Episcopal School of Jacksonville, Beaches Episcopal School to merge into one school in summer 2020

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Episcopal School of Jacksonville (ESJ) and Beaches Episcopal School (BES) recently announced the two schools will become one on July 1, 2020.

After a thorough discussion and an in-depth review, the governing boards of ESJ and BES, the Diocese of Florida and St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church voted unanimously to merge BES into ESJ to continue their mutual mission of Episcopal Christian education. A legal agreement was signed on Dec. 13. Both schools believe this combination advances the passion and commitment each school has to quality education.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to become one with Episcopal School of Jacksonville,” BES Head of School Martha Milton said. “The merger of the two Episcopal schools reflects the importance of continuing an excellent academic education for children that nurtures mind, body and spirit. We are looking forward to a robust future." 

Episcopal and BES lauded the Right Reverend Samuel Johnson Howard, bishop of the Diocese of Florida and the rector and vestry of St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, for his guidance, leadership and care during this process.

The two schools will spend the 2019-2020 school year working on the operational implications of the merger. BES will continue to operate as an independent school through June 30, 2020, after which time it will be fully merged into ESJ.

 "We look forward to honoring the wonderful history and culture of Beaches Episcopal as it is merged into Episcopal School of Jacksonville,” ESJ Head of School Rev. Adam Greene said. “We are excited about the opportunities this merger will create for our schools and our community.”