Information Booklet KINDERGARTEN - 12TH GRADE College Prep At Its Best
College counseling at Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School begins in 9th grade and is personalized to each student and his or her family. 100%
100% of graduates attend 4-year colleges and universities in a typical year. The class of 2019 was accepted to universities all over the nation, including 43 Columbia, Boston University, Penn State, Rensselaer, Rice, Savannah College of Art and Design, UT, Texas AP Scholar Awards given to STE students in 2019 A&M, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
Abilene Christian University Emory and Henry College Millsaps College Adelphi University Emory University Mississippi American University Fairleigh Dickinson University State University Arizona State University Fordham University Morehouse College University of University of Mary University of Texas, Auburn University Furman University New York University California, Berkeley Washington San Antonio Austin College Georgetown University Northeastern University University of California, University of Massachusetts University of Texas, Tyler Baylor University Georgia Institute of Northern Arizona University Davis Dartmouth University of Tulsa Belmont University Technology Northwestern State University of California, Irvine University of Massachusetts, University of the Incarnate Benedictine College Grinnell College University of Louisiana University of California, Amherst Word Birmingham-Southern College Hampton University Northwestern University Los Angeles University of Massachusetts, University of Utah Boston Blinn College Harvey Mudd College Nova Southeastern University of California, University of Vermont Riverside University of Massachusetts, Boston College Hendrix College University University of Washington University of California, Lowell Boston University High Point University Oberlin College & University of Wisconsin, Conservatory San Diego University of Miami Brandeis University Hofstra University Green Bay Occidental College University of California, University of Michigan Bucknell University Hollins University University of Wisconsin, Ohio Wesleyan University Santa Barbara University of Mississippi Madison Butler University Houston Baptist University Oklahoma University of California, University of Missouri Vanderbilt University California College of the Arts Illinois College State Santa Cruz Columbia Virginia Commonwealth California Institute of Indiana University at University University of Central Florida University of Missouri University Technology Bloomington Pace University, Suffolk University University of Colorado Kansas City Virginia Commonwealth California Institute of the Arts Iowa State University New York City School of the Art Institute Sul Ross State University at Boulder University of Nebraska at University - The Honors Calvin College Ithaca College Pennsylvania State University of Chicago Swarthmore College University of Colorado Lincoln College Carnegie Mellon University Jackson State University Pepperdine University School of the Museum Syracuse University Colorado Springs University of North Texas Virginia Tech Champlain College Johns Hopkins University Pomona College of Fine Arts Tarleton State University University of Connecticut University of Notre Dame Washington and Lee Clemson University Kansas State University Portland State University School of Visual Arts Temple University University of Dallas University of Oklahoma University Cleveland State University King’s College Prairie View A&M University Scripps College Texas A&M University University of Denver University of Oregon Washington State University Colby College Lamar University Princeton University Seattle Pacific University Texas A&M University, University of Florida University of Pennsylvania Washington University in Colgate University Langston University Purdue University Seattle University Corpus Christi University of Georgia University of Portland St. Louis Colorado School of Mines Lee College Rhodes College Seton Hall University Texas A&M University, University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Puget Sound West Texas A&M University Colorado State University Lewis and Clark University Galveston Rice University Sewanee: The University of University of Houston University of Rochester Western Washington Columbia University Lipscomb University Texas Christian University Ringling College of the South University of Houston, University of South Carolina University Louisiana State University Concordia University, Portland Art and Design Skidmore College Texas Lutheran University Downtown University of Southern Wheaton College IL Loyola University New Orleans Concordia University Texas Rollins College Southern Methodist University Texas State University University of