Our History

• 1950s

  In the late 1950s, recognizing the excellent reputation of Episcopal schools, a young mother dreamed of a parish day school for her children.

  With the support of The Rev. David J. Coughlin, Rector of Ascension Parish, and several dedicated parishioners and professionals, Jeanette Parker organized Ascension Day School with a kindergarten class of 17 in the fall of 1959 and served as Headmistress until 1968.

• 1960 - 69

  • A new educational building was completed and the two preschool classes (29 total students) moved into their new classrooms.
  • Grades 1-6 were added.
  • School uniforms were changed to include the black watch plaid that still serves as the uniforms for lower school students today.
  • Students went to Washington DC and Williamsburg for an educational trip.
  • The first graduation ceremony was held for 13 sixth graders.
  • First parents’ organization was formed.
  • Ascension Day School acquired membership in the Lafayette Preschool Teachers Association, the National Episcopal School Association and the Louisiana Episcopal School Association.
• 1970 - 79

  • Curriculum and long-range planning committees were formed.
  • Beverly Melton was hired as Early Learning Center Director and kindergarten teacher.
  • A class for 3-year olds was offered.
  • A building on Johnston Street (formerly Blue’s Studio) was acquired to house art classes and 8th grade.
• 1980 - 89

  • Study-travel trips occurred to New York City and Williamsburg and Washington DC.
  • New construction for the Early Learning Center was completed at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.
  • Two playgrounds were constructed simultaneously by ADS parents and community volunteers.
  • The property at 137 Caillouet Place was purchased to house art and music classes.
  • The first ADS Auction was held, replacing the annual ADS Haunted House.
• 1990 - 99

  • Expansion of the library was completed and a full time computer teacher hired.
  • Patrick Dickens was hired as headmaster.
  • ADS was reaccredited by ISAS, and for the first time, accredited by Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools.
  • Construction of six new classrooms began (1994) and the building was dedicated as part of ADS’ 35th Birthday Celebration.
  • ADS held its first Annual Fund Campaign.
  • The Romero Music building on Johnston Street was purchased and renovations began to make it suitable for a school library.
  • The Miles Perret Memorial Sundial was completed and dedicated.
  • A sixth grade class was added to begin the re-establishment of the ADS Middle School.
• 2000 - 09

  • Construction was completed on the Will Shepherd Memorial Activity Center.
  • The first 8th grade graduation of the newly re-established ADS Middle School was held.
  • The last targeted property, 111 Amelia Street, was purchased and renovated to house the middle school office.
  • The 8th grade traveled to Boston for the first middle school educational trip.
  • A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Early Learning Center located at River Ranch.
  • Fran Barbato was hired as Middle School Division Head.
  • Weekly Eucharist was initiated.
  • ADS was recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Education as a Blue Ribbon School.
  • Parker Hall, the new middle school building named after Founding Head Jeanette Parker, was dedicated and the middle school moved in.
  • Preparation of a business plan for the addition of an Upper School was approved by the Vestry.
  • Hurricane Katrina brought 136 students, representing 70 relocated families to ADS.
  • “ADS Weekly” became paperless with all vital information available online.
  • The high school opened for the 2006-07 school year with 17 ninth and tenth grade students; it was housed in rented space at First Baptist Church.
  • In 2007, groundbreaking was held for the upper school classroom building on the Sugar Mill Pond campus.
  • In 2008, a name change from Ascension Day School to Ascension Episcopal School was approved.
  • Ascension was accepted into the Louisiana High School Activities Association for Class C athletic competitions.
  • The Sugar Mill Pond Campus was opened in the Spring of 2009.
  • Construction began at the Sugar Mill Pond campus on a competition gym, baseball field and practice field for soccer and football.
  • Ascension elected its first Homecoming Court.
  • Upper school facility opened at the Sugar Mill Pond Campus, housing grades 8-12.
  • Ascension moved into Class 1A for athletic competitions by the LHSAA and the first home football games were played at Clark Field.
  • First high school graduating class (2009).
    
  • Ascension Episcopal School celebrated 50 years.
• 2010 - present

  • Science students competed in the Science Olympiad for first time.
    
  • First individual state champion athlete.
    
  • First Ascension graduate to play a college sport.
    
  • Tennis courts and softball field constructed at SMP campus.
    
  • Dr. David Rath hired as Headmaster.
    
  • Opening New Doors Campaign begins.
    
  • First National Merit Scholar.
    
  • Football field constructed and dedicated.
    
  • Recognized as “Apple Distinguished School”.
    
  • First state championship sports team.
    
  • Paul Quick hired as Headmaster.
    
  • Fine Arts Annex renovation completed on downtown campus. 
    
  • Jeff Plunk hired as Headmaster