Report from the Head of School

First, let me say thank you to all those who attended our Episcopal Schools Sunday celebration on October 1. If you were not in attendance we missed you, and hope that you will be able to attend other programs our students present throughout the year. Third and fifth grade students thoroughly enjoyed taking part in last Sunday’s service. They always look forward to this time of year.  Although I know the students were the highlight of the day, there was much excitement about the future and vision of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. 

Last May, all St. Andrew’s constituents were informed about the challenges the School is facing with declined enrollment.  Research trends show that most independent schools are facing the same obstacles. However, the Board and Vestry have diligently worked together to reorganize our mission.  We jointly agree that especially in today’s society there is still value in a Christian based education where students are challenged by rigorous academics. Nevertheless, an outreach ministry of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, our place in the community has changed. It is time to broaden our focus to meet a greater need as a whole.

Over the summer an ad hoc committee consisting of both Board and Vestry members worked to pinpoint what would be most beneficial to our current families, prospective families, and the community as a whole. We decided on three initiatives, STEM/Innovation, Orton-Gillingham and Tuition Indexing. 

Most elementary schools are implementing innovation on a small scale. We asked ourselves why wouldn’t we offer project-based learning on a larger scale in elementary school?  A STEM/Innovation Lab would provide a central maker-space for all students to develop and grow their natural curiosity through hands-on projects focusing on STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math.

Our second initiative, Orton Gillingham, is an instructional approach intended primarily for use with individuals who have difficulty with reading, spelling, and writing of the sort associated with dyslexia.  Our vision is to offer the Orton-Gillingham approach to students with dyslexia with one-on-one pull out instruction, and small group instruction for those who need remediation in language arts. 

Tuition Indexing is our third initiative that will make attending St. Andrew’s more affordable. Increasing our financial aid pool of money would allow us to better meet the financial needs of families in the community. 

We could not be more excited about our vision for the future, and meeting a greater need in the community. Our future is bright and promising; we are looking forward to all it has to offer. Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

Janna Outlaw

Head of School

St. Andrew's Episcopal School