Houston, California Whitman College Lynn University Cornell College Rose-Hulman Institute of Southern University and Texas Tech University Victoria University of Southern Winthrop University Cornell University Macalester College Technology A&M College Trinity University University of Illinois at Mississippi Xavier University of Louisiana Dallas Baptist University Massachusetts College of Saint Louis University Southwestern University Tulane University Urbana-Champaign University of St. Thomas Yale University Art and Design Dartmouth College Saint Louis University, Madrid St. Edward’s University University of Alabama University of Iowa University of Tennessee, Mercer University DePaul University Sam Houston State University St. John’s University - University of Arizona University of Kansas Knoxville United States Army Metropolitan State University Drexel University Samford University Queens Campus University of Arkansas University of Kentucky University of Texas, Arlington of Denver Duke University Santa Clara University St. Lawrence University University of Arkansas University of Louisville University of Texas, Austin Miami University, Oxford Eckerd College Savannah College of Stanford University at Pine Bluff University of Mary University of Texas, Dallas Michigan State University Emerson College Art and Design Stephen F. Austin State Hardin-Baylor University of Texas, El Paso Midwestern State University University
2 3 Accolades
Middle School Junior Classical Cross Country #1 in Houston Theatre Invited League Champs STE was named the 2019 to Scotland Boys placed 1st at GHAC** Our novice certamen team placed Best Christian High School Theatre group performed at the Championship for the fourth 1st at the Area A convention and in the Houston Area Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2019 year in a roww our advanced team placed 2nd
World-Renowned Quiz Bowl at Nationals TAPPS State Mock Trial Pipe Band Appearance Top at Regionals Our band placed 4th in the Middle School Quiz Bowl team went to the National Mock Trial team named Juvenile World Pipe Band The women’s swim team placed 3rd Championship for the fifth Most Professional in state Championships in Scotland at the 2019 TAPPS* state meet consecutive year. competition
Nationally State Drum Line Recognized Creativity Championship Yearbook Soccer Champions Recognized The STE drum corps are TAPPS STE Yearbook, The Belltower, won State Drum Line Champions for Our varsity men’s and women’s Thirty of our students won awards Silver Crown and Pacemaker awards, the second year in a row soccer teams won the 2019 TAPPS at the Houston Livestock Show two prestigious national honors State Championship and Rodeo Art Contest, with one winning a gold medal
The class of 2019 was accepted to On Tour universities all over the nation, including Our Choir and Orchestra had a successful Columbia, Boston University, Penn State, performance tour in New Orleans, with concerts at schools and Christ Church Rensselaer, Rice, Savannah College of Cathedral *Texas Association of Private Art and Design, UT, Texas A&M, and and Parochial Schools **Greater the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Houston Athletic Conference
4 5 STE at a Glance
Since 1955, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School has formed honorable men and women through a classical education grounded in a Christ-centered worldview.
K through 12 7 to 1 ratio Grades Offered Student to Faculty
600 TAPPS 4A August – May Coed Student Enrollment Athletic Conference School Year School Type
1st – 8th Grade 45 min. periods Single gender core Seven class periods academic classes per day, plus Chapel
#1 100% 43 Christian High School in College Acceptance AP Scholar Awards given Houston for 2019 - Niche Rate to STE students in 2019
26 604 600 SAT – EBRW (Evidence- Average ACT Score SAT – Math based Reading & Writing)
Office Hours: 7:15 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday when school is in session. See calendar on stes.org for holiday hours.
Accredited by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES)
Our Campus Master Plan Little more than three years ago STE developed a strategic plan as a guide for its Personalized Campus Tours future. As a result, STE church and school leadership created a campus master plan with both short- and long-term goals. The short-term goals for academic space Offered most weekdays when school is in session. include a new three-story Middle and Upper School building, a reconfigured Lower To schedule a visit, go to stes.org/admissions/visit School (currently the Upper School building), and state-of-the-art STEM and robotics or call 713.666.3111. classrooms. STE is working with Merriman Holt Powell Architects on a three-phase architectural process aimed at making these campus enhancements a reality.
