Frequently Asked Questions

List of 23 frequently asked questions.

• How do I get an application?

  Applications can be completed online at www.smtexas.org/apply.

• How do I learn more about St. Mark’s?

  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. 

• Who do I contact for information about applying to St. Mark’s?

  Please contact Kerry Schneidewind for all application questions at 214-346-8270 or SchneidewindK@smtexas.org.

• How much is the application fee?

  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. 

• How many new students are admitted in each grade?

  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:

  1st (32), 2nd (2), 3rd (2), 4th (14), 5th (25), 6th (6-8), 7th (6-8), 8th (4-6), 9th (15-20), 10th and 11th (attrition replacement only).

• What are the average class sizes at St. Mark’s?

  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).

• What percentage of applicants gain admission?

  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.

• Does St. Mark’s admit international students?

  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.

• What does the Lower School testing process involve?

  Details regarding testing can be found at the How to Apply link.

• What are the age ranges for first grade applicants?

  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.

• What is the application process for grades 5-11?

  Details regarding testing and interviews for 5-11 grade applicants can be found at the How to Apply link.

• What is the ISEE?

  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.

• How should I prepare my son for the admission test?

  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.

• Are alumni and sibling candidates given preference in the admission process?

  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.

• Is Financial Aid available?

  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.

• Do St. Mark’s students wear uniforms?

  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.

• What is the religious affiliation of the school?

  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.

• What is St. Mark’s policy on non-discrimination?

  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.

• What are the school hours for Lower School?

  The doors for Lower School open at 7:35 AM and classes begin for all at 7:55 AM. Classes end at 2:50 PM for all Lower School Students.

• At what grades are there competitive sports?

  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.

• How are newly admitted students placed in the appropriate classes for the fall?

  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.

• Does St. Mark’s offer transportation to and from school?

  The School does not offer transportation to and from school. Carpools naturally develop amongst families across the metroplex.

• What percentage of Seniors go on to colleges?

  100 percent of St. Mark’s students attend a four-year college or university.