Ascension Episcopal School is committed to educational excellence in a Christian environment.
Vision
Ascension Episcopal School is dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment in which we help each other identify, grow, and utilize our unique, God-given gifts and talents to build affirming relationships, to serve others, and to glorify God.
As embodiments of the Christian faith, Episcopal schools are created to be communities that honor, celebrate, and worship God as the center of life. They are created to be models of God’s love and grace. They are created to serve God in Christ in all persons, regardless of origin, background, ability, or religion. They are created to “strive for justice and peace among all people and [to] respect the dignity of every human being.” These principles are the basis on which identity and vocation are to be defined in Episcopal schools. (National Association of Episcopal Schools)
O Heavenly Father, who has given us Thy Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer and friend: help us to understand His friendship, and to do such things that will please Him. Bless us in our work and our play. Make us gentle, generous, truthful, kind and brave. Keep us in purity of heart, and let the life of our school go on from strength to strength and have its place and meaning in Thy Kingdom: all of which we ask through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Christian morals and teachings in the Episcopal tradition
The ability to think creatively and critically
A curriculum that maximizes each student’s potential
A teaching environment that is exciting, challenging, and fun
The development of a healthy body
Ascension's Core Values
Gentle, Generous, Truthful, Kind, and Brave
Our History
1950s
In the late 1950s, recognizing the excellent reputation of Episcopal schools, a young mother dreamed of a parish day school for her children.
With the support of The Rev. David J. Coughlin, Rector of Ascension Parish, and several dedicated parishioners and professionals, Jeanette Parker organized Ascension Day School with a kindergarten class of 17 in the fall of 1959 and served as Headmistress until 1968.
1960-1969
New educational building completed and the two preschool classes (29 total students) moved into their new classrooms
Grades 1-6 were added
School uniforms changed to black watch plaid that still serves as the uniforms for lower school students today
Students traveled to Washington DC and Williamsburg for educational trip
First graduation ceremony was held for 13 sixth graders
First parents’ organization was formed
1970-1979
Curriculum and long-range planning committees were formed
A class for 3-year olds was offered
First school crest was designed by librarian Peggy Nolan and parent Harriet Magruder
First Haunted House Fundraiser held
Johnston Street building acquired to house art classes and 8th grade
1980-1989
Students traveled to NYC and Williamsburg and Washington DC for study trips
New construction for Early Learning Center completed at St. Barnabas
Two playgrounds, designed by nationally known architect Bob Leathers, constructed simultaneously by ADS parents and community volunteers
Additional property purchased to house art and music classes
First ADS Auction held, replacing the annual Haunted House
The Jane Welsh Hamlin Service Award established to honor a faculty member for achievement and exemplary service in a volunteer role
1990-1999
Expansion of the library completed and a full-time computer teacher hired
ADS reaccredited by ISAS, and for the first time, accredited by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools.
New classroom building constructed and dedicated as part of ADS’ 35th Birthday Celebration
First Annual Fund Campaign held
The Romero Music building on Johnston Street purchased and renovations began to make it a school library
The Miles Perret Memorial Sundial was completed and dedicated
A sixth-grade class was added to begin the re-establishment of the ADS Middle School
2000-2004
Construction completed on Will Shepherd Memorial Activity Center
First 8th-grade graduation of the newly re-established ADS Middle School held
First Middle School educational trip – 8th grade traveled to Boston
Groundbreaking ceremony held for Early Learning Center located at River Ranch campus
ADS recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School.
Parker Hall, the new middle school building named after Founding Head Jeanette Parker, was dedicated and the middle school moved in.
Business plan developed for the addition of an Upper School approved by the Vestry
When it comes to our children, one of the most important gifts we can provide for them is opportunity. It not only prepares them for their future but also gives them the independence to discover and define who they are: who they want to be. Our faculty and staff focus on developing the whole child, with a curriculum designed to teach lifelong learning skills.