6 7 Guidance and Assessment Athletics at STE
Standardized Testing College Counseling We offer a wide array of athletic opportunities for students. All athletics Athletics Contact information, like game days, tournaments and rosters, can be found on our • Each spring 1st – 8th grade students take the ERB CTP 5. We are uniquely positioned to offer 1-on-1 college counseling Chris Twine athletics website, steathletics.org. This exam measures student yearly progress with regard from a full-time counselor. Our program helps students and Director of Athletics, Director of Basketball to quantitative and qualitative skills and specific concepts their families navigate the complexities of college admissions [email protected] therein (including grade level specific mathematics,problem and select a college that matches the student’s academic solving, grammar, reading, and writing). background and interests. Lower School Athletics Middle School Athletics Upper School Athletics • All 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students take the PSAT College Night (Preliminary SAT) in October. The PSAT measures students’ In September, 9th, 10th, and 11th graders and their parents Soccer Grades K-5 Cross Country Grades 5-8 Cross Country Grades 9-12 skills in writing, critical reading, and mathematics. can attend College Night. These informational sessions (Fall & Spring) • Qualification for the National Merit Scholarship program is provide families with a grade-specific overview of the college based upon 11th grade PSAT scores. search process. Lacrosse Grades K-5 Volleyball Grades 5-8 Volleyball Grades 9-12 • All 10th graders take the Pre-ACT in the fall of their 10th (Boys Only) (Girls Only) (Women Only) grade year. The test measures reading comprehension, College Representative Visits English grammar and usage, mathematics, and science. Each fall, colleges and universities send admissions representatives to STE to visit students. It is an excellent Archery Grades K-5 Soccer Grades 5-8 Swimming Grades 9-12 • The SAT and ACT tests are required for college admissions opportunity to ask questions and explore college options. (Fall & Spring) purposes. Our students usually take these tests for the first time during the spring of their junior year. Family Meetings Yoga Grades K-5 Swimming Grades 5-8 Basketball Grades 9-12 • Advanced Placement (AP) tests are administered in early Starting in the freshman year and continuing through May, according to the rigorous AP format. The goal of these high school, families meet one-on-one with the college tests is to assist students in earning college level credits for counselor. Students receive individualized academic advising, Basketball Grades 1-5 Basketball Grades 5-8 Soccer Grades 9-12 accelerated work performed at STE. standardized test counseling, and college planning according to their academic background and interests. Fencing Grades 1-5 Track Grades 5-8 Track Grades 9-12
Visits are announced on our college bulletin boards and are Tennis Grades 6-8 Tennis Grades 9-12 posted on our student information system, Veracross.
Andrew Hughes Golf Grades 6-8 Golf Grades 9-12 Director of Guidance and College Counseling
[email protected] Fencing Grade 6
Lacrosse Grades 6 (Boys Only)
We want students to have a rich academic experience while also learning the values of perseverance and respect.” – Michael F. Cusack, Jr., Headmaster
8 9 Admissions (2020-2021) Admissions Process
Application submission and a campus tour are encouraged in the fall prior to the intended year of entry. If you do not We encourage applicants to complete the following steps in the order listed. receive an email confirming receipt of the application within a week after submission, please contact the Office of Admissions at 713.666.3111. For information specific to the Preschool Program offered by Saint Thomas’ Episcopal Church, visit stepreschool.org. Step 1 Visit stes.org and click on the Admissions tab to fill out an online Submit the admissions application application. The priority deadline for submitting applications is January 15.
Grade Application Individual Required Family Application Decisions Entering Deadline Tests* Documents Interview Materials Notification Step 2 If applying to Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th, go to catstexas.com to and Fee Deadline Register for a placement test register for testing by December 1.
