Knightly News

“The academic foundation is strong, and my child is thriving.” Lower School parent

“It’s rigorous but balanced – she’s learning how to learn.” Middle School parent

One of Episcopal’s core values – Pursue Excellence – is evident in the school’s 60+ year legacy of academic excellence and student support. The school is building on that commitment to excellence with the establishment of the new Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning.

The center is an innovative, reimagined campus space that will serve and support students for years. “We intentionally redesigned the Aldrich Library space to create a collaborative environment in which students can access learning support services, the testing center, the Academic Resource Center, and the research capabilities and resources of the school library,” says Dr. Sara Fenske, Associate Head of School for Academic Affairs. “Our students know they can access all of the academic support they need to achieve their goals within this concentrated and collaborative space.”

The vision for the center is outlined in the school’s new strategic plan, which sets the course for the next five years. Aldrich Library has served as a hub for learning in recent years, so it made sense to focus resources in this one space. “We want students and faculty to know that the library is a place where they can always get the support and resources they need,” says Library Director Tiffany Whitehead. “From project planning, research instruction, writing support, to delivering dynamic presentations or just finding the perfect book to engage readers, the library has the best collection of collaborative partners, tools, and resources on campus.” 

Academic Rigor Meets Academic Support

“A commitment to academic rigor means that high expectations are set for students and high levels of support are provided to help them meet their educational goals,” says Dr. Fenske. “Our students are learning and thriving, and they are so successful because we serve the whole child.”

Serving the whole child means supporting students and meeting them where they are on their educational journey. Episcopal educators support students in numerous ways, including faculty office hours, flex, individual discussions, and faculty grade-level teams that address student needs and concerns. In addition, peer-to-peer support is offered through the Academic Resource Center, which continues to expand offerings.

“As a student-led operation, ARC allows students to lead and guide their peers toward better understanding,” says Director Katie Sutcliffe. “In the short time we’ve been back at school, the Fellows (peer tutors) have presented to the 9th-grade students about how to thrive in their new courses, met one-on-one with each of Mr. Rowe’s history students to review their writing, and welcomed Middle School students back during Flex to help with homework and studying. We are optimistic about another successful year!”

Preparing the Next Generation

With so much support, Episcopal students in all divisions are set up well for college and beyond. “Our students are critical thinkers and well-rounded individuals ready to take on the world,” says Dr. Fenske.  “Teachers challenge students appropriately, and our students have the confidence and reassurance that they can depend on teachers for support.”

Students can lean on one another, too. The ARC Fellows will participate in a training retreat next Friday so that experienced and new tutors can review best practices for successful peer collaboration. Fellows finetune their craft throughout the year and work hard to keep their clients in the driver’s seat of their own thinking and learning. “It is a mutually beneficial experience to have students supporting one another in this way,” says Sutcliffe. 

Make an Appointment Today!

Students can make an appointment with an Academic Resource Center Fellow here. The link is also accessible through the ARC Canvas page.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.