Not all high schools are equally suited to prepare students for college. Through disparities in resources, talent, or other means, some high schools stand above their peers, turning out better prepared and better-educated graduates. This is not meant to disparage the other high schools, merely to acknowledge that the world is not an equal place.
Parents naturally want their children to succeed, and to have every chance available to do so. This often causes a great deal of stress when choosing which high school their student should attend, or what neighborhood they should move to in a city. Is the local public school good enough, or would a private school be better? Should they take a risk and try a magnet school? What are the chances of getting accepted anyway?
In this guide, we’ll cover the best high schools in River Oaks, Texas, and what each can provide for your student.
Lamar High School
By WhisperToMe – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2052020
Lamar high school is a public school serving the River Oaks and Montrose neighborhoods, though many of its students originate from outside its district. The school is a certified International Baccalaureate program, which draws in many talented students. 5 AP courses are available, as most high level courses are offered in the IB format instead. The average ACT score at the school is a 24.8, while the average SAT is 1051.
Students zoned to Lamar always have the option to attend. Students not zoned to Lamar may choose to apply to be transfer students. The transfer process occurs in three phases. All qualified students who apply during phase 1 to transfer in will be placed in a lottery, students who apply during phase 2 will be considered for admissions in the order they apply if and when spaces become available. Students not currently enrolled in HISD may apply during phase 3 if spaces remain available. Applications may be submitted online.
St. John’s School
By Chuy Benitez, St. John’s Review, https://www.sjsreview.com/7944/multimedia/students-gather-on-great-lawn-to-view-solar-eclipse/#
Founded as an Episcopalian school in 1946, St. John’s is now non-religious. Widely recognized as the best school in Houston, St. John’s has a strong academic focus. The school offers 19 AP courses and offers particularly advanced math options, including linear algebra and multivariable calculus. The average ACT score at St. John’s is 33, and the average SAT is 1455.
Admissions are very competitive, with around 20% of applicants gaining acceptance. Students with a connection to the school, i.e. children of alumni or faculty, are given significant admissions preference. Students must submit a questionnaire and essay, recommendations from math and English teachers, and extracurricular recommendations. ISEE results and official transcripts are also needed. Application materials may be submitted online. An admissions interview is also required. Students are expected to be well prepared academically before admittance into the school. Applications are due in early January.
The Kinkaid School
Source: The Kinkaid School
A non-sectarian co-ed school founded in 1906, Kinkaid offers PK-12 education. A unique feature of the upper school is the interim term, which is three weeks in January where teachers offer niche courses, and the school sponsors trip abroad. 15 AP courses are offered, the average ACT score is 31, and the average SAT is 1333.
Students applying to the high school require an ISEE score and must complete an interview. They must also submit application materials, including recommendations from math and English teachers. An arts supplement may be included as part of an application, but it isn’t required. The application deadline is in December.
Final Thoughts
High school is an important time in a student’s life and does more to prepare them for college than anything else. This can cause a great deal of stress for parents, as college admissions grow ever more competitive, and it feels like you need to start worrying about the future earlier every year. We hope that this guide will help calm your fears and show you some of the great school options available to students in the River Oaks Neighborhood.
Of course, academics are only part of the equation, as colleges look at and care about more than just a student’s grades and test scores. Our Candidacy Building program exists to help students reach their full potential and explore their passions to the fullest extent. If you want to learn about how we can help you, schedule a free consultation today.
