San Marcos Academy Expanding To Include K-12

As families in San Marcos and surrounding areas explore the private educational options open to them for grades K-12, they need look no further than San Marcos Academy…

Sports, music, faith and education

Corridor News Feature

As families in San Marcos and surrounding areas explore the private educational options open to them for grades K-12, they need look no further than San Marcos Academy.

Fully accredited and part of the local community since 1907, San Marcos Academy has recently expanded its program to include Lower School instruction for day students, while continuing to offer a challenging college preparatory curriculum for day and boarding students in grades 6-12.

“We believe this is the right time to bring an elementary program back to San Marcos Academy,” said President Jimmie Scott said. “Our community is growing at a rapid pace, and families are looking for educational alternatives. By offering a full K-12 program, we hope to attract families who want all of their children together in one school. Our nurturing, Christ-centered environment and our pledge to provide the safest campus possible are also features that families are looking for today.”

The Academy Lower School will feature a diverse phonics-based curriculum including Saxon math, physical education, music and art, Spanish instruction, Bible study and technology in every classroom. Younger students will enjoy a hot noon meal in the Academy’s full-service dining hall, so parents can say goodbye to packing a lunchbox.

Optional early care and after-school care will also be offered for the convenience of working parents. Students with mild to moderate learning differences will benefit from an accommodated learning program, directed by former SMCISD dyslexia and reading specialist (and National Teacher Hall of Fame inductee) Connie Bagley.

“Parents can expect a high quality program focused on excellence in academics while preparing students for the rigor of the Middle and Upper School programs,” said Dr. Brian Guenther, Academic Dean. “SMA’s regional accreditation and our approval by the Texas Education Agency allow our students the unique opportunity to receive a Christian education while exceeding state standards in curriculum.”

While the Lower School grades will be reserved for day students only, the Academy will continue to enroll both day and boarding students in the Middle and Upper School grades. Those in the boarding program come to San Marcos from across Texas as well as from other states and nations.

This global community of learners creates a unique campus environment where students can safely experience a diversity of ideas and cultures. The Academy offers a 7-day boarding option as well as a 5-day boarding plan for students within a 70-mile radius of the school.

Area families are sending their children to the Academy for a variety of reasons. Many appreciate the small classes (averaging about 12 students per class) that ensure fewer distractions and more individual attention from the teacher.

Parents also appreciate the flexibility of the Academy’s technology-enriched academic program, designed to meet each student’s individual needs. Highly motivated students who seek a challenging college preparatory schedule can enroll in honors courses that include pre-AP, AP and dual-credit options.

Other students find that the regular college prep sequence better fits their learning style and pace, while students with mild to moderate learning differences may opt to enroll in the Accommodated Learning Program (grades K-8) or the Learning Skills Program for grades 9-12. Whatever path they choose, SMA graduates are well prepared for success in college.

Extra-curricular opportunities are another aspect of the Academy experience valued by parents and students alike. Boys and girls of all skill levels in grades 6-12 are encouraged to compete in athletics, where the options include team sports like football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball and softball as well as more individual sports such as golf, swimming, tennis, track and cross country.

Those who want to pursue the fine arts may enroll in band, choir, drama or visual art classes and can take private music lessons as well. A highly-ranked Junior ROTC unit, which celebrated its centennial year in 2017, offers excellent training in leadership and citizenship.

“With all that we have to offer, our tuition and fees compare very favorably to those at other private schools in the San Marcos and surrounding areas,” President Scott said. “We also provide a sibling discount and can provide some scholarship assistance as well.”

“In my long career as an educator, I have seen a lengthy parade of educational philosophies and theories come and go,” President Scott continued. “Methods of instruction have also changed significantly, especially where technