News

< 2026

2026

  • Capital Campaign Update

    Letters and brochures were mailed to parents with updated information on the Capital Campaign and construction of the track. We're excited to begin the final phase of this project and look forward to a completion date in the new school year.  If you have any questions about the mailing or would like more information about the campaign, please contact Ida Thompson, ithompson@hces.org.
    Read More

  • Middle School Opening Nights Presents "Into the Woods JR."

    Join us for the Middle School Opening Night Class Production of "Into the Woods JR" on Friday, April 24th at 6:00 pm & Saturday, April 25th at 2:00 pm & 6:00 pm in the Commons. Over the last few months, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students have worked tirelessly to bring to the stage such fun characters from the musical "Into the Woods, JR."

    Students have taken part in the production, assisting with directing, costumes, marketing, and more! Tickets are on sale for $5 each. Tickets are available for purchase by clicking here or through a QR code at the door the night of the show. 
     
    All tickets are general admission, and seating is limited.
    Read More

  • Join us for the Powderpuff Game on May 7th!

    Come out on Thursday, May 7th, starting at 5:30 pm, for a fun school-wide family event. Cheer on our Middle School Crusaders and enjoy an afternoon of food, games, fellowship, and powderpuff football for the whole family! 
     
    Middle school girls, coached by the middle school football players, will face off in 2 games:
    6th v. 7th at 5:30 pm
    Winner plays 8th grade at 6:00 pm

    Powderpuff shirts can be worn to school on Thursday, May 7th, with uniform bottoms. Feel free to bring chairs and blankets to sit on the hill and watch the games. 
    Click here to order your shirts by Friday!
     
    Lower School Contest
    Coach Barlow will be offering a pass/kick competition to win some Crusader team gear! 
     
    Food & Beverage
    Concessions will be open, AND Kona Ice snow cones will be available for purchase. The athletic department will be offering $5 meal deals. Please bring cash. 
     
    Spirit Gear
    This year's Crusaders spirit gear will be on sale for a reduced price. Stock up for next year!
     
    IMPORTANT SAFETY
    HCES Students MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times. The event will be in the Crusader Bowl. Children should not wander away from the Crusader Bowl unless walking back to the parking lots WITH a parent or guardian. 
    Read More

  • Last Day of School Student Dismissal Schedule (May 22nd)

    Below are dismissal times for the last day of school on Friday, May 22nd.
    Early Learning: 11:00 am
    Lower School: 11:30 am
    Middle School: 12:00 pm
    Read More

  • 3rd - 5th Grade: ERB Testing Next Week!

    This year’s standardized testing for students in grades 3–5 will begin on Monday, April 13, and continue through Thursday, April 16. We will once again be using the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) Comprehensive Testing Program.

    You can help your child feel confident and prepared by:
    • Ensuring they get a good night’s sleep each evening
    • Providing a healthy breakfast each morning
    • Arriving at school on time so they can begin the day calmly and without feeling rushed
    • Packing a water bottle to help them stay hydrated
    • Encouraging a positive mindset—remind them to simply do their best
    • Avoid scheduling appointments during testing hours, if possible
    • Offering reassurance and keeping the experience low-pressure and supportive
    • Reviewing test-taking basics (take your time, read directions carefully, and check your work)
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  • PK4 Parents, Join us for a Kindergarten Preview on April 21st!

    PK4 Parents - Join us for a Kindergarten Preview on April 21 at 8:15 AM in the Donor Room
    As we near the end of the school year, we’re excited to share a glimpse into our kindergarten program and how to best prepare your child for the next step in their educational journey!
    Join us to learn more about:
    • Kindergarten curriculum & academic program
    • Parents as partners in learning
    • Executive functioning skills
    • Developmental milestones
    We look forward to partnering with you as your child begins this exciting new chapter!
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  • Spirit Store is Open!

    The spirit store is now OPEN, and we have added shirts from several of this year's events. You can visit the store at the link below for gear for the whole family! The store will close on April 26th.

