Student Life
I am a student: a mind open to direction, a heart open to others, a soul open to searching. - ESD Manifesto
Student Traditions
One of ESD’s oldest traditions, Pass It On, was started by Father Swann in the spring of 1976 to symbolize eighth-graders leaving the Middle School.
The senior class welcomes the rising freshmen into the Upper School by passing a light, “the spirit of ESD,” to these students.
Every winter, Middle and Upper school celebrate with Lessons and Carols, coming together as a school community and enjoying the Christmas season. All students take part in the ceremony, sing different carols, and read lessons from the Bible.
Every year both students and faculty sign our school's Code of Conduct, a pledge to live with Honor, Respect, and Integrity.
A good old-fashioned game of Texas football brings the entire community together under Friday night lights. Throughout the week, each day has a different dress theme provided by Student Council.
Finally, we all hope for a win by our Eagles. Happy Homecoming!
We set aside a day to give thanks to grandparents and grandfriends who have such an impact in our students' lives.
Grandparents are invited to campus to spend a day with their grandchild and get a glimpse into their day-to-day life.
The senior class celebrates the birthdays of its students quarterly with Rally Days. This tradition includes a theme, food, fun activities and more. Rally Day themes can range from decade days to Texas State Fair, and the student costumes are always on point!
ESD students look forward to celebrating this long-standing tradition during their senior year and look it as a privilege as the eldest students on campus.
Similar to our senior and fifth-grade buddy program, fourth graders are paired with Kindergarteners each year to give them a chance to interact with an "upperclassmen."
Each year, plenty of new friendships and fun memories are made between these fun pairs.
Rising seniors celebrate their academic accomplishments thus far by receiving a ring designed by ESD’s founder, Father Swann.
This ring was inspired by one given to him when the school left the St. Michael & All Angels Church. The ring bears the school shield which features three crosses, representing the values of religion, sound learning, and self-discipline.
The junior class celebrates the official transition into their senior year by receiving their blue and yellow shirts, a special uniform privilege given to the senior class.
At the beginning of each school year, students from the senior class are paired up with fifth graders for different events throughout the school year.
This fun tradition is a long-standing one at ESD that students look forward to every year and encourages Upper and Middle School engagement. The buddies participate in community service, themed days like Twin Day where they dress up in pair costumes, and more.
Extracurricular and Leadership Opportunities
- Admission Ambassadors
- Class Officers
- ESD WORX Internship Program
- Honor Council
- Lower School Clubs
- Middle School Clubs
- Student Council
- Student Publications
- Upper School Clubs
- Vestry
Admission Ambassadors
Class Officers
ESD WORX Internship Program
The ESD WORX Internship Program provides qualified students opportunities for personal development, career awareness, life-skills mentoring, and invaluable exposure to fields of interest. Learn more here.
Honor Council
Lower School Clubs
Middle School Clubs
Advanced Strings
Best Friends Animal Society/World Wildlife Club
Book Club
Community Service Club
Developing Strings
Diversity Club
French Club
Honor Choirs
Honors Dance
Introduction to Strings
Junior Youth and Government
Literary Magazine
Math Team
Robotics (7/8)
Science Club
Speech and Debate
Student Council
Student Council
Student Council is a group of elected members that advocate for student voices, provide assistance in school affairs and activities, and encourage relationships between students, faculty, and administration. Both Middle and Upper School have a student council.
In Upper School, this club also leads Town Hall meetings; disburses funding for other clubs; and plans student events like Homecoming, Student Body Week, and the freshman retreat in partnership with SMU students.
Student Publications
Upper School Clubs
There are a total of 60 Upper School Clubs, providing an extraordinary number of leadership opportunities for our students.
Adopt, Don't Shop
Animation Club
Aviation Club
American Issues Club
A Capella Choir
Art Club
Asian Council
Backpack Club
Beads for Benefits
Baking Club
Black Student Union
Botany Club
Car Club
Ceramics
Chess Club
Community Service Council
Conservative Club
Debate
Discussions and Donuts
Diversity and Inclusion Club
Drama Club
Environmental Awareness
ESDN Broadcasting Network
Ethics and Philosophy
Ex-Libris
Film Club
Foreign Correspondents Club
French Club
Guitar Club
Helping Hearts
Jewish Student Union
Latin Club
Latinos Unidos/FBLA
Magic Club
Microfinance Club
Mu Alpha Theta
Multi Ethnic Group
Mythology Club
National Honors Society
One Love
Progressive Student Union
Psychology Club
Random Acts of Kindness Club
Refugee Club
Religious Diversity & Inclusion Club
Rock Band Club
Slam Poetry Club
Spanish Club
Spectrum
Student Managed Investment Fund Club
Teacher Appreciation Club
Volleyball Club
Voting Registration Club
Women's Studies Organization
World Affairs Club
World Languages and Cultures Club
World Wildlife Fund
Youth & Government
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