Celebrating the Full-Circle Tradition of Grandparents Day
April 2, 2026
There is a specific kind of magic that settles over our campus when the generations converge. Whether it’s the wide-eyed excitement of a Lower Schooler showing off their cubby or the quiet pride of a Senior walking their grandfather through the Cook building, Grandparents Day remains one of the most beloved traditions at The Episcopal School of Dallas.
Introduced early in our school’s history, this event is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a vital bridge between the heritage of our families and the future our students are building.
Behind the scenes, the transformation of the campus is a feat of true community cooperation. "To make this happen and to put our best foot forward, it takes support from everyone," notes our Stewardship Manager, Carol Bergman. “Planning is an intricate dance among the Advancement Office, facilities, security, SAGE dining, and faculty. From hand-mailing hundreds of invitations to coordinating a shared worship experience in All Saints Chapel, every detail is designed to ensure our visitors feel the warmth of the ESD family.”
Tailored Experiences Across the Divisions
As our school has grown into a single unified campus, the tradition has evolved to ensure every visit is intimate and meaningful.
In the Lower School, the air buzzes with energy. By hosting their event in the spring, students have a full year of growth and confidence to draw upon as they guide their grandparents through their classrooms. Split into morning and afternoon sessions to ensure safety and comfort, it’s a "well-structured showcase" of the foundational years.
In the Middle School, students take the lead. This division’s program is well-attended, where the "carpool" connection kicks off a day of campus tours and classroom visits. It is a time for students to step into leadership roles, sharing the daily worship and academic projects that mean the most to them.
In the Upper School, the focus shifts to the bookends of the journey: the ninth and twelfth grades. By highlighting the start and the completion of the Upper School experience, grandparents get to witness the incredible transformation from freshman year to the milestone of graduation. For our students completing the journey from Beginner to twelfth grade, it is a poignant full-circle moment.
While the logistics are complex, the purpose is simple: stewardship, community, and the celebration of multi-generational wisdom. The event serves as a reminder that the ESD experience isn't just for the students—it’s for the entire family.
"The excitement comes in the implementation," Bergman shares. "Seeing the outcome of all the planning—welcoming guests, showcasing our teachers, and seeing the smiles on faces—that is why we do it."
Whether it’s the first visit for a new Pre-K grandparent or the final walk across campus for a Senior’s guest, Grandparents Day continues to be a testament to the ties that bind us. It is a day where the past meets the present, and the results are, quite simply, grand.