    Order Here: https://hcesspring2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/
     
    Spirit Store Information: A few important notes regarding Spirit Items
    • Middle School students can wear approved "spirit shirts" on Fridays. Spirit shirts cannot be worn in place of uniform shirts Monday through Thursday. 
    • Lower School students may wear approved spirit shirts on designated days (you will be informed of these days via email and your classroom teacher).
    • Outwear, such as jackets and sweatshirts, can be worn over your uniform any day of the week.
    **Spirit shirts may not take the place of uniform shirts**
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  • Stop! Collaborate and Listen! Our Teachers Deserve Recognition!

    Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week is April 20th-24th! 
     
    Our committee is so excited to treat our faculty and staff to a fun week full of treats and extra love! We need your help! Please take a look at the links below and sign up! 
     
    Last year, our faculty and staff LOVED the book drive, so we are once again collecting fiction and non-fiction books for our teachers (for them to read, not for their classrooms). Please bring in any books that you think our teachers would enjoy reading this summer. They will get to "shop" during Appreciation Week! There is a box in the main office where you can drop your new or gently used books off. There is also an Amazon Shopping List if you would like to purchase one and have it sent directly to the school here.
     
    Thank you for helping show our teachers extra love this month!

    Thank you to the 2026 sponsors who have already committed!
    Brown & Brown
    Big Bend Family Eye Care
    Nikky Manausa, Realtor, Hill Spooner & Elliot, Inc. 
    Randi Mackintosh, PsyD.
    Premiere Computer Solutions
    Tallahassee Ford
    Read More

  • Uniform Closet Reminders

    Dear Fellow HCES Parents,

    As we approach the end of the school year, please be thoughtful of the way in which you contribute items to the Uniform Closet and the way in which you shop. Your care and consideration help ensure this resource remains helpful and welcoming.

    When donating items, please ensure that they are:
    • Clean
    • Without holes
    • Without stains
    When shopping for items, please:
    • Refold and return items neatly
    These small efforts make a big difference in keeping the closet organized and accessible. Thank you for your support and generosity!

    Gratefully, 
    The Uniform Closet Committee
    Read More

  • Middle School Tip of the Week - ERB Testing

    Middle Schoolers will be taking their ERB standardized tests on the mornings of Monday, April 13th, through Thursday, April 16th, between 9 AM and 11:15 AM. Please do your best to schedule appointments around this time. To help your middle schooler perform their best, encourage them to get a good amount of rest and eat a nutritious breakfast during testing week. 
    Read More

  • Bring Your Own Device Program for Rising 6th Grade Students

    Rising 6th Grade Families - The Holy Comforter Technology Department is busy planning for your students' entry into the middle school community at HCES! Holy Comforter requires middle school students to bring their own laptop computer to school each day as part of our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. 

