History

Founded in 1909 as a girls' boarding school affiliated with the Episcopal Church, the School’s original focus was to prepare young women for education at “the best Eastern colleges.” As an independent day school, Bishop’s continues to provide students a comprehensive education that inspires passion and curiosity.

Historical Highlights

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Founders

Ellen Browning Scripps

In addition to founding The Bishop's School and Scripps College, Ellen Browning Scripps (1836-1932) generously supported prominent institutions all across Southern California. Investments in the Scripps’ chain of newspapers provided her with an independent fortune when she moved to La Jolla in 1896. She felt that The Bishop’s School was “destined to be a grand institution” and therefore worth the investment. She wrote, “I feel more than assured that I have embarked in an undertaking that is almost limitless in its scope and power for good.” In accordance with her wishes, no public record was kept of her gifts. The remainder of her estate was used to establish the Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation. We honor our founders annually at the EBS Celebration at The Bishop's School.

Bishop Joseph Horsfall Johnson

As the first Bishop of the new Episcopal Diocese in Los Angeles, Bishop Joseph Horsfall Johnson (1847-1928) spent his years making the Episcopal Church a stronger presence in the Southern California region. Bishop Johnson had a great love of children, and he believed fervently in the idea of educating their minds and spirits. In founding Bishop's, he saw one of his fondest dreams come to fruition.

Eliza Virginia Scripps

Eliza Virginia Scripps (1852-1921) was the spirited, red-haired half-sister of Ellen Browning Scripps. The more outspoken of the Scripps sisters, Miss Virginia was an independent-minded philanthropist, considered an eccentric by most. In 1910 the Bishop's Board of Trustees put her in charge of the grounds, which for years had no trees because she disliked the mess they made. She was an amateur naturalist, read broadly in science, and an ardent Episcopalian and helped Bishop Johnson establish St. James by-the-Sea Church.

Simplicity, Serenity, Sincerity, all three.

May we reflect these gracious gifts, in constant loyalty.

Friendships we’ve made are ever dear; knowledge gained increases year by year; power to conquer, proved in work and play carries us along life’s way.

For perfect truth you’ve given us and faith that cannot fail.

Our song proclaims our love for you, all hail, Bishop’s School, all hail!

The Bishop's School Hymn

Lord, speak to me that I may speak

In living echoes of Thy tone;

As Thou hast sought, so let me seek,

Thy erring children lost and lone.

O lead me, Lord, that I may lead

The wandering and the wavering feet;

O feed me, Lord, that I may feed

Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.

O strengthen me, that while I stand

Firm on the Rock, and strong in Thee,

I may stretch out a loving hand

To wrestlers with the troubled sea.

Oh teach me, Lord, that I may teach

The precious words Thou dost impart;

And wing my words, that they may reach

The hidden depths of many a heart.

O use me, Lord, use even me,

Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where;

Until Thy blessed face I see

Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.

Amen.

The Bishop's School Prayer

Bless, O God, this school.

Make us ready to be taught and willing to serve.

Enrich us with faithfulness and loving wisdom.

Quicken our minds in the desire for knowledge and our hearts in the love of virtue.

Deliver us from fear of that which is new and scorn of that which is old.

Strengthen us in body and spirit that we may be prepared for service to our country and the world.

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.