Episcopal Identity

At St. George’s Episcopal School, our Episcopal identity is at the core of who we are. Beginning each day with chapel, unites us in purpose, grounding our community’s spiritual journey and deepening our commitment to the school’s mission and values. Every morning, our entire community—students, faculty, staff, and administration—gathers for this shared experience of reflection and connection.

While the Holy Eucharist, central to the Episcopal Church’s worship, is celebrated on special occasions, it is reserved for students in grades 3rd through 12th. Our daily chapel services, inspired by the Book of Common Prayer, follow a familiar rhythm of tradition while being accessible and engaging for our student body.

Chapel includes prayers, songs, and a homily or chapel talk that resonates with students, offering both meaning and inspiration. Students are encouraged to take active roles in worship, whether as readers, prayer leaders, musicians, or acolytes, fostering a sense of responsibility and community leadership.

In 8th grade, students embark on a meaningful tradition: crafting and delivering personal “Chapel Talks.” Beyond honing public speaking skills, Chapel Talks allow students to express their passions and insights, creating opportunities for the class to connect and understand one another on a deeper level. Throughout this process, students work closely with a faculty mentor, gaining support and guidance as they shape their reflections.

At its heart, the Chapel Talk experience fosters personal growth, strengthens communication skills, and enriches our worship community. It’s a powerful way for students to practice self-reflection and celebrate the unique voices that make up our school.

One day a week, students meet by division for a more age-specific chapel time. These chapels also involve prayers and songs, but instead of a homily, students are given the opportunity to explore the theme or passage for the month in a more hands-on way, with the goal of finding concrete ways to apply Biblical teachings in everyday life.

Division Chapel includes the opportunity for students to participate in community service projects. Projects have included making Almsgiving Cups during the season of lent for the purpose of collecting coins to be donated to Emmaus House in Atlanta; making paper prayer rings to lay on the altar in the chapel; decorating water bottles with encouraging notes to go to hurricane victims; and, making ‘alleluia butterflies’ for the Easter season.

On Fridays, we conclude the school week together by sharing in our special “Celebration Chapel,” where a variety of student accomplishment is recognized, where birthdays are celebrated, and where our mission and ministry as an Episcopal school is joyously expressed. Parents are invited to attend any chapel services with their children, although participation in the Friday chapels is especially appropriate.

On many Fridays, the high school students participate in celebrating younger students’ birthdays and accomplishments as a way to encourage interaction and leadership.