St. Mark's Episcopal Day School

Infobox School
name = St. Mark's Episcopal Day School


image size = 120px
established = 1970
type = Private, Day
city = Jacksonville
state = Florida
country = USA
students = 460
faculty = 39
campus = 5.7 acres, View of the St. John's River
free_label = Financial Aid
free = Available; need-based | mascot = Lion
colors = Blue & Yellow color box|#FFFF33color box|#003399
homepage = [http://www.stmarksdayschool.org/ www.stmarksdayschool.org]

St. Mark's Episcopal Day School is an independent, co-eductional, parish elementary school serving students age one through the sixth grade. Located in the Old Ortega Historic District neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida, it was founded in 1970 as an outreach mission of St. Mark's Episcopal Church.

Mission Statement

St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School is a parish day school that instills Christian values, builds a strong academic foundation, encourages personal achievement, stimulates creative expression, and fosters a heart of giving in a nurturing environment in children age one through grade six.

"Instill Christian Values . . ." Christian education curriculum presents concepts related to the biblical and historical doctrines of the Christian faith, as well as fosters a respect for the various traditions of other denominations and faiths. Chapel services, classroom instruction, daily devotions, prayer, scripture memory, and the discussion and teaching of biblical values help students develop an understanding of the Christian faith. The character education program based on the Fruit of the Holy Spirit teaches students about love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

"Build a Strong Academic Foundation . . ."St. Mark's offers a challenging, interdisciplinary academic program that utilizes the latest technology, text, and resource materials to provide a strong foundation in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, reading, and writing. Preparation for secondary education is a priority, with an emphasis on independent study skills, a mastery of basic concepts, enrichment, and character development.

"Encourage Personal Achievement. . ."Everyday success is an important part of education. Students are encouraged to learn to communicate in small group settings, as well as in front of large gatherings, and to be able to share their ideas in written word.

"Stimulate Creative Expression. . ."Resources round out the academic programming. Students engage in authentic and meaningful creative experiences through art, library, music, Spanish, technology, and physical education.

"Foster a Heart of Giving. . ."Students are given opportunities to put their faith into action through service projects, many of which are initiated by the students. Along with volunteering in school-related activities such as Safety Patrol, Chapel Leaders, and Chapel Buddies, students are motivated to help others. A few examples; the sixth grade students raise money for the I.M. Sulzchbacher Center for the Homeless, third graders collect canned food for the Second Harvest food bank, and first grade classes sponsor children at Dreams Come True.

At A Glance

Head of School: Cathy Hardage

Students: 460

Average Class Size: 16 students

Average Student Teacher Ratio: 11:1

Teaching Faculty: 39 - 27% with a Masters or Doctorate Degree

Financial Aid: Over $155,000 in financial aid is awarded each year on a need basis

Library: Over 20,000 books with an online cataloguing system

Technology: Computers in all classrooms, a 22 station Apple Computer lab, a Mobile Laptop Lab consisting of 20 Apple iBook computers

Facilities: 27 Classrooms, Administrative Building, Library, Science Lab, Computer Lab, Music Studio, Art Studio, all-purpose dining and activities center, Early Learning Center, Extended Day Building, Academic Support Center, Spanish room, four well-equipped playgrounds, large play field for outdoor activities and physical education.

Extended Day Program: Enriching care available from 7:30 AM – 6 PM

After-School Enrichment: Numerous programs rotating through the school year involving academics, arts, drama, band, sports, crafts, language arts, and technology

Summer Camp: A day camp is available for seven weeks in June-August.

Academic Support Center: The ASC provides differentiated instruction for students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Services include gifted instruction, math and language arts support, and specific reading interventions.

Website: [http://www.stmarksdayschool.org]

Academics and Curriculum

The Early Learning Program (ELP) is designed for one and two year-olds and focuses on loving care where children can learn and grow. Through play and activities, children learn a variety of skills and develop large and small motor skills.

Pre-Kindergarten I & II seeks to help students develop pride and confidence in themselves and their abilities. The program focuses on developing a strong academic foundation, developing the skills for critical thinking, personal responsibility, and time management. Teachers use the "DLM Early Childhood Express", "Houghton Mifflin Reading", and the "Handwriting Without Tears" curriculum programs to begin teaching language arts, math, science, and social studies.

Kindergarten through Sixth Grade students utilize "Houghton Mifflin Reading and English, Handwriting Without Tears, McGraw-Hill Mathematics, STAR and Accelerated Reader, Scott Foresman Science, Mountain Math, Social Studies Alive!," "FASTT Math", and "¡Hola Ninos!" curriculums.

Resource Classes include art, character education, Christian Education, computer/technology, library, music, physical education, and Spanish.

Accreditations and Memberships

St. Mark's Episcopal Day School is fully accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools, the Florida Kindergarten Council, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and the Board of Regents of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida. The school is a not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Florida under the authority of, and as an integral part of the Protestant Episcopal Church, Diocese of Florida. The school is a member of: The National Association of Independent Schools, The National Association of Episcopal Schools, Elementary School Heads Association, and The Educational Records Bureau.

Secondary School & College and University Matriculation

Graduates often attend the following secondary schools; The Bolles School, Episcopal High School of Jacksonville, St. John’s Country Day School, Sacred Heart Catholic School, Stanton College Preparatory School, Trinity Christian School.

Recent graduates are now attending: The University of Florida, Florida State University, University of North Florida, University of Central Florida, University of Georgia, Vanderbilt University, Furman University, University of the South – Sewanee, Auburn University, Princeton University, Georgetown University, Tulane University, Washington & Lee University, Harvard University, Yale University, Jacksonville University, Stetson University, and MANY MORE!