Episcopal Identity
Saint Stephen’s is an Episcopal school. That heritage is a foundation, not a membership — it shapes how we gather, how we ask questions, and how we treat one another. You do not have to be Episcopalian, or religious at all, to belong here.
Welcoming all Traditions . . .
Saint Stephen’s was founded in 1970 as a coeducational, college-preparatory, independent day school affiliated with the Episcopal Church. We carry that tradition as a foundation rather than a test of belonging: it gives the school its language for gathering, questioning, and caring for one another, but it asks no creed of the families who join us.
Families of every faith background — and those of no religious tradition — are part of the community. Saint Stephen’s does not discriminate on the basis of religion in the administration of its education or admissions policies, and no religious affiliation is required to enroll. What the Episcopal tradition asks of us is not a shared belief but a shared way of treating people.
Chapel and the Rhythm of the Week
There is a vibrant spiritual life at Saint Stephen’s for people of all faiths. Chapel is an integral part of our students’ schedule each week, and our goal is to create an environment where spiritual awareness is valued and God’s presence in our daily lives is recognized.
Students help shape that life themselves — the Chapel Council is among the school’s student groups — so chapel is something the community takes part in together, not something performed at it.
How We Treat One Another
The clearest place our Episcopal identity shows up is in conduct, not doctrine. The school states it plainly in its Respect pledge: “We will fulfill our Episcopal Identity and cultivate mutual respect by honoring all faiths, affirming the dignity of all people, and encouraging open dialogue in all areas of the school.”
That is the standard we hold ourselves to — for students of every belief and background, and for the adults who teach them.