Kindergarten January 15 WPPSI Testing One teacher Schedule February 1 Mid-March $100 recommendation a family If applying to 5th grade or higher, go to iseetest.org to register for testing Schedule online interview after by December 1. Applicants may test at any school administering the at catstexas.org completing the ISEE, but scores must be sent to STE using our school code: 443433. admissions file
Grade 1 January 15 WPPSI Testing One teacher Schedule February 1 Mid-March Step 3 The transcript release form should be submitted to your child’s current $100 recommendation a family Submit transcripts school in early December so that their first semester grades are included Schedule online interview after in the official records the school sends STE. at catstexas.org Transcripts and completing the semester grades admissions file Step 4 If applying to Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th, only one teacher
Grades 2, January 15 WISC Testing One teacher Schedule February 1 Mid-March Provide teacher recommendations recommendation is required. 3, 4 $100 recommendation a family Schedule online interview after If applying to 6th grade or higher, two teacher recommendations (one at catstexas.org Transcripts and completing the from a Math teacher and one from an English teacher) are required. The semester grades admissions file two teacher recommendation forms should be given to your child’s current Math and English teachers in early December. Grades 5 January 15 ISEE Testing One teacher Schedule February 1 Mid-March $100 recommendation a family Schedule online interview after Step 5 Shortly after submission of your child’s completed admissions file, you at iseetest.org Transcripts and completing the Attend family interview will be able to schedule a family interview on campus. The applicant semester grades admissions file and one or both parents should attend the interview. For Kindergarten applicants, an observation will be conducted at the family interview. Grades 6, 7, January 15 ISEE Testing Math and Schedule February 1 Mid-March 8, 9, 10, 11, $100 English teacher a family Schedule online The deadline to complete application files, including receipt of test 12 recommendations interview after at iseetest.org results, transcripts, teacher recommendations, and the family interview, completing the Transcripts and is February 1. admissions file semester grades
*Grades Kindergarten through 4th, WPPSI and WISC testing must be administered within six months prior to the Application Decision letters will be sent in mid-March to each candidate who has completed their file by the priority deadline. For files Materials Deadline. Grades 5th through 12th, applicants may take the ISEE at any participating school or test site. completed after the published deadlines, the Admissions Committee will render decisions as it is able, provided that available space remains in the desired grade of entry.
If applying for need-based financial aid, fill out a confidential application online at factsmgt.com by March 1. Should you have questions, contact the STE Business Office at 713.666.3111.
10 11 Lower School Curriculum
Kindergarten
Phonetically oriented reading instruction, mathematics, spelling, and manuscript, as well as instruction in Christian doctrine through a study of the Chapel service and Bible stories, form the core of the kindergarten curriculum. Students also receive instruction in art, dance, and physical education, and make regular visits to our school library.
Grades 1-3
Our 1st through 3rd grade curriculum has a twofold purpose: to provide a solid foundation in the skills of reading, spelling, writing, mathematics, and grammar, and to help each student toward the acquisition of a Christian worldview through systematic worship and a study of Christian doctrine. The program is so thoroughly integrated that each area of study reinforces the others.
Grades 1-3 Curriculum Spelling/Phonics History Library
Reading/Vocabulary Cursive Writing Music
Grammar Sacred Studies Choir (Grade 3)
Mathematics Art Physical Education
Science Dance Recess
Grades 4-5
In the 4th and 5th grades, we continue to build on the basic foundation that has been laid, while preparing students for the accelerated liberal arts curriculum in Middle and Upper Schools. In preparation for this, we teach students that with greater independence and opportunities comes greater responsibilities. For instance, in 4th and 5th grade, students learn to manage materials and instruction from three different academic core teachers and transition between classrooms.
Also starting in 4th grade, students with excellent academic achievement and conduct for each marking period are recognized in Chapel and included on the Dean’s List or Honor Roll.
By 5th grade, students develop their organizational skills by employing note-taking techniques and outlines for study and recall.
