FAQs

An Episcopal School is a Christian community whose mission integrates spiritual formation into the educational experience. Episcopal schools have been established, however, not solely as communities for Christians, but as ecumenical and diverse ministries of human formation for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Episcopal schools are populated by a rich variety of human beings, from increasingly diverse religious, cultural and economic backgrounds.
In fact, the intentional pluralism of most Episcopal schools is a hallmark of their missions. They invite all who attend and work in them – Episcopalians and non-Episcopalians, Christians and non-Christians, people of no faith tradition – both to seek clarity about their own beliefs and religions and to honor those traditions more fully and faithfully in their own lives. Above all, Episcopal schools exist not merely to educate, but to demonstrate and proclaim the unique worth and beauty of all human beings as creations of a loving, empowering God.

The first Episcopal School, Trinity School, was founded in New York City in 1709, and St. Elizabeth’s School draws on this 210-year history in order to fulfil our mission.  The Episcopal School tradition, based on the Episcopal tradition of commitment to social justice and equity of opportunity, was the perfect birthplace for an intentionally inclusive school like St. Elizabeth’s. Episcopal schools are also known for their excellence in academics and for incorporating a broad and well-rounded, Liberal Arts approach to education.

One aspect that differentiates most Episcopal Schools from other faith-based or parochial schools is that they are independent of any particular church or parish. We are governed by a Board of Directors who are responsible for hiring and supporting our Head of School. The Head of School, along with school administration and faculty, have the autonomy to make daily operational decisions for the school.

First and foremost, the Parent Association supports the wonderfully diverse school community at St Elizabeth’s. This sense of community, and working together for the betterment of our school, is the underlying mission of all Parent Association fund-raising projects and social events.

Students in grades K-5 have a uniform.  It consists of khaki or navy pants, shorts, or skorts, and solid colored knit polo shirts.  Approved colors for shirts are red, dark or light blue, dark green, and white. Uniforms can be purchased anywhere, and we do not require students to have a St. Elizabeth’s School emblem on their shirts.  Students are also given a St. Elizabeth’s School t-shirt each year that can be worn in lieu of the knit polo shirt.

Middle School students do not have a uniform, but they do have a dress code.  Crew or collared shirts must not have graphics, unless they are high school or college related.  Pants need to be in good condition with no holes or intentionally stressed fabric. If leggings are worn, shirts must be thigh-length.  

We do have a 15-passenger van and a school bus that are used for off campus activities, but we do not provide bus transportation to and from school. We are proactive about partnering families for carpool opportunities, and we do have families who drive from all over the Denver Metro area.

Annual tuition payments begin in July of every year.  There is a non-refundable enrollment deposit that is submitted when the contract is signed, and the deposit is directly applied to the tuition total.  The remaining balance can be paid all at once, or in three or ten equal payments. We have an electronic billing system. Payments can be made online or direct deposited on a monthly basis.  Cash and checks are also accepted.

“The Association of Colorado Independent Schools accredits, supports, and promotes independent schools in Colorado in a way that respects each school's mission and fosters excellence in teaching and learning.

ACIS includes thirty-six schools with a total of over 10,300 students. Members reflect a wide variety of school missions: boarding and day schools, progressive and traditional programs, Montessori and Waldorf schools. They are also geographically diverse, with half the schools (18) located in Denver or the immediate vicinity, eight in mountain communities or on the Western Slope, and ten members in the Front Range cities of Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo.

The Association of Colorado Independent Schools was established in 1957 and joined the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in 1963. Member schools were first accredited by the State of Colorado from 1963 to 1978. From 1978 to 1991 ACIS accredited schools in partnership with the Colorado Department of Education when it began phasing out its private school accreditation program. In 1991 Colorado gave full recognition and authority to ACIS as a separate accrediting agency. From its founding ACIS has provided collegial support and professional development to help sustain effective leadership in member schools. Since 1989 that program has included the Annual Trustee & Head of School Conference offered each fall. ACIS celebrated its 50th anniversary in fall 2007.” -from ACIS website