    BYOD Program 
    To provide our teachers with state-of-the-art classroom management tools and to ensure the highest standard of digital safety for our students, HCES is transitioning to an all-Apple MacBook environment for the middle school. By moving to a 100% MacBook campus, we can leverage our Mosyle Mobile Device Management (MDM) system to its full potential.
    This transition offers several key benefits for your child’s learning environment:
    • Enhanced Classroom Focus: Teachers will have the ability to monitor all student screens in real-time, ensuring students stay engaged and on-task.
    • Uncompromising Security: Every device will benefit from business-class security, including automated "Zero Trust" protection, malware defense, and robust web filtering provided by our MDM software.
    • Simplified Requirements: Technical standards have become easy to communicate.  An Apple MacBook capable of running a currently supported version of macOS (macOS 14 Sonoma or newer).  This requirement allows for technology staff to install our MDM software on the machines.
    BYOD Options
    Option 1:  MacBook Neo  (click here to place your order)
    • Purchase a MacBook Neo through our BYOD Order Form for $603.
      • Apple’s newest computer, specially designed for students, will be delivered at 6th Grade Student Orientation in August, the day before classes start.
      • Three-year equipment warranty
      • Three years of accidental damage insurance
      • MacBook loaner service to keep students working (if your student’s MacBook needs repairs, we will provide a loaner to your student in the interim).
      • Full-service, no cost repairs
    • MacBook Neo Payment Options:
      • OPTION A:  Single Payment - $603 
        • (Paid with order form)
      • OPTION B:  12 Monthly Payments - (total price of $653)
        • Order Deadline May 12th
        • $54.42/month starting in June 2026 and ending in May 2027 
        • The monthly charge will be added to your Blackbaud Tuition Management account.
      • May 15th Order Deadline - We will be ordering all the computers in May. We will prepare them and deliver them to students on the first day of the 2026-2027 school year. 
    Option 2:  Bring a MacBook from Home
    • If you would rather bring a MacBook from home, you are welcome to do so with the understanding that our Tech team will install Mobile Device Management (MDM) software that will allow teachers to monitor and control the computer when in their classroom.  
    • Our MDM provider is a company named Mosyle that specializes in K-12 education.  Installation of this software will protect the device with virus and malware protection, web browsing filter, as well as the management tools our teachers need in today’s classroom.
    • The one requirement for a laptop from home is that it is capable of running a supported version of Mac OS.  Currently, Mac OS 14 (Sonoma) and newer versions are supported by Apple.
    If you have any questions about this program, please contact me, Paul Fitzgerald, Director of Technology, at pfitzgerald@hces.org. 
    Read More

  • Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week - April 20 - 24

    Our annual Faculty Staff Appreciation Week is approaching - April 20th-April 24th! We are looking forward to showing our teachers and staff how much we love and appreciate them! Please be on the lookout for sign-ups and details of the week. If you would like to be a sponsor, please reach out to Ida Thompson at ithompson@hces.org. 

    Thank you to the 2026 sponsors who have already committed!
    Brown & Brown
    Big Bend Family Eye Care
    Nikky Manausa, Realtor, Hill Spooner & Elliot, Inc. 
    Randi Mackintosh, PsyD.
    Premier Computer Solutions
    Tallahassee Ford
    Read More

  • Old Florida Gala 2026

    Celebrating the grace and grandeur of Florida

    On Saturday, March 7th, we welcomed 400 guests to an evening under the stars, celebrating our school and beloved state. The evening was a tremendous success for our school community, and we are so grateful to the sponsors, donors, volunteers, and families for making it a truly magical night for all. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Red Hills Oral and Facial Surgery (Dr. Russell and Kirstin Walther). We appreciate your support of HCES and the Gala. 
     
    A very special thank you to our committee members who have been working since last year to create such a memorable evening for all! 

    Old Florida Sponsors

    Orange Blossom
    Red Hills Oral and Facial Surgery
     
    Oyster and Caviar
    Rohan Joseph and Beth Medley

    Champagne
    Arbor Properties
     
    Technology
    First Franklin Financial Services &
    Hi-Tech System Associates, Inc.
     
    Bar
    Canopy Roads Advisors
    C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc.
     
    After Party
    Brittney K. Craig, DMD
     
    Entertainment
    Tallahassee Ford
    Florida Power & Light Company
     
    Live Auction
    Josh Brown Enterprises
     
    Corporate Sponsors
    E.F San Juan
    1 Asterisk Diasters
    Sara Patterson, The Naumann Group Realty

    Mark your calendars for Gala 2027 - Saturday, March 6th!

    Click here to view photos from Old Florida Gala 2026

    Head of School Special Project Fund

    The Head of School Special Project Fund raises money for campus needs or enhancements each year at the annual Gala.

    This year's project is a Security Gate House at the entrance on Fleischmann Road and will include an additional security personnel to staff it daily. Gala attendees were incredibly generous, and the fund has already raised $91,000! 
    Security Gate House Rendering
    Read More

  • Middle School "Beach Bash" Dance

    Last Middle School Dance of the year!
    Beach Bash on Friday, March 27th from 7:00 - 10:00 pm
    Read More

  • Lower School Athletics

    We will start our next Lower School Sports session on Monday, March 23rd! This is our shorter session and will end the week of April 20th. 
     
