Founded and Led by Mrs. Ouida McWhorter, Advent Episcopal School began in the basement of the Cathedral Church of the Advent with a small group of seven students. Committed to providing an exceptional education in a Christian environment, our small school in the heart of downtown Birmingham was born. Over the next 18 years, the school would grow with the needs of the community and through the faithfulness of Mrs. McWhorter and members of the church.

The school served students in 4-year-old kindergarten (pre-kindergarten) through the third grade. Graduating students were largely matriculating to their local public schools at that time and were greeted with enthusiasm as their teachers noted how well-prepared Advent students were compared to many of their peers. Over the next couple of years, older grades continued to be added as demand increased from committed school parents.

The fate of Advent would change forever. As the school considered an effort to become the first accredited elementary school in Alabama, the church Rector, Rev. Hugh Agricola reached out to a young, accomplished educator he knew from North Alabama, Mrs. Una Battles. Mrs. Battles’ husband had taken a job in Birmingham and Rev. Agricola convinced Mrs. Battles to spend just a year helping the school go through its accreditation process.

Mrs. Battles assumed the role of headmistress in 1970 - a position she held for the next 43 years. Over her four and a half decades of leadership, Advent expanded its program to the 8th grade; was at the forefront of integrating art, music, and French into the regular curriculum for its students; and established itself as one of the premier K-8, independent schools, not only in Alabama but in the southeast. Holding herself, her faculty, and her students to the highest of standards, Mrs. Battles demonstrated immense care and commitment to her work.

Following Mrs. Battles’ retirement in 2013, Mr. Palmer Kennedy served as head of school from 2013 until 2021. During his tenure, the school expanded its athletic program, underwent renovations throughout the facility, and began a junior pre-kindergarten program.

Following Mr. Kennedy’s tenure, Mrs. Claire Cassady Vaughn ‘03 was named head of school. Having attended Advent from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, Mrs. Vaughn’s intimate understanding and love of the school guide us as we reflect on where we have been, where we are, and where we can go together!

Advent Episcopal School is proud to serve over 225 students from more than 40 different zip codes in our junior pre-kindergarten through 8th-grade program. Students continue to benefit from high-quality instruction from teachers who know and love them. Art, music, and French are still critical elements of our school curriculum and we are excited to have new programs and initiatives, including Discover Bham, our survey of science course, Flex classes, and so much more!