school in the South[4]. The school is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, welcoming students from various backgrounds and cultures[3].

History and Mission

St. Stephen's Episcopal School was founded by the Rt. Rev. John E. Hines, who championed equal access to education and aimed to address societal challenges[4]. The school's mission is to inspire a lasting love of learning and a spirit of service, enabling students to lead meaningful lives and enrich the world[3].

Academics

St. Stephen's offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum for students in grades 6 through 12, with boarding options available for grades 8 through 12[1][3]. The academic program emphasizes intellectual freedom, critical analysis, and reasoned discourse, with courses taught at an honors level or higher. Notably, the school does not offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses but provides courses with depth and complexity comparable to or exceeding AP programs[1].

Campus and Facilities

The school is situated on a scenic 370-acre campus in the Texas Hill Country[4]. It offers a range of extracurricular opportunities and includes a state-of-the-art athletic complex and various facilities for arts and outdoor activities.

Athletics and Special Programs

St. Stephen's supports a variety of interscholastic sports, including football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and tennis, as part of its balanced program[1]. The school also offers specialized programs such as the Tennis Academy, Soccer Academy, and Theatre Focus, combining rigorous academics with specialized training[5].

Diversity and Inclusion

The student body is diverse, with students from over 20 countries and various U.S. states[5]. St. Stephen's emphasizes respect for different faiths and cultures, promoting social justice and environmental stewardship[3].

Notable Alumni

Alumni of St. Stephen's have achieved notable success in various fields. Some notable graduates include film director Terrence Malick and professional athletes such as Jarrett Allen and Ross Ohlendorf[5].

Accreditations

St. Stephen's Episcopal School is accredited by several organizations, including the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest, the National Association of Episcopal Schools, and the National Association of Independent Schools[4][5].

References