This review is a little long because I have a lot to say about this school. TL;DR -- lots of…read moreschools have great academics but not so great social environments. Saint Nicholas has top-ranking academics, sure, but, what my children learned about themselves and their peers, and how deeply their teachers cared about and fostered that, is what really made this school the very place for my 5 preschool through elementary children. To put this review in perspective: when I was a child, my family moved to Houston and surveyed top local private elementary schools to enroll me in. I attended one, then another top local private school. Both were academically quite excellent, completely in keeping with their reputations. Unfortunately they were also very cliquish, and because I was the new kid, it took quite a lot of time and effort to fit in, despite having experienced a very loving, inclusive, and thoroughly enjoyable social life at my previous schools. Looking back now, I can understand that the social environment was simply unhealthy at both these Houston private schools. In fact, though I loved learning, my ability to learn and thrive academically was severely compromised by the social situations at these schools. So here's my review of Saint Nicholas: when it came time for my own children to find a private preschool, kindergarten and elementary school to attend, I wasn't going to assume the social environment at a private school would be healthy, inclusive, loving, or provide a positive social foundation. And, though of course I wanted my children to have the very best educational foundation possible, to provide them with the greatest optionality for later educational and career choices, I also knew that the social and emotional environment at a school is equally important -- possibly even more important, because of the foundational nature of what a young child comes to learn about their own innate value as a human being by how others relate to them. I, and more importantly my children, found Saint Nicholas to be the same kind of positive, inclusive, encouraging environment that I had experienced myself at the private schools where I had thrived as a child. Classmates were friends. Positive and respectful interactions with classmates were expected, encouraged, and fostered. It's all about the teachers! The teachers at Saint Nicholas are actually aware of how the students interact, they actually care about this just as much as excellent teaching and excellent curriculum, and, they are very gifted at not only helping the students learn greater social skills, but inspiring them to want to. And these teachers have been at Saint Nicholas school for a long time. Saint Nicholas will probably show you their top-ranking academic test scores and student accomplishments, or maybe you'll hear anecdotal stories from other parents about how their child went from being behind academically, to being ahead academically in just one year. But that's not what mattered to me, and I don't think it happens just because of academic excellence. I certainly don't think high national test scores tell the whole or even the most important part of the story. I think what matters most about a school is what the child learns about themselves, and the value of every human being. At Saint Nicholas, my children learned that they were smart, capable, and valuable. They learned that they could thrive in both inter-dependent and independent endeavors. They learned that they were worthy of both respect for who they were, and being called into the greater self they were growing into. Again - it's all about the teachers. The school administration is capable enough, but I don't believe a school can administrate this. Saint Nicholas has somehow gathered and kept some truly phenomenal and caring teachers.

I just wanted to share that my daughter, thanks to the excellent instruction and personalized…read moreattention that she received at SNS, had absolutely no problem acing HISD's G&T testing this year in Kindergarten. She consistently gets top grades in her class, and we thank SNS for preparing her so well, academically and socially, in their pre-K programs. SNS transformed my shy little girl - who had spent the first years of her life at home during the pandemic - into a confident, smart little social butterfly. My son, attending SNS for summer camps, has also benefitted from SNS academically and socially. Being with slightly older classmates over the summers pushed him ahead of the curve, and he was popular among the younger kid crowd, as the older brother to my daughter. P.S. I believe first responders and BCM employees receive a discount on registration, and the school offers a sibling discount on tuition, as well. Cannot recommend this school enough!

Our son went here for a year and i wish we would have taken him out sooner. There are good teachers…read more(some) but the lack of care from administration is very clear. They do not respond timely to safety concerns. You actually can only get ahold of them when you stop by their office. Then they say they will follow up but do not.

