School Life
Along with a strong liberal arts curriculum, an ESA education is also about athletics, leadership, community service, character and fun. Our students are participants, whether actively engaged in the classroom or elsewhere. More than three quarters of our student body play competitive sports, and many take advantage of the opportunity to lead or serve through elected office or more informal options. Through Chapel and our Honor Code, students explore beliefs and values. Active students leave ESA as active graduates who know the importance of hard work, leadership, personal responsibility, and good citizenship.
ESA students have opportunities to participate in every aspect of student life. Organizations are student-driven in the truest sense of the word. Student government tackles real campus issues, students lead both the Honor and Discipline Councils, and student individuality finds expression in clubs and enrichment activities ranging from the Culinary Society to the Classic Film Club. Over 90 percent of our students volunteer for community service, committing to regular activities and organizing new ones as needs arise.
The Honor Code shapes every interaction at ESA. It goes beyond the classroom to a belief in a community guided by honor, integrity and respect for one another. It’s what allows students to leave their lockers unlocked and to speak out – whether in front of classmates or in front of the entire student body – and know their ideas will be valued.
Through ESA’s advisory program, students develop close bonds with faculty members who serve as mentors, advocates and sounding boards. Meeting in small groups each week, students and their advisors discuss campus issues or simply relax together. Advisors work with teachers to monitor their advisees’ academic progress and communicate with parents to share both struggles and successes.
