Our Mission and History

Bright beginnings.

Bishop William White founded The Episcopal Academy in the two-year-old nation’s largest city, Philadelphia.

Expanding education.

To provide students the knowledge necessary for admission to college, the curriculum expanded beyond the classics. 

New explorations.

51 years before scientific study would be standardized throughout the country, EA added it to the curriculum and spent $150 on a “philosophical apparatus” for lab work.

The first big move.

The Episcopal Academy moves to a building on Juniper and Locust Streets. This five-story schoolhouse featured a dedicated Chapel room.

A new league—and rivalry.

EA is a founding member of the Inter-Academic League. Two years later, EA would play football against The Haverford School.

A voice for students.

The Scholium is founded, marking a significant step in providing a journalistic outlet for students.

Healthy minds and bodies.

Following an extensive upgrade to the school’s gymnasium, a formal physical education program was developed.

The dawn of Domino.

EA merges with the nearby DeLancey School, admitting their students, hiring on their teachers, and continuing their theatre club.

The Merion era.

A new era dawns as The Episcopal Academy moves to its new, suburban campus in Merion under its new headmaster, Greville Haslam.

A first for faculty.

EA’s first female faculty member, Miss Elizabeth Lukens, teaches in the Lower School.

Music takes root.

A co-curricular Music Appreciation course is taught in Middle School.

An enduring legacy.

Greville Haslam retires as headmaster after 36 years of service. His tenure would shape The Episcopal Academy into the school it is today.

Wired for the future.

Around the same time that high-level programming languages such as Fortran are being taught in universities, the first computer terminal is installed at EA.

First steps toward coeducation.

EA opens a Lower School campus in Devon. In the final step toward coeducation, female students are enrolled as kindergarteners.

Living our values.

During the new Community Service program's first year, nearly the entire Upper School student body completed on- and off-campus service projects

A banner year.

EA/AIS Day is added to the school’s beloved traditions. On this day of girls’ athletic competitions, the winner takes home the banner.

The bold jump to Newtown Square.

EA relocates to a brand-new campus in Newtown Square. Situated on 123 acres, the $212.5 million campus project includes expansive arts, athletics, and academic facilities.

Learning beyond the classroom.

EA begins its partnership with Global Online Academy and launches JTerm (called May Term today).

Computer Science for everyone.

The PreK-12 Computer Science & Engineering (CS&E) Department is founded, which expands coursework across divisions and creates a CS&E graduation requirement.

Looking to the future.

Grounded in nearly 250 years of rich tradition, enduring values, and an unyielding dedication to the needs of its students, EA continues to boldly advance. Be a part of our story.