A Letter from

Head of School

Dr. James Jordan

Welcome to Episcopal School of Nashville!

At ESN, we’re dedicated to championing childhood in mind, body, and spirit. We believe children should receive an excellent education without sacrificing the joy of childhood. This commitment shapes how we teach, how we build relationships, and how we care for the children entrusted to us.

Our Episcopal identity is central to who we are. We are a proudly Christian school for all, welcoming families of all faiths and none. Rooted in the Episcopal tradition, we believe faith and learning should invite thoughtful questions, reflection, and respect for others. We do not expect every family to share the same beliefs, but we do expect every member of our community to treat others with dignity and kindness.

Serving children from 3K through sixth grade, we are intentional about creating a community where each child is known, loved, and supported. Our teachers hold high expectations while recognizing that children develop at different rates and bring different strengths and interests to the classroom.

Our students develop strong foundations in reading, writing, and mathematics while learning to think critically, ask questions, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. Through play, the arts, physical education, and service, they also have opportunities to explore their interests, build relationships, and grow as individuals.

We want our graduates to leave ESN as creative and critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and respectful, responsible individuals who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

If you are considering ESN for your child, I invite you to visit our campus, meet our teachers, and see how we celebrate and nurture childhood in practice.

I look forward to welcoming you.

With Mind and Spirit Soaring!

Dr. James Jordan
Head of School

Email
615.928.8611 × 5216.

“I firmly believe that the purpose of education is to empower people to take control of their own destiny and to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Each of us has something meaningful to contribute to society, and it is a school leader’s responsibility to create or sustain environments in which people believe in themselves and the mission.”
“In this age of personalization, the demands for a ‘custom experience’ are growing, but the need for inclusive, just environments is even greater. As such, I work hard to lead my colleagues in nurturing happy, healthy, and successful students, knowing that ‘success’ looks different for each individual.”

James is a twenty one-year veteran of independent school education and has served as Head of School at Episcopal since 2021. He arrived in Nashville from St. John’s Episcopal School in Rancho Margarita, California where he served as Middle Division Principal and Associate Head of School for Innovation for the PK through Grade 8 school.
James grew up in the north of England, viewed himself as an athlete only, and left school early to pursue a professional soccer career. A severe injury forced him to reconsider his chosen career. Unexpectedly he was offered a scholarship to Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, which he accepted. Realizing the dramatic culture change, he majored in African American Studies and American History. Upon graduation, James served for nine years as a history and economics teacher and soccer coach at Stratford Academy. He moved to the Kinkaid School in Houston Texas for three years as Middle School Assistant Head where he coordinated the department chairs’ work and instituted a weekly communication to parents, faculty, and students.
From there he moved to St. John’s as Middle Division Principal and Associate Head for Innovation. His duties included aligning the school’s programming and resources to a STEAM approach to teaching and learning, increasing enrollment, and creating opportunities for feedback. He spearheaded their recent capital campaign, which transformed the learning spaces on campus. Along the way, James earned his Master’s and Doctoral degrees at the George Washington University.
James loves to learn, travel, and explore Nashville’s amazing restaurant scene. He and his rescue cat, Biggles, continue to be avid soccer fans.

Board of Trustees

OFFICERS
Chair: Dale Maxfield
Vice Chair: Katherine Murrie
Secretary: Pam Schmidt
Treasurer: Lindsay Burgener

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Lisa Aston
Allie Bohannon
Wendy Buntin
Diego Eguiarte
Matt Foster
Malone Gilliam
The Rev. Randy Hoover-Dempsey*
Hannah Kimbrough
Joe King
Jacob Liggett
Amos Maley
Taya Mashburn
Robinson Regen
Kathryn Thompson
Patrick Waddle
Amy Woodson
Francie Whitley
*Bishop’s Representative

2026-27 CONSULS
Mary Lea Bryant
Craig Laine