We are happy to offer a number of virtual and on-campus events; our Visit St. Mark's page includes details on all opportunities to learn about our school.
To reduce the cost associated with applying to our school, St. Mark’s will no longer charge application fees. St. Mark’s will also provide testing fee waivers for those who need financial assistance. Please contact Alicia Alvarez for more information.
Available space in each grade is determined by the sum of planned growth and attrition. Planned growth numbers represent the minimum number of boys who will be admitted in a grade level and attrition may push the planned growth numbers higher. The planned growth numbers for each grade are as follows:
There are approximately 15 students in each class period in the Middle and Upper Schools. Class sizes in the Lower School are as follows: 1st (16), 2nd (17), 3rd (18), 4th (16).
Historically, the admission ratio in each grade level is approximately 20% of the applicant pool. On average, one out of every five candidates are admitted.
As a day school, St. Mark’s does not have a boarding program, nor do we assist with homestay programs. All students attending St. Mark’s live with their parents or legal guardians in the Dallas metropolitan area. St. Mark's does not provide I-20 Visa documents for incoming students.
Other than Foreign Language, all courses at St. Mark’s are conducted in English, and English fluency is a necessary precondition of attendance. St. Mark's does not offer an ESL program.
The required admission test for all applicants is the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE). No other school entrance examinations may be substituted for the ISEE.
For any additional questions, please contact Kerry Schneidewind, Assistant Director of Admission, at schneidewindk@smtexas.org.
Your child must be between 6 years old and 7 years 6 months by September 1st of the entering school year and be currently enrolled in a Kindergarten or Primer program to qualify as a First Grade applicant. St. Mark’s does not have a Kindergarten or Primer program.
The Independent School Entrance Exam is an admission test that has four levels: Primary (for applicants to grades 2, 3 and 4), Lower (for applicants to grades 5 and 6), Middle (for applicants to grades 7 and 8) and Upper (for applicants to grades 9 through 12). The ISEE has different forms at each level for security purposes.
At the Lower, Middle and Upper levels, the ISEE consists of three parts: (a) carefully constructed and standardized verbal and quantitative reasoning tests; (b) reading comprehension and mathematics achievement tests that provide specific information about the student’s strengths and weaknesses in those areas; and (c) an essay section. The ISEE evaluates not only the student’s level of reading, but also his ability to comprehend material drawn from the sciences and humanities. The ISEE essay is timed and written in response to a prompt.
For more ISEE information please call 1-800-446-0320 or visit www.iseetest.org.
St. Mark’s discourages the practice of prepping applicants for the admission test or any other component of the Admission process. Special coaching creates anxiety and may contribute to a decision that is not in the candidate’s best interest. The School requires that parents not subject Lower School applicants to any type of diagnostic testing or evaluation within a six-month period preceding the St. Mark’s test. The best way to prep your son for his test is to ensure that he sleeps well the night before.
Sons of employees, alumni, trustees and siblings of current and former students will receive preferred consideration when all other factors are considered equal. First and foremost, admission decisions are based upon the qualifications of the individual candidate.
St. Mark’s admits qualified boys regardless of their financial circumstances. The School actively seeks students who represent varied socio-economic backgrounds. An extensive need-based financial aid program, which includes a significant middle-income fund, annually awards over $2.5 million in aid to approximately 13% of the student body. Please visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page for additional details.
Yes: boys wear grey pants or shorts with white oxford shirts. Seniors wear blue oxford shirts. Belts and shoes must be brown or black. Uniforms are available at Culwell & Sons and the Lion's Closet on campus.
While St. Mark’s was born out of the tradition of the Episcopal Church, a non-sectarian chapel program provides spiritual and moral direction while exhibiting respect for the multitude of religious traditions represented in our community. The Chaplain incorporates the teachings and traditions of many religious faiths, and frequently invites other religious leaders to participate in chapel services. Chapel services raise questions, share information and perspectives about different religions, and offer guidance on living a moral, responsible, and spiritual life.
St. Mark’s School of Texas does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.
School sponsored sports teams begin in grade 7. In grades 5 and 6, most boys play on teams organized by parent volunteers that compete in various leagues such as a Chamber, YMCA, and SVAA.
As part of the new student orientation process each spring, St. Mark’s conducts placement tests for new students in grades 5 and 6 (Foreign Language) and grades 7 through 11 (Math and Foreign Language). Auditions are also held for fine arts electives. The school departments make course assignments for each student based upon previous school transcripts and placement test information. The goal is always to put each student in a class where he will have the greatest opportunity for success while being appropriately challenged.
St. Mark’s School of Texas is a private, nonsectarian college-preparatory boys’ day school for students in grades 1 through 12, located in Dallas, Texas. St. Mark’s aims to prepare young men to assume leadership and responsibility in a competitive and changing world.
St. Mark’s does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.