St. Mark's Episcopal School

3816 Bellaire Boulevard

Houston, TX 77025

19 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 24, 2024

In spite of what they present, STMES is NOT a peer school to St. John's, AOS, and River Oaks Baptist. The administration is not willing to confront issues with the programming and continue to stick their heads in the sand. Instead, they bend to the whims of a few loud parents. The "community" of this school is nothing but a facade for enabling codependent children.The school's mission statement includes the idea of play, but the teachers and administration are not able to see intellectual play as a possibility. This is taken so literally that even in the upper grades, students are rarely given personal responsibility for developing independent thoughts. Rather, the school focuses on creating self-handicapping, immature students who cannot problem-solve or show grit when facing practical and academic challenges. These children are overly reliant on adults to closely monitor and navigate every aspect of their lives, so the children never feel the discomfort of learning a hard lesson. What a shame for these kids when they enter high school and college where their parents' power to save the day will significantly diminish. The academic program here is significantly below grade level even by HISD standards, over 20 years behind modern standards and educational research. On average, students are about 2 years below grade-level. This becomes increasingly apparent in the higher grades with 4th and 5th graders barely able to write simple paragraphs with supporting details and many students who have not mastered basic multiplication facts (generally expected to be fully memorized by the end of 3rd grade in other schools).While the teachers are nice, there are many who do not have teacher certifications and other formal training. This no doubt contributes to the school's issues with adequately preparing students academically.This environment is worst of all for students who are gifted or high achieving. Because nearly 50% of the student population is receiving special education accommodations, teachers are forced to give these students the most attention, leaving more advanced children to read or complete busy work without the benefit of teacher instruction to provide challenges and push their thinking. The large class sizes negatively impact the students with accommodations as well. Because there is no opportunity for reteaching during class nor after school tutorials, students who are absent or need additional support miss their enrichment classes daily.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2023

We love St. Mark’s. We have been a part of the community for three years and have two kids enrolled. The teachers genuinely care about the well being of our children and we have been amazed by the school leadership. Teachers have been open and honest with us about our kids strengths and areas of concern. We considered public school this past year for one of our kids but ultimately came to the conclusion that St. Mark’s offers a superior academic experience and community to our highly rated public school option. We honestly feel lucky to have our kids at St. Mark’s. It may not have the street cache of some other private schools, but we feel confident we will have academically prepared (and socially well adjusted) kids graduate.
Submitted by other on February 14, 2023

Community is central to St. Mark’s, and children are central to the St. Mark’s community. Children do not get lost here. The teaching is superb, but that’s an extra attraction. If you want the best possible foundation for your child’s development, St. Mark’s will provide you that foundation.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2023

Outstanding school and community. We are beyond happy with our choice to attend St. Mark's.
Submitted by other on February 14, 2023

School is just so plainly bad, they treat kids unfairly and have obvious favorites. You’re lucky if you get a good teacher as there’s usually only one per grade level. The food is horrible and most classes are a joke. Not worth the money at all. Please don’t send your kid here.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2023

This place is not diverse at all, my son went here for 3 yrs and got treated unfairly, we were told he had no space here because he may have a learning disability and needs one on one help throughout. Well that was a huge lie, I don’t know what it was, the color of his skin? The fact we didn’t donate like others? I don’t know, but today a few months later at another school, bish international, he’s reading fluently without one on one help and has been tested for any learning disability and there are NONE what so ever. The new teachers were shocked to hear the experience we had here and what was said about my child, it’s sad to think that education is basically paid upfront for, you basically buy your child a ticket to pass here. Also st marks, 60% white is definitely not diverse! Also, We were told there is no place for my son after applications for schools were cut off. This was cold and heartless of the year head , very fake, please avoid
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2022

Terrible terrible fires the best teachers ... abuses mental health and student lunches are disgusting! Stay far away!!!!!
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2021

DO NOT APPLY. The school was initially very accommodating and pleasant. We explained that our child doesn't nap, and they assured us that it wasn't a problem at all for their extended program. But then we spent $100 and too much time applying to the program (gathering teacher recommendations FOR A TWO YEAR OLD and filling out essay questions). Maybe we weren't the right religion (they ask on the forms), but suddenly it was a problem that our kid doesn't take naps. It was cited against us in the admission decision and was described as likely disqualifying for care from 12:30-2:30 (which was essential to our decision to apply).We got a super bad vibe from the teacher. And do look closely at a copy of their school manual if you are considering this place. Their policies are absurd, and they can send your kid home whenever they want for behaving . . . like a kid. No wonder they take a full year's tuition at once. People must certainly get buyer's remorse instantly and want out. But as the handbook warns, the school has a team of lawyers ready to come after you (and they expect you to cover their legal fees when they do). Because as we all know, honest and reasonable people need a lawyer on the ready.Very disappointing that they were playing with our time and effort when the whole premise of our inquiry related to the safety of our child. We just wanted a place with a mask requirement. Peculiar brand of christianity practiced here.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2019

