History of St. John’s
Reverend James Valliant founded St. John’s Episcopal School in 1961 on his vision to “send forth well-balanced individuals — disciplined, courteous and self-reliant — generously equipped with academic knowledge.” As the Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Reverend Valliant was resolute in his belief that the power of knowledge should be imparted “within the climate of a warm Christian experience.”
St. John’s remains true to that original vision to this day. We have matured into an independent, intimate, family-oriented school specializing in the education of children through elementary and middle school years. Our commitment to every child is unsurpassed as we focus on their educational and emotional development within a supportive and enriching environment.
St. John’s Episcopal School Timeline
St. John’s School was originally housed in the basement of St. John’s Church. It was funded with monies from the St. John’s Church Vestry, though it was expected to be self-sufficient within the first two years. In September 1961, the school opened with four teachers, 26 students, and a secretary. A Board of Trustees was appointed by the church Vestry to govern the school and to ensure its educational, financial, and spiritual success. Mrs. Miriam Sherwin, a St. John’s Church parishioner and educator, is a driving force behind the creation of the school.
1961 Mrs. Miriam Sherwin is appointed the school’s first Headmistress.
1964 St. John’s Episcopal School opens in a newly completed $125,000 two-story classroom wing.
1965 Mrs. Catherine O. Coleman is appointed the school’s second Headmistress.
1970 The Reverend Jack Scott is called as Rector of St. John’s Church.
1976 Mr. Frederick Rhinelander is appointed the school’s third Head of School.
1989 A $475,000 wing, including the Coleman Library, is completed.
Mr. John Zurn is appointed the school’s fourth Head of School.
1999 The school completes $4,200,000 classroom and gymnasium expansion.
2009 Mr. Len Armstrong is named the Interim Head of School and is appointed as fifth Head of School in May, 2010.
2010 St. John’s Episcopal Preschool opens.
2011 Mr. Thomas R. Stevens is appointed as the sixth Head of School.
2015 The Rev. Dr. John R. Price is called as Interim Rector of St. John’s.
2016 The Rev. Henry P. McQueen is called as Rector of St. John’s