St. Mark’s Episcopal School was founded in 1964 as part of the continuing ministry of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. It was designed to meet a growing demand for a sound academic program which also provides a strong moral and spiritual emphasis.

In September 1964, the firs 56 students enrolled. At that time, only kindergarten through fifth grade were offered. Higher grades were soon added and for a brief time, Sisters from a teaching order participated in the school. At present the school serves 145 children enrolled in preschool through the eighth grade. In addition, daycare is provided before school and after school to assist working parents.

St. Mark’s Day School is non-profit, serving the children of the community without reference to race, gender or national origin. (We are currently 24% White, 29% Hispanic, 3% Asian and 4% African American.) Open to children of all faiths our diversity includes Roman Catholic, Muslim, Orthodox Greek, Orthodox Egyptian, Hindu and Buddhism. The school is Christian-oriented, with only a minority of students being Episcopalian. Within this orientation, the school seeks to develop fully as possible the intellectual, social, physical and spiritual capacities of each student.

The school is certified by the Commission on Schools of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and is a member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools. All teachers have a Bachelor’s Degree and/or a Masters Degree or a California Teaching Credential or are in the process of completing a credential or masters program.

Children are admitted based on their ability to achieve. Both prospective students and their parents are interviewed and students are given an entrance exam before being accepted. Students are expected to maintain a minimum of 2.0  grade point average.

Students are expected to work hard and are instructed not only in academic subjects, but also In Christian faith and life, music, computers, Spanish and physical activities with the aim of developing the student’s all around character. Standards of behavior are based on the Golden Rule and so emphasize courtesy and   mutual respect. Students are also encouraged to follow a punctual, orderly and disciplined way of life.

During the school year, brief chapel services based upon Morning Prayer are held two times a week, with services being conducted by the Rector or a school leader with students assisting in the readings and prayers. Individual students may also be active in the service club, hand bell choir, chimes choir, singing chorus, piano, flag detail and/or acolytes. Field trips are conducted throughout the year and must pertain to the curriculum.