Leadership

A Letter from the Head of School

Welcome to ESN! As we begin our tenth year, we’re focused on where we’ve come from and what comes next. This year’s theme, Purpose, Promise, Possibility, reflects both our foundation and our direction.

At ESN, our purpose is to know and love each child. That commitment shapes how we teach, how we lead, and how we build community. Students learn best when they feel known, supported, and challenged. That’s the standard here.

We are an Episcopal school. We welcome students and families from many backgrounds. We do not aim to indoctrinate. Instead, we teach students how to think, not what to think. We help them ask meaningful questions, reflect on their beliefs, and develop purpose through service to others. Chapel is part of the school week. It is age-appropriate, grounded in shared values, and centered on reflection and connection.

Service learning is an integral part of our school. Through partnerships and hands-on experiences, students come to see their place in the world and their responsibility to others. We believe a diverse school—racially, economically, spiritually, and in thought—creates a stronger community and a richer education.

Academic growth matters. Strong teaching, real-world connections, and a culture of inquiry help students take on meaningful work. Our teachers are skilled and committed, and our students understand why their learning matters.

Our goal is for graduates to be thoughtful, kind, and capable, ready for future learning, meaningful work, and community leadership, while we stay grounded in relationships, excellent teaching, and a clear sense of mission.

If you’re considering ESN, come see it for yourself. Meet our team, visit a classroom, and ask your questions. I’d be glad to connect.

With Mind and Spirit Soaring!




Dr. James Jordan
Head of School

  • Email Dr. Jordan or give him a call at 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: Mary Lea Bryant
Vice Chair: Dave Goetz
Secretary: Pam Schmidt
Treasurer: Dale Maxfield

Board of Trustees

Lisa Aston
Robert Black
Allie Bohannon
Mary Lea Bryant
Wendy Buntin
Lindsey Burgener
Dave Goetz
Catherine Grace
Drew Holcomb
The Rev. Randy Hoover-Dempsey*
Craig Laine
Jacob Liggett
Amos Maley
Dale Maxfield
Katherine Murrie
Robinson Regen
Pam Schmidt
Kathryn Thompson
Patrick Waddle
Amy Woodson

*Bishop’s Representative

Ex-Officio

Bishop John Bauerschmidt
Ketch Secor
Dr. James Jordan

Senior Admin Team