St Stephens Episcopal School

6500 Saint Stephens Drive

Austin, TX 78746

11 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on December 11, 2023

Cannot say enough positive things about St Stephens. We have 3 kids thriving here, one in middle school and 2 in high school. All began here in 6th grade. The academics are very rigorous but school provides amazing support from every aspect to allow kids to flourish. Tons of extracurriculars to choose from. Campus is gorgeous. Boarding program adds an international flare and exposes all students to diverse environment. We are blessed to be a part of this unique community. Thank you St Stephens!!!!
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2021

Before you even consider this as a boarding school option ask A LOT of questions about how boarders were treated during COVID. Boarders were charged full boarding tuition when the school was in a fully remote option and were told it was their choice not to be stuck in a room going to school on a computer. They were left for weeks alone with no social interaction and food being delivered to their doors. Boarders were given harsh punishments for even attempting to socialize with peers all way day students (who live on campus) were going to the beach with their boyfriends and posting it on social media. The school needs leadership that knows how to run a boarding program and doesn't just use it as a check to allow day students to have positive experiences.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2018

Have to take the good with the bad here.Good: strong peer group, academic focus, beautiful campus, some great teachers, participatory sports.Bad: Pressure cooker. Grade deflation. Inconsistent academics. Ironically, St. Stephen’s builds its reputation on outstanding academics, but the academic program is in need of overhaul. Too many decades-long tenured teachers and methods. They need to turn over the faculty to create more diversity, energy, and an updated classroom environment. St. Stephen’s curves its grades down to a B average. Few As are given. This is motivating, but it breeds intense focus on grades that really wears on students. You can see it on their faces on campus. It’s a liberal arts school, with lots of writing. Students still take exams with pencil and paper. Not much technology.Overall, a school with a great tradition that needs to lighten up just a little, and bring in some fresh blood to help do it.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2016

Simply amazing school with absolutely no or few equals in Texas. It's all about the teachers here. You will not get a better education in Austin.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2015

This school has slipped through the years. They are behind in robotics and computer literacy (a real negative in this day and age). They also do not cater to the well rounded student. Instead they are looking for one dimensional kids that test high and enjoy studying for hours (don't believe them when they tell you otherwise in the interview!). It definitely was not a fit for my son, who is very social and highly engaged. Save your money and look for better public options in Austin, such as Westlake or LASA (the Liberal Arts and Science Academy). We moved over to Westlake and the opportunities there were boundless in comparison.
Submitted by student on March 03, 2015

This school has changed my life. I have gone to both middle and upper school here. I began as a "G" or average student but have gone to an "H" (high honors student) in my time here because teachers challenged me to reach my full potential. People here are extremely friendly and teachers deliver a personalized education; it is obvious how much they care about their students. Although there are days when I feel exponential amounts of stress because of the demanding curriculum, I know that I am receiving a college level education. Overall, a great school for kids that are willing to work hard! There is no tolerance for lazy students here.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2013

Both of our kids graduated from St. Stephen's and both loved their experiences there. Most of the teachers are absolutely fabulous, caring, creative, and highly intelligent. Most of the students are intellectually exceptional and very friendly, and the writing program is unsurpassed in Austin. The campus is beautiful. The small boarding program brings in kids from all over the world, which enhances the school in many ways. This is a warm and loving place. The volleyball, tennis, and soccer programs are also quite strong. Both of our kids are at Ivy League colleges and they say that St. Stephen's prepared them very, very well to get great grades in those settings.
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2013

I have mixed feelings about this school. I think they are good at some things, such as writing, and weak at others, such as compter-related skills. Overall I am not sure it is worth the price tag. My daughters had a bit of trouble with rich, entitled classmates. We are not wealthy--grandparents paid the tuition--and my daughters felt out of place sometimes.
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2012

Excellent academics, sometimes indistinguishable from college-level courses. I attended all the classes on visiting days for parents, and was extremely impressed with the teachers. St Stephens had the reputation of teaching students how to write Ivy League-level essays, and this was true. My son loved St Stephens, and had such good training that his courses at a very competitive college didn't require any adjustment. There was no struggle at all. He wouldn't have switched to any other school in Austin.
Submitted by other on September 08, 2011

Great academics. Students will learn how to write like Ivy League College students by the time they're Juniors. Students get much support and help from teachers whether or not they want the help. A great place to play almost any sport you want competitively, with very strong Soccer, Tennis, and Volleyball programs; however, most other sports programs are fairly average.
Submitted by student on December 18, 2006

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