     
    3rd - 5th Grade Archery: Join PE Coach Wilkerson for afternoons of Archery. This is recommended for students who have some experience with a bow and arrow. Something different and something fun! This session is open to students in 3rd-5th grade. Mondays only. March 23rd - April 20th
     
    Mondays Only: March 23 - April 20th, 2:45 - 4:15
     
    3rd - 5th Grade Volleyball: Coach Becker is building the HCES Volleyball program for the present and the future! 3rd through 5th grade girls, come out and get a jump on the competition. 5 sessions on Mondays only. March 23rd, March 30th, April 13th, April 20th
     
    Mondays Only: March 23 - April 20th, 2:45 - 4:30
     
    2nd - 5th Grade Crusader League Basketball: Join our Lower School PE Teacher, Rusty Wilkerson, in our Crusader basketball training sessions. We will be partnering with CLA and CCA to play games at the end of the session. Games will be played on April 2nd, April 7th, April 9th, April 16th, and April 23rd. This is for 2nd - 5th graders. 
    No Practice on April 21st.
     
    Sessions Dates:
    March 24th, 26th, 31st, 
    April 2nd, 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 23rd
     
    Tuesdays and Thursdays: March 24th - April 23rd, 2:45 - 4:30
    Read More

  • Lost and Found!

    A Fifth Grade Task Force has taken on a big challenge — tackling the overflowing Lost and Found! After conducting an inventory, they discovered 202 clothing items currently in the Lower School Lost and Found. Surprisingly, very few of those items had names on them and were able to be returned to their owners.
    The team is working on some creative solutions to help reduce this growing collection in the future — stay tuned!

    In the meantime, beginning next week, the Lost and Found will be taken outside of Building 4. We encourage families to stop by and check for any missing items.

    All unclaimed items remaining after March 13 will be added to the Uniform Exchange or donated.
    Let’s work together to reunite these items with their owners!
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  • Ready, Set, Bid! Gala is Live!

    Bid on Student Art, Teacher Experiences, Grade Level Baskets, and the Tuition and Lunch Raffles!

    Have you bid with us before? Be sure to log in first using the email address that you used last year. 
    First time? Click "sign in" on the right-hand corner. 
    By entering a bid, you are required to enter your address and credit card information. 
     
    Here is how to bid:
    • Once you have entered your information, click the "Browse Items" tab in the top left corner to find a select group of auction items on which you can pre-bid/purchase.
    • Ready to place a bid? To place a bid, click on the desired item and click "Bid." You may also choose to set a maximum bid for an item, which will allow the system to bid for you until the maximum bid is reached.
    • Looking for our Teacher Experiences? Click on "Browse Items" and then select “Fixed Price Items." Click on the desired item and select “Buy Now” or place your bid. 
    • Tuition Giveaway or free lunch for a year, you say?! To purchase raffle tickets, click on "Browse Items" and then select “Fixed Price Items." Click on the desired item, "Tuition Giveaway" or "Free Lunch," and select “1 ticket for $25.00" or "5 tickets for $100.00." Only currently enrolled students who will be returning next school year are eligible, and the winning ticket is non-transferable. Each ticket is $25.00 or 5 tickets for $100.00.
    Not attending Gala? You will be able to bid on the select items listed until 4:59 PM EST on Friday, March 6, so place your max bid by then!
     
    Please take a look at the listings for a preview of our Live Auction! 

    LIVE AUCTION SNEAK PEEK!

    We have really exciting and unique experiences, trips and items in our Live Auction this year.
     
    Some trips have the option to upgrade airfare, add travelers and extend the trip.
    Read More

  • Class Photos - February 24 & 25

    Early Learning and Lower School: Next week, February 24 and 25. Check your child's homeroom newsletter for the date. Order forms are coming home in folders and should be returned to your child's teacher on the day of their photo.