We went for their summer program only and it was the worst experience ever. Excessive exposure to…read morescreen time and limited hands on summer activities as described in their shiny program. They also have the worst admin services with the owner only interested in money, they held on to 3 months of tuition and refused to refund anything after telling me they can't keep my kid on their program. When you try to engage with the owner, she goes mute after payment. They do have some nice staff but their leadership, starting from the owner, is woeful, prioritizing money over everything else and summer program is very lame to say the least. I would avoid as much as possible if you want good value for your money. The school is absolutely becoming a shadow of its old self

My daughter is now in her 4th year at St. Thomas - and over those years I have come to know several…read moreof the faculty and parents, including the headmaster, Michael Cusack. They truly have my respect, not only as teachers.. but as thinkers, innovators, and leaders in education. The curriculum is challenging and encourages an understanding of the liberal arts and sciences, balanced by the values of forgiveness, love, and understanding deeply rooted in Christian belief systems. Their Scottish Arts program is unbelievable to see and I am constantly amazed at the artistic abilities of the students who have been encouraged over the years by the school. My daughter, who deals with sensory issues that affect her learning, has always been treated with the utmost respect and has been encouraged to embrace new ideas while being challenged by proven methods of teaching that instill an understanding of the world around her while teaching her to effectively communicate those ideas. I am not an alumni and I was only aware of the school through long time friends. But, having faced the challenges of the current public school system with our oldest child, my wife and I came to believe that a private school was our only acceptable option for our youngest child (and any future children). We explored several private schools in Houston and decided on St. Thomas' based on a tour of the school and talking with faculty and others who knew of or had experienced the school. Also, I believe that the tuition is quite reasonable compared with other private schools in Houston that we considered. We intend to keep our 8 year old at St. Thomas' through 12th grade and we plan to send our 3 year old there as well when she reaches school age. I would also encourage any parents considering a private school education to meet with Mr. Cusack and the faculty and see it for yourself. I believe that you will like what you see.

My daughter attends school here. She is currently in 9th grade and as been attending since 4th…read moregrade. This school offers a great classical education to its students. The teachers are awesome and the administration is very helpful. They also have a Scottish Arts program which is excellent. The band is full of bagpipers and drums. There is also a Scottish dance program which has produced many U.S. champions. If you are around the Meyerland plaza area around 4pm you will hear the bagpipers practicing.

The Fay School offers a truly exceptional elementary education experience and is one of Houston's…read moretop-tier private schools. It is a nondenominational institution, and the faculty is incredible, so welcoming, and deeply invested our children's growth, both academically and personally. Its outdoor education program is amazing. Students are given opportunities to explore, take risks, and develop confidence beyond the classroom. Fay is intentional about shaping well-rounded individuals, not just strong students. They teach emotional intelligence which is invaluable. Beyond academics, the sense of community is truly special. From the moment you join, you feel like part of a family. You are supported, valued, and connected. The school also has a unique way of "doing everything big," whether it's events, programs, or celebrations, creating a vibrant and enriching experience for both students and parents. Our time at Fay was incredibly positive. They have frequent alumni reunions as well, and I am still friends with some of the teachers.

We've been going here about half a year and my child absolutely loves it. We are thankful for the…read morefaculty and staff and he has really grown and thrived both academically and as an individual. When the environment is right then your child can thrive and be more open to learning.

My student applied to and was accepted by St. John's School as a Freshman. The experience this…read morefirst month has been wonderful; my child is focused, happy and expressive. The teachers and administrators have been very supportive. For a child/student who is not meeting their potential through the public school system, SJS is an excellent educational option.

I had same experience john. Attended open house where they portrayed you had a good opportunity to…read moreapply in both 6th and 9th grades. I think they said there were 50-60 openings in each of those grades. I did query the one brunette lady from admissions to make sure before applying. Her response was like "we know that school well and their curriculum is rigorous." Also, "we do not expect applicants to have straight A's otherwise they will be bored. B's are fine." When I also briefly explained my child's credentials, she was euthusastic and said you are just what we are seeking. Like you, we were not accepted. Not even waitlisted. I spoke with a half dozen parents that I also know that applied. Same thing. All of serious students. Involved in the community. I don't know about all the seats going to legacies but I only know 2 people in the past that got accepted and both were legacies. What a shame if they are really advertising 60 open seats when they all just go to legacy accept a few. I know they deceived me. I would never apply to St. John's again. Waste of my time. Waste of my child's teachers time making the recommendations. Waste of hundreds of dollars on useless fees for St. John's. Very disgusting what they do to honest hardworking people in thier community. ------------------------------------------------- received a nice note from a st j. Mom or staff today. How uplifting from the women with 14 negative reviews within few years and st. J mom. ------------------------------------------------ Paulina L. Paulina L. Houston, TX 0 friends 32 reviews 6 photos Just a Note 4/12/2017 For your review of: St John's School ..you wanted to apply your child there. Sore loser? Approve

