Holy Nativity Episcopal School
Who We Are
Our Mission
It is the purpose of Holy Nativity Episcopal School to provide a nurturing Christian environment where students with promise receive challenging academics, enriching opportunities, and a solid foundation for developing their potential as good, caring, and responsible citizens.
Our Five-Year Strategic Plan
Holy Nativity Episcopal School is excited to share our five-year strategic plan with you. This plan, developed over the past year by a dedicated group of parents, alumnae, faculty, and friends of the school, serves as a guiding framework for our future. It reflects our collective vision for the growth and success of Holy Nativity, and we are eager to share it with our community.
We invite you to explore the details of our strategic plan, to learn more about it, and join us in our journey towards a bright future.
Together, we can achieve great things!
Our History
Founded in 1959 by members of Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, Holy Nativity Episcopal School began as a small kindergarten with a clear mission: to educate children in a loving, Christian environment. What started in the church’s Sunday school building quickly grew, and over the following decades the school expanded—eventually serving students from preschool through fifth grade and earning a strong reputation for academic excellence in the community.
In 1993, Holy Nativity achieved accreditation from the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) after a rigorous evaluation process. This distinction affirmed the school’s commitment to strong academics, sound leadership, and a nurturing, student-centered environment—standards that continue to guide the school today.
A major turning point came in 1998 with the purchase of the historic Cove Elementary School campus, originally built in 1937. This milestone made it possible to add a middle school, fulfilling a long-standing vision. By 2001, Holy Nativity celebrated its first eighth-grade graduating class, completing its transition to a full preschool through eighth grade program.
For a time, the school operated across two campuses before unifying into one location in 2009, strengthening its sense of community. Today’s campus reflects years of thoughtful growth and stewardship, including the preservation of the historic Bill Lloyd Building, McDaniel Hall, the Lynn Ferren Library, and the B. Sharpe outdoor classroom support a well-rounded student experience that values academics, the arts, and learning.
Holy Nativity’s history is also marked by resilience. In 2018, Hurricane Michael caused significant damage to the campus, prompting a period of rebuilding and renewal. In 2020, the school quickly adapted to the challenges of COVID-19, launching a successful distance learning program before safely returning to in-person instruction.
Today, Holy Nativity Episcopal School continues to look ahead. A major capital campaign is supporting future growth, including the opening of the Linda and Tom Weller STREAM Building in 2026. This new facility will expand opportunities in Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, preparing students for an ever-changing world.
For more than 65 years, Holy Nativity has remained committed to nurturing minds, building character, and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.
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