    Middle School: Tuesday, 2/24 - Class Pictures: Class photo forms will be sent home with students on Thursday, February 19th. Please return the form and payment to the middle school office next week. 
    Read More

  • Lent Countdown with Mrs. Shelly

    As we approach the Lenten season (February 18 - April 2), below is a special Lent Activity for you to use at home. 

    Lent is a season where we practice paying attention to God in a more intentional way, as we prepare our hearts for Easter. Some people choose to give something up, like a habit or distraction, to make space for prayer and reflection. Others choose to take something on, like a daily prayer, an act of kindness, or a moment of gratitude, to help them grow closer to God. Both practices remind us that Lent isn't about punishment but about transformation. 

    Each day of Lent, check in with your commitment and mark it on the calendar: Did I keep my promise or practice what I chose? This daily check-in is about being intentional, not perfect. Marking the day signifies noticing God and practicing self-control. Sundays are excluded as celebrations of grace; all other days are opportunities to stay on track, refocus, and walk toward Easter with honesty and hope. 

    Click here to download your Lent Countdown.
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  • Robotics Club Jr. with Mrs. K (K-2nd)

    Robotics Club Jr. with Mrs. K (K-2nd)
    Tuesday Afternoons: 3/24/26-4/28/26
    3:15-4:15 pm
    Max: 10 students
     
    The HCES Robotics Club Jr. (K-2) is an after-school enrichment program for lower school students in Kindergarten through 2nd grades interested in learning about and working with robots and coding programs. Participants build critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills through hands-on exploration using a variety of robots and coding languages. Participants will have the opportunity to exercise their skills by completing weekly coding challenges in a super fun, low-risk environment.

    Registration Opens Friday, February 13th at 10am
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  • Narcissus Partnership

    Narcissus has once again partnered with HCES to offer attire for the Old Florida gala on March 7th. If you purchase your attire at Narcissus, a portion of the proceeds will benefit HCES. Visit Narcissus at 1408 Timberlane Road to check out the dresses they have in stock.  
    Read More

  • FLIK March Newsletter

    Click here to read the March FLIK Newsletter!
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  • Capital Campaign Newsletter

    We are so excited to share that the 70th Anniversary Campaign has reached the halfway point of our $2 Million goal. Please click here to read an update on the campaign in our Campaign Newsletter.  We would love for you to learn more about the next step in the future of HCES and the new track. If you're interested in attending a small group event, please contact Ida Thompson at ithompson@hces.org.  
    Read More

  • Summer Camp 2026

    Camp Registration is open!
    PK Camp is FULL 

     
    For questions regarding Summer Day Camp, Lil’ Crusaders, or Specialty Camp, please contact Chelsi Blankenship, Director of Summer Camp and Extended Day, at cblankenship@hces.org
     
    For questions regarding Summer Sports Camp, please contact Jeremy Barlow, Director of Athletics, at jbarlow@hces.org

    For more information on Camp Crusader, visit www.hces.org/summercamp.

    Read More

  • Coming Soon: Epic Eras Adventure Summer Camp Registration (K - 5th Grade)

    Attention, Time Travelers! Set your chronometers, step into your time machines and join us on an adventure like no other in our Epic Eras Adventure summer camp! Experience history come to life as campers jump from dinosaurs and ancient civilizations, to castles, colonies, and the Wild West, groove through the 1950s, and blast off to the Future.

    Designed for K–5th grade hoppers, each week is packed with hands-on activities, games, crafts, and learning that spark curiosity and imagination. Whether your young explorer jumps in for a week or several, they’ll collect memories from the past, present, and beyond—and experience an adventure that’s truly timeless.
    • K - 1st will have weekly special events - Guest Presenters, Themed Days, Indoor Bounce Houses, Obstacle Courses and more!
    • 2nd - 5th will do weekly field trips - Skate World, Wakulla Springs, Urban Air and more!
    • Fan favorites Fourth of July Cookout and Water Days are back too!
    Epic Eras Adventure Summer Camp registration opens for HCES families February 2nd at 10 am EST.
    Epic Eras Adventure Summer Camp registration opens to the public on February 9th at 10 am EST. 
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  • 2025-2026 Yearbooks are on Sale - Order by Friday!