Grades 4-5 Curriculum Reading/Vocabulary Mathematics Geography Sacred Studies
Grammar Science Spelling Oral Presentation
Composition History Latin Music
Dance Art Recess Physical Education
Electives Private Music Choir Pipe Band Instruction
12 13 Middle School Curriculum
Saint Thomas’ Episcopal Middle School curriculum prepares including foreign languages, physical education, robotics, students for the challenges of high school and beyond. computer programming, and fine arts. Sixth grade students STE has been Beginning in sixth grade, Saint Thomas’ exposes students to start their academic experience in the Middle School attending more than a school the classical education model by introducing Latin, science, an academic skills course during one of their elective periods for our children. English, history, and mathematics as the core curriculum. to introduce them to the Middle School environment and to It has been an Students also gain the opportunity to select elective courses give them tools to manage the academic rigor of our Middle extended family, from a variety of choices that best fit their personal interests, School model. community, and partner in assisting 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade us in raising English 6th Grade* 7th Grade* 8th Grade* our children.” Algebra I or Accelerated Math Math 6 Pre-Algebra — Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Garrett, Algebra I Upper & Middle School Parents Science Earth Science Life Science Physical Science
Chinese I, French I, Foreign Language Latin 6, Spanish 6 Latin I, Spanish 7 Latin II, or Spanish I World History and History Ancient History U.S. History Geography American Heritage, MIDDLE SCHOOL OFFERINGS BY DEPARTMENT Class Trip Mo-Ranch Texas History Washington, D.C.
Introduction to Programming I * Our English program develops students who can write with understanding and grace, who can read and understand what they English Latin Introduction to Programming II have read, and who have begun to understand the lessons of life to be learned through acquaintance with the great characters of Grammar 6th Grade Latin Journalism literature. Our goal is understanding, which cannot be rushed or quickly produced. To that end, we have divided our program into Vocabulary Latin I English Grammar four parts: the studies of grammar, vocabulary, writing, and literature. Writing Latin II Study Class Literature Introduction to Logic (Sixth Grade) Class Trips Logic and Debate (Seventh Grade) Mathematics Mo-Ranch (Grade 6) Logic/Pre-Rhetoric (Eighth Grade) Math 6 Texas History (Grade 7) Spanish 6 (Sixth Grade) Pre-Algebra American Heritage, Washington, D.C. Spanish 7 (Seventh Grade) Algebra I or Accelerated Algebra I (Grade 8) Spanish I (Eighth Grade) Chinese I (Eighth Grade) Science Electives French I (Eighth Grade)
Earth Science Art Life Science Bagpipe Band - Drumming and Piping Clubs Physical Science Choir Boy Scouts Highland Dance Girl Scouts History Oral Presentation Junior Classical League Physical Education Quiz Bowl Ancient History Quiz Bowl Student Ambassadors World History & Geography String Ensemble Cotillion United States History BattleBots and More
14 15 Upper School Curriculum
Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School offers Upper School students courses during their Upper School career. Our selection of UPPER SCHOOL OFFERINGS BY DEPARTMENT a challenging liberal arts curriculum that embraces a detailed AP courses is one of the largest among private schools in the treatment of mathematics, languages, history, science, and Houston area. religion. We offer 21 Advanced Placement (AP) courses English Social Studies Performing And beginning in the sophomore year; students with the most Upon graduation, our students have a firm foundation on which English 9 European History Visual Arts rigorous course schedules could take between six and 10 AP to build future success in college and in life. English 10 U.S. History Band (Great Highland bagpipe, Language and Composition AP United States History Scottish snare, tenor or bass drum) Required Offerings by Grade AP English Language and U.S. Government/Economics Choir Composition AP U.S. Government & Politics/ Highland Dancing Literature and Composition AP Macroeconomics Speech and Debate 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade AP English Literature and Western Philosophy String