Frequently Asked Questions
Applying for Admission
Q: How can I apply to ESA?
A: Please fill out our Inquiry Form to contact our admissions team and to request an application packet. Applications are also available online and can be downloaded on the Applying to ESA page.
Q: When is the deadline to apply?
A: ESA has rolling admissions, which means it is possible for a student to be admitted at any time of the year, if space is available in the student’s grade level. In the normal admissions cycle, our admissions committee makes decisions in late January and early February; therefore, families are encouraged to complete the application process before that time.
Q: What is the admissions process at ESA?
A: Our admissions process is individualized and we take the time to get to know the student. ESA wants to make sure that there is a good fit for the student and family. Families are invited to tour the campus to experience ESA. Students are encouraged to visit for a day of classes so they can get a feel for the campus during a school day, meet ESA students and see our teachers in action. Parents should submit the application form, recommendations from current teachers, academic transcripts, and any standardized testing or educational evaluation information. All students must complete ESA’s admissions testing.
Q: How much does it cost to apply to ESA?
A: There is a $50 application fee, which is applied to the cost of materials used in admissions screening and testing.
Q: What is “admissions testing” at ESA?
A: For PreK-3 and PreK-4, students are screened for physical development, language acquisition and social skills. Students applying for K-5th all participate in testing, and depending on the age, will take the Otis Lennon School Ability Test, and complete a writing sample as well as a creativity assessment. For grades 6th -12th , ESA uses three assessments when screening students: (1) the Otis Lennon School Ability Test, (2) two sections of the standardized test from the Educational Research Bureau – Reading Comprehension and Quantitative Reasoning and (3) and a 15-minute writing sample. Admissions testing is administered by appointment only to students who have applied for admission.
Q: Do we have to be Episcopalian to be accepted?
A: No. ESA accepts students from all religions and backgrounds.
Q: Does ESA offer any financial aid?
A: Yes. ESA offers need-based financial aid to families who qualify. Families must apply for admission before their application for financial aid can be processed. ESA partners with FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition) an online service used by many independent schools. Families desiring financial assistance must apply directly to FAST by sending them the necessary financial information. FAST provides ESA with a need-based financial aid analysis that includes a recommendation of the dollar amount families can reasonably be expected to contribute toward tuition. ESA awards financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis each school year.
Information About ESA
Q: How does ESA help my child transition to a new school?
A: The admissions team and faculty work diligently to ensure that students feel welcome. Parents and students participate in an orientation session to learn more about ESA and how to acclimate to the campus. Events are scheduled before school starts when both parents and students can meet other members of our ESA community. We encourage parents to take part in school activities to meet other people and stay connected with the school community. On the Cade campus, all students have an advisor who guides and supports students throughout the school year. The school stays in close contact with each new student and parent to ensure a smooth transition.
Q: Is religion incorporated into the school day?
A: Yes. ESA is part of a long and rich tradition of Episcopal education. Attending to the spirituality of our students is fundamental to our mission. A key distinction between religion in an Episcopal school and in other parochial or denominational schools is that Episcopal schools do not seek to indoctrinate or form students in a particular creed or faith. ESA is the Diocesan School of the Diocese of Western Louisiana and as such has a close relationship with the Diocese and the Bishop of Western Louisiana. We do provide our students the experience of a living model of life in a faith-filled community through the framework of Episcopal liturgy and services. We celebrate our faith through chapel services, Eucharist services, and through the study of the Christian faith as well as other faith traditions.
Q: Does ESA provide bus service to and from school?
A: Yes. ESA students come from seven different parishes around Acadiana, and ESA offers several morning and afternoon bus stops in Acadiana for Middle and Upper School students. Buses also run between the Cade campus and the Lafayette campus in the morning and afternoon for Lower School students. For information about pick-up and drop-off times, view our Bus Form.
Q: Is there a before and aftercare program?
A: Yes. The Lafayette campus has a before and aftercare program for PreK-3 through 5th grade students. Parents who participate in this program may drop off their child at 7:05 a.m. and pick up time is at 5:30 p.m.
Q: When can I visit ESA?
A: Families are encouraged to visit our school any time we are open. Interested students and families can contact Jon Berthelot, Director of Admissions, via jberthelot@esacadiana.com or phone at 337-365-1416 to make arrangements to visit the Cade campus. Contact Ann Tobola, Lower School Admissions, via atobola@esacadiana.com or phone at 337-993-2263 to visit the Lafayette campus.
Q: What are the hours of a typical school day?
A: School starts at 8:00 a.m. for all students, but pick up times are staggered for the afternoon according to the age of the oldest child.
PreK3-PreK4: 8:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
K-2nd grade: 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
3rd-5th : 8:00 a.m.-3:10 p.m.
6th -12th: 8:00 a.m.-3:25 p.m.
Q: Is there a dress code?
A: Yes. Both boys and girls wear khaki, grey or navy shorts or pants. Polo shirts are white, light blue, navy blue or grey. The ESA plaid is another option for girls. Full descriptions of the dress code can be found here: Lafayette Campus and Cade Campus.
Q: Do you have a hot lunch program?
A: Yes. Bailey’s restaurant caters the lunch program on both campuses, or students may bring a snack and lunch.
Q: What is the school’s honor code?
A: “As a member of Episcopal School of Acadiana, I pledge that I will not lie, cheat, or steal, or withhold information concerning those who do.” ESA is built on the twin pillars of scholarship and honor. Honor is the name we give to the virtues of personal integrity, community responsibility, and honesty. The ESA Honor Code addresses both an individual’s responsibility for himself or herself, and his or her responsibility to the community and to the Code itself. The ESA Honor Code informs the life of each division, but the practices of each division vary based on the developmental needs and abilities of the students.
Q: How often are report cards distributed?
A: Students receive report cards quarterly. The reports include a combination of assessment and teacher narrative.
Q: What is the Schoolwide Enrichment Model?
A: SEM is the underlying structure on the Lafayette campus that provides a framework for children in K-5th grade to engage in continuous learning while developing their talents and interests. ESA’s educational team systematically assesses and addresses student strengths. They provide meaningful enrichment opportunities, resources, and services to develop these strengths. ESA’s approach to curriculum differentiation and student grouping is flexible, permitting students to engage in continuous learning and growth.
Q: Do all students participate in Enrichment Clusters?
A: Enrichment Clusters are a component of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) for K-5th grade students. Students come together in non-graded groups to pursue their common interests during specially designed time blocks on Friday afternoons. The PreK-3 and PreK-4 classes participate in special activities on Fridays, but are not directly involved in Enrichment Clusters.