There is no school in Houston like The Post Oak School. It is a rare and special gem, and we are…read moreso grateful to have found this amazing place of learning, community, and kindness. We have been part of the school for 10 years and have experienced multiple classrooms and grade levels across 3 children who each started in the Young Children's Community (as toddlers). Our eldest is on the verge of entering the Middle School, and it is clear that her experiences at the school thus far, along with the experiences of our other children, have established a deep love of learning, curiosity, self motivation, and innovation. It is such a special place. If you are looking for a place where your kids can both excel academically and also understand the importance of kindness, gratitude, and service, this is the school, and it is without equal.

This is a great school for pre-K through Middle School. When I first learned about this school, I…read morecould not believe I hadn't heard about the amazing Montessori method before. As a member of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), this school is one of the top. The children learn thorough academics, develop a true love of learning and exploration, and become very independent and responsible. "The Post Oak School is an educational leader both among Houston's top private schools and among the more than 5,000 Montessori schools across the country. Post Oak serves students from age 14 months through 8th grade, and is one of the U.S.' oldest Montessori schools (the oldest in the Southwest and one of only three Houston AMI schools). It has attracted an accomplished team of faculty and staff and built a campus dedicated to learning. The Post Oak School helps shape consistently high achievers."

I moved my little guy here in the middle of the spring semester because I wanted him to be in a…read moregentler environment, one that was holistic to his being, and also a place that really appreciates the outdoors and caters to that. My child has really grown in his language skills (he came from a Spanish immersion school where he really was learning a lot of Spanish, but he was also missing a lot of English). The best part is that while there isn't anything formal about the pre K class as there shouldn't be anyway for this age, he has retained everything he learned from his two prior schools which means the school is still integrating that learning somehow. He loves being able to take off his shoes in the classroom and that it feels like home. He comes home singing the meal time song (he's been there less than two weeks). He's proud of the work he does there and asks us to hang it up. If we didn't have to move schools for other reasons I would keep him there as long as I could because my three year old who was partially potty trained (just urine) has become fully potty trained after two weeks there. I think a lot of the influence is that the school goes up to the 6th grade so seeing and being around older kids who are leaders has really encouraged him to feel like he is going to a big kids school too. We absolutely love this school and the people there.

I would not waste my $100+ dollars just for application fee and then being told my daughter could…read morenot attend this school waste of money and time only to be turned away with no explanation!!!

This is the first online review I've ever written, but if it were my children at Kipling, I'd want…read moresomeone to tell me what is happening behind the scenes. The school philosophy starts at the top with the owner, Jennifer Pierce. She is not interested in developing, educating, or even meeting your child. Her priority will be only to telling you why your child needs to enroll in her lower/elementary school, and why they won't be successful elsewhere. She will find ways to collect fees from you, and is only concerned with her monthly tuition checks. There is very high teacher turnover, and excessive screen time (you can see it when you log in to the cameras). A few of the teachers do their best, but some (Kristin) are so rigid and hard on the children, that when combined with the VERY small spaces, it creates a lot of frustration for your growing boys and girls. We removed our children from this environment, and it's like they are different people overnight at their new school. There are so many better loving environments and spaces for your children in Houston, make the change and stay away!

We have had our kids at this school since they were babies. Highly recommend. We adore all the…read moreteachers and the Administrator Ms. Jade! This our second family now and we love KSA!