Our two children both attend St. Marks School and love it!! Although Houston is a large city, the close knit community at St. Marks feels like a hidden gem for our kids. The teachers, administration and other parents are all warm and inclusive. We feel a genuine sense of happiness at the school. Further the Headmaster, Mr. Wagers, sets the tone for the welcoming culture as he shakes every student's hand on their way to class in the morning. Academics and sports at St. Marks are for all levels. The benefit of such a small school is individualized love an attention for each student. We are very happy with our experiences at St. Marks and would recommend this school to anyone interested in becoming part of the St. Marks family.
Submitted by other on April 23, 2019

Teachers are inadequately trained and used way too much punishment to the kids. A few teachers give the kids a lot of sit-out during recess (let the kids just sit there and watch other kids play during recess) as ways to punish them without explaining to the kids why he was punished. As a result, the kids that are punished feel angry and unfair and can not learn any lesson from it. In addition, boys and girls are treated unequally. Boys get a lot more harsh punishment while girls rarely get it due to the fact that a few teachers failed to recognize the difference between boys and girls and anticipate boys to be as quietly and submissive as the girls. Boys. even the well-behaved can really have a hard time here. Overall, very disappointing experience.
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2018

I am not sure if i would recommend this school. Classes are too small. Not crazy about the teachers. Some are rather odd.
Submitted by student on June 12, 2017

I believe the class sizes are too small for early child hood that's great but for middle school not so much. Once I move on to high school I'm conserned that the campus will feel overwhelming. The diversity is awful I'd have to say 9/10 kids is white. Up until last year I was the only African-American in my grade. The workload is far to much and I often find myself stressed.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2016

In the past when I heard the word "community", I thought it was such a marketing ploy; however, at St. Mark's - it truly is a little community that is involved in your child's life. We were previously at ROBs and had such a terrible experience - that we were weary of the private school system all together. After one year with just one child in this school, we couldn't believe how much we could love a school! The best part about this school is that it is such a small school. Having had two children at two other schools, you feel like your child gets lost in the size. At St. Mark's, it is easier to know people better and for the teachers to know your child. Additionally, St. Mark's is culturally diverse - enabling kids to learn about different countries and backgrounds. Additionally, you can tell that the teachers and staff actually love your child - that they truly love your child and want the best for them.Although, the curriculum is good, it could be a bit stronger - challenging the children to a curriculum that is a grade ahead would be great. I do feel that sometimes my daughter can be bored for her age group - that being said she is a bit more developed than other kids (and has an Oct birthday). Overall, I would recommend this school to anyone who wants a great environment for their child to grow up - a place where they are nurtured, loved and encouraged to be their best. This school has been a blessing in our lives.
Submitted by teacher on October 28, 2015

I started as a substitute at St. Mark's during the 2013-14 school year and was blown away by how welcoming and kind this community is. I teach Spanish here now and I feel so fortunate to come to work and spend my days with a knowledgeable and caring faculty as well as creative and happy kids. St. Mark's is a wonderful place to be.
Submitted by teacher on October 27, 2015

I came to St. Mark's as a new teacher this year, and I am so glad I did! I immediately sensed that everyone in the school community-- the administrators, teachers, parents, and students-- truly enjoys coming to school and spending time together. Even the youngest kids jump out of their cars in the morning and rush towards the school entrance, where older students and administrators greet them by name. Academics are important at St. Marks, but the school also values play and creativity. The teachers work hard to plan relevant, hands-on activities to engage their students. Students are encouraged and guided to practice social skills, respect, and responsibility. I am consistently impressed by the manners and kindness of St. Mark's students.
Submitted by principal on October 27, 2015

The community of St. Mark’s Episcopal School celebrates the uniqueness of each child. We are stewards of our students’ intellectual curiosity, faith, and passion for discovery. We cultivate joy, playfulness, and growth in a child-centered environment.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2014

We spent one year in WUES before moving our child to St. Mark's and I cannot say enough good things about it. All my comments will be gushing and emotional after our very unhappy experience at West U. The vision statement of the school really says it all. It is a nurturing environment that celebrates the uniqueness of the child. There is focus on exploration and learning through investigating. The teachers are wonderful, the materials and facilities are top notch. The work is age appropriate yet advanced. Our daughter gladly goes off to school each day and now has stories of the things she did each day that she enjoyed. The art and photography that is throughout the school is beautiful and speaks volumes to these two teachers. Visit the school and you will be very pleased.
Submitted by parent on November 28, 2012

This is an outstanding school for many reasons. The principal runs things in a very progressive manner meaning that it is evolving academically and within the community all the time. The parent's guild is very active with lots of wonderful opportunities to get involved if you can. The school is small but not too small. They have arts, music, sports, computers, library, I could go on. Having been accepted to other schools such as St Johns I feel that we made the correct choice.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2011

The early childhood program (Preschool 2's through Kindergarten) is exemplary, with an engaging curriculum and nurturing, supportive teachers. The school's small size is a plus, because students are truly known by faculty and staff, from the headmaster down. The new headmaster, who just finished his first year at the school, is terrific,. He is a great asset to the school.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2011

We have been very happy with St. Mark's. Our son needed a small environment. I feel he is a more protective environment than what the public schools can give. We are excited about the new Head Master and look forward to what he plans on doing with the school.