    HCES Yearbooks are now on sale for $55 through February 20th. Please visit www.YearbookOrderCenter.com and use the school code: 25014.
    If you have any questions, please contact KC Knudsen at kcknudsen@hces.org.
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  • HCES & Gulf Winds Team up for Springtime Tallahassee Races on March 28th!

    We are excited to share that once again, Gulf Winds Track Club (GWTC) has selected HCES as one of two not-for-profit beneficiaries of the 2026 Springtime Tallahassee Races. On Saturday morning, March 28, 2026, GWTC will run 3 different length races as part of the annual Springtime Tallahassee events. All three races run through the beautiful downtown of our Capital City. The ongoing partnership between GWTC and HCES will also welcome GWTC members to use our track, built with state-of-the-art track materials. 
     
    We encourage our HCES community to run in the race or come and cheer on our HCES participants. Families can run or walk the 1 mile together and of course, individuals can run the longer races. HCES will have a tent with fruit and water at the end to celebrate our HCES racers. 

    Join us and show your support by running, walking, or cheering. Every entry will result in a gift to the HCES track.
     
     
    For more information or questions, please contact Ida Thompson, ithompson@hces.org.
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  • 2026-2027 Open Enrollment

    Admissions Open Enrollment has begun. This two-week window, January 30th through February 13th, is your opportunity to confirm that your child will be returning for the 2026-2027 school year, update your payment preferences, and submit the annual deposit.
     
    As in years past, the $250 deposit will be credited toward your first tuition payment for the 2026-2027 school year.
    A brief enrollment verification form for currently enrolled PK3 - 7th grade students is available and should only take a few minutes to complete. 
     
    A few housekeeping reminders to take care of before Friday:
    • Logging into the website: Accounts that have been inactive for a period may be automatically disabled, which could prevent access to the enrollment verification form. If you’re having trouble logging in, please contact Irene Engelbrecht.
    • If your circumstances have changed or if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s enrollment for next school year, please contact Meghan Wilson in the Admissions Office at mwilson@hces.org or 850-383-1007 as soon as possible. 
    • If there has been a change in your household within the past 12 months - such as an address change, or a change in marital status (marriage, separation, or divorce) - please let Meghan Wilson know, as this information will impact the verification form. 
    Our goal is to ensure all records are accurate and up to date, so the process is as smooth as possible for you. For helpful information, please click here to visit the Open Enrollment page.
     
    Thank you for being a part of our Holy Comforter family. We look forward to the 2026-2027 school year!
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  • After School MoLab

    MoLab: MoLab is a not-for-profit organization that provides on-the-go, dynamic, hands-on, and inquiry-based science experiences through a mobile laboratory, promoting discovery.
    • PK3-PK4 2:45pm - 3:20pm
    • Kindergarten-First Grade 3:30pm - 4:05pm
    • Second Grade - Fifth Grade 4:15 - 5:50
    • $125 for registered Omega students
    • $150 for students not registered in Omega
    The MoLab Fall Session schedule is as follows (please note the times for your child's grade and know that sessions may run a little late):
    • January 21, 2026 - Chemistry Reaction
    • February 4, 2026 - Spaghetti Towers
    • February 11, 2026 – Marvelous Machines
    • March 4, 2026 - Oodles of Ooze
    • March 25, 2026 - Nifty Nebulas
    • April 1, 2026 – Tricksters
    • April 8, 2026 - Crime Solving Scientists
    • April 15, 2026 - Sweet Ice Cream Science
    Read More

  • Middle School PE Uniforms

    Middle School Families: If your child is enrolled in a PE class or has 8th grade HOPE, we have reopened the PE uniform store. The store will close today, Wednesday, January 14th. 
    Read More
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Holy Comforter Episcopal School is a top-rated private, Episcopal, coed school for PreK-8th Grade students located in Tallahassee, Florida.

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