It wasn't just the students' first day of school as All Saints welcomed new teachers on board as well. (Contributed Photo)

Clutching their water bottles and adjusting their backpacks, the littlest Trojans walked with their parents inside All Saints Episcopal School for the first day of school Thursday. For many, the first day of school is a chance to set brand-new goals and make positive impressions on students and parents.

“The first day of school is truly one of the best days of the year,” said the Head of Lower School Dr. Amy Alsip. “There is this sense of a fresh start — new teachers, new friends, new opportunities are all around you.”

All Saints Episcopal School in Tyler is a distinguished educational institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, character development, and spiritual growth. This private, co-educational school serves students from preschool through 12th grade, providing a nurturing environment that emphasizes both intellectual and personal development.

“Everyone is in their new uniforms looking their very best and the emotions are high whether it be brief tears from parents on their child’s first day of school or the hype that comes with reconnecting with classmates and friends you have missed over the summer,” Alsip said. “To me, the first day of school is full of potential and is something I look forward to each year.”

The first day of school brings a mix of excitement and nerves, with both students and parents feeling those familiar “butterflies” as they step into a new academic year.

“The kids are excited, and the parents are ready,” said parent Cassie Hampe. “We are excited to see what this year has in store for us and we are confident and reassured that they are in the best hands at All Saints.”

According to the school’s website, All Saints Episcopal was formed and originally named St. Andrews Episcopal School in 1976. Then All Saints Episcopal Day School was incorporated as a legal entity, an independent school board was formed and the school year began with an enrollment of 118 students and 11 faculty members.

Today, there are approximately 600 students and 120 faculty and staff throughout the schools.

Hampe, a parent with three children in different school divisions — lower school, middle school and upper school — says she is looking forward to what the new school year will bring.

“Each division will bring surprises and excitement and, as a parent, I am confident that they will be prepared and equipped to handle whatever the future has in store for them,” she said. “We are confident and reassured that they are in the best hands at All Saints.”

The upper school students are ready to repeat the success just achieved in the Advanced Placement program. According to All Saints, the overall pass rate on AP exams at All Saints for the last academic year was 85 percent, surpassing the Texas average of 50 percent.

“I was extremely pleased with the AP results,” said Dr. Mark Desjardins, Head of School. “We have been strategic in our efforts to elevate the quality of this program, putting new resources in place for our faculty and letting students know that we were raising standards in the classroom. I am proud that our students and faculty exceeded our expectations.”

Many parents are grateful for the strong sense of community and the values-centered education provided by All Saints.

“The feeling of walking back on our All Saints campus this morning brought such emotion,” said parent Catherine Bankston. “Watching the children run to their friends and receive the sweetest hugs from our faculty truly touched my heart. So thankful for this incredible school and what this year holds for us all. Our children are the lucky ones.”