Frequently Asked Questions

List of 16 frequently asked questions.

• How do I receive information about applying to St. Mark’s and what is the first step in the application process?

  Whether you are applying for the upcoming school year or want to learn more about the application process for the future, we encourage you to complete the Inquire Form to receive updates and reminders from the St. Mark’s admission office. You are welcome to attend an admission event or take a campus tour before beginning the application process.
  
  The first step in applying is to complete the Application Form, which will give you access to the parent admission portal and application checklist. 

• Is there an application fee?

  No. To reduce the cost associated with applying to our school, St. Mark’s no longer charges an application fee. St. Mark’s will provide testing fee waivers for those who need financial assistance. Please contact Alicia Alvarez for more information. 

• How many new students are admitted each year and in each grade?

  In recent years, 15% of applicants have been admitted. On average, the following number of students are admitted annually to each grade: 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 (based on attrition)

• Does St. Mark’s accept applications from 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 must live with their parents or legal guardians in the Dallas metropolitan area. St. Mark's does not issue F-1 visas. Students who are Lawful Permanent Residents or US citizens who are living abroad may apply.

• What is involved in the Lower School student observation?

  Students applying to grades one through four spend a morning in the Lower School with other applicants and Lower School teachers getting to know each other, learning about St. Mark’s, and participating in a range of classroom activities.

• Is there an age cut-off for first-grade applicants?

  Yes. First-grade applicants must be in kindergarten or primer in the Fall of 2023 and have a date of birth between March 2017 and August 2018. 

• What is the ISEE test and how should my son prepare for it?

  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. The tests can be taken in person at a test site or online.  Sample tests are available for every grade level and are accessible on the ISEE by ERB website.
  
  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.

• Is financial aid available?

  Yes. St. Mark’s annually awards over $2.5 million to enrolled families. To learn more about the financial aid application process and the financial aid program at St. Mark’s, please visit the Tuition & Financial Aid webpage. 

• What is the average class size?

  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).

• Do St. Mark’s students wear uniforms?

  Yes. Boys are required to wear grey shorts or pants with short-sleeve 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.

• Does the School have a religious affiliation?

  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.

• In what grade do competitive sports begin?

  School-sponsored sports teams begin in Grade 7. In Grades 1 through 6, boys can play on sports teams through the YMCA, SVAA, and similar leagues organized by parent volunteers.  

• What are the school day hours?

  The Lower School opens at 7:35 a.m. with classes beginning at 7:55 a.m. and ending at 2:50 p.m. An after-school program is offered until 6:00 p.m. 
  
  Middle and Upper School students have class from 8:30 a.m. until 3:25 p.m.

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

  The School does not offer transportation. Families drive to and from St. Mark’s from around the DFW metroplex and often create carpools.

• How is course placement determined for new students?

  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 Department Chairs make course recommendations for each student based upon previous school transcripts and their placement test. The goal is always to put each student in a class where he will have the greatest opportunity for success while being appropriately challenged.