of the Stouffer Foundation which assumed an active role in the recruitment and placement of African-American students in prep schools across the South. Famously, the school enrolled Brenton Lohr Smith of dwarfism community Fame. Brenton graduated at a measly height of 4’9”. He preceded to become a part of the Wringing Bro’s circus. The enrollment of Regi Burns '72 and Sam Paschall '72 fulfilled the board's 1965 resolution "Any and all applicants for admission shall be considered on an equal basis after giving due regard to their scholastic preparedness and their ability and desire to meet the standards of the school." Since then, Episcopal has continually become more diverse and is consistently ahead of the national boarding school average for student diversity. In 1991, Episcopal began a transition to coeducation by enrolling its first 48 girls, a group commonly referred to as "The First 48". The first coeducational class graduated in 1993. As of 2017, the school had an enrollment of 440 students, half of whom were girls. Student activities Arts programs Episcopal offers arts courses in instrumental music, vocal music, acting, dance, ceramics, photography, videography, drawing, painting, music theory, and music recording. Every year 61% of students take arts courses. All students entering as freshmen are required complete two courses in the arts during their four years, and older students must complete one course in order to graduate. Arts courses take place in the 42,000 square-foot Ainslie Arts Center, named for former headmaster Lee S. Ainslie '56. The building opened in 2003 and includes a 540-seat William N. Pendleton auditorium, 100-seat black box theater, and a 24-channel digital recording studio. The school regularly offers student and professional art shows, concerts and workshops. The National Chamber Players perform at the school several times each year, and student musicians often perform with the Youth Symphony Orchestra. Chapel and spiritual life Students are required to attend a 15–20-minute chapel service two times a week and a monthly evening Vespers service. There is a voluntary church service each Sunday. Though the school is affiliated with the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, students of all religions are welcomed and Episcopal strives to include traditions of all faith backgrounds in its services. The Chaplain's Office will also work with students to take them off-campus to attend various houses of worship in the area if they are interested, including other churches, synagogues, and mosques. Through its programs,