Ensemble English English 9 English 10 Language and Literature and Composition Ten Pillars of Economics Studio Art Mythology The Great Gatsby Composition or Composition or Creative Writing AP Comparative Government & AP Studio Art The Odyssey The Scarlet Letter AP English Language AP Literature and Politics/AP Microeconomics Elective Art Julius Caesar The Tempest and Composition Composition Mathematics AP Human Geography Theatre Le Morte D’Arthur The Adventures of Norton Anthology of Divine Comedy AP European History Yearbook/Newspaper Beowulf Huck Finn English Literature Republic Geometry AP Psychology Sir Gawain and the The Crucible Confessions The Prince Geometry with Proofs Green Knight Of Mice and Men The Canterbury Tales Utopia Algebra II Non-Credit Selections from Fahrenheit 451 Macbeth Heart of Darkness Algebra II with Trigonometry Foreign Language Electives Divine Comedy Paradise Lost Hamlet Precalculus Latin III Frankenstein Study Hall Finite Math Latin III Readings Teacher’s Aide Math Geometry or Algebra II or Algebra II Precalculus, Finite Calculus AB, Logic Latin IV Geometry with Proofs with Trigonometry Math, Logic, Calculus Introduction to Calculus AB Latin IV Readings Clubs AB, or AP Calculus AB College Algebra, Finite Introduction to College Algebra Latin V Math, AP Calculus AP Calculus AB AP Latin Choir BC, AP Statistics, AP Statistics Greek Chemistry Show or Introduction to Hope Club Differential Equations/ Introduction to Differential French I, II, III, IV Junior Classical League Multi-variable Calculus Equations/Multi-variable Calculus AP French Spanish I, II, III, IV Literary Art Club Science Biology Chemistry Physics Environmental Science, Science AP Spanish Math and Science Club Geology, AP Biology, Chinese I, II, III, IV Mock Trial AP Chemistry, AP Biology Orchestra Physics C: Mechanics, Chemistry Sailing Club or AP Physics C: Computer Science Physics Science Bowl Electricity and Environmental Science Introduction to Computer Science Magnetism Spirit Club Geology and Java Student Ambassadors Foreign Chinese, French, Latin, Chinese, French, Latin, Chinese, French, Latin, AP Biology AP Computer Science A Student Foundation Language Spanish Spanish Spanish AP Chemistry Theatre Production AP Physics C: Mechanics Writing Lab Social European History U.S. History or U.S. Government/ Western Philosophy AP Physics C: Electricity and Studies AP United States Economics or AP U.S. Magnetism History Government & Politics/ AP Macroeconomics
16 17 Tuition and Fees (2019-2020)
Tu it ion*
(Does not include lunch, uniforms, activities, sports, or schedule-specific costs)
Lower School Middle School Upper School (Kindergarten – Grade 5) (Grades 6 - 8) (Grades 9 - 12) $15,800 $ 17,8 0 0 $19,900
Fee Schedule
Enrollment Fee Returning Student, Domestic: $300 Billed at time of re-enrollment Returning Student, International: $1,300 — New Student, Domestic: $800 New Student, International: $1,800
Student Facility Fee Kindergarten through Grade 12: $700 Billed in June
Textbook and Supplemental Book Billing includes standard and schedule-specific and Course Fees book, course, and elective fees. Billed in October
Sports, Music, Band, and Clubs Fees Students electing to participate in these Billed in October extracurricular activities will incur a fee.
Financial Aid Sibling Discount
Recognizing the costs associated with private education, we STE offers a five percent (5%) sibling discount. make every effort to help families with a demonstrated need. International Students Families interested in being considered for financial assistance may apply online at stes.org>admissions>tuition & financial Tuition differs for International students requiring an I-20 aid. Financial aid applications must be received by March 1 for issued by STE. For the first year of enrollment, $10,000 is consideration. assessed in addition to domestic tuition. Each year thereafter, $3,000 is assessed in addition to domestic tuition. From our first day at STE, the teachers have taught students the classical material, guided them in their Christian faith, and aided in the development of their individual well-being.” of K-12 families qualified for – Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Kurie, Upper School Parents 58% financial aid for 2019-2020
18 19 @StThomasEpiscopalSchool
@STESchool
@STE_Houston
4900 Jackwood St. Houston, TX 77096 713-666-3111 stes.org