Shreya Reddy ’13, Anthony Thai ’13: Though only introduced in 2008, Summer at EA has rapidly become one of the most successful summer programs on the Main Line.
Originally created as a program to provide Episcopal students with the opportunity to earn academic credits, Summer at EA has since instituted dozens of classes from Cooking to Investing Basics. This year alone, 795 students from 80 schools participated in the growing program.
Alex Thompson, Director of Summer at EA, remarked, “This year’s program exceeded the number of students from past years, and parents and kids have had a really positive response.” In fact, the program attracted approximately 70 more students than last year. Thompson was especially proud of the number of Episcopal faculty members who have begun teaching classes. “Students love to see some of their favorite teachers over the summer. The same great EA standard is being upheld during the summer.”
Dr. Mary Agnes Malter, Director of External Programs, emphasized the impact that Summer at EA has on admissions because “students can test-drive the Episcopal Academy, see teachers, coaches, and get a general feel for the community.” By allowing students and parents to experience “a little piece of EA” during the summer, Summer at EA is able to provide academic enrichment and recreational activities for students from approximately 80 different schools.
According to Thompson, one of the most successful new classes added this year was Woodworking, taught by Michael Leslie, a member of the Arts Department. Thompson noted that, including all administrators, staff, and teachers, 100 individuals contribute to the success of Summer at EA.
This year, Allison Hayden’s Cooking class was visited by Christina Verrelli, the grand prize winner of the 2012 Pillsbury Bake-off Contest. The students assisted Verrelli as she cooked her million-dollar winning pumpkin ravioli.
In light of continued growth and economic prosperity, Summer at EA has contributed to the debate surrounding Episcopal’s non-profit status that has been raised by the Newtown Square Township. “The township has been looking to receive tax revenue from our facilities,” noted Thompson. Both Malter and Thompson were unable to provide a rough estimate for the profits of Summer at EA. However, Malter noted that the primary purpose of the Summer at EA program was to “bring students together onto EA’s campus” and stated that Summer at EA was not created to generate additional revenue for the school.
Malter recalled that four years ago the program was nonexistent when she and Thompson “came into an empty office” not knowing what the future would hold. Yet Summer at EA was able to launch into a full-fledged program with a wide array of courses. Thompson also mentioned that her goal for the future of Summer at EA is for the program “to become bigger and better” by offering new classes and allowing more students to partake in the Summer at EA experience. To ensure future success, however, Episcopal must quickly work to resolve legal issues and reaffirm itself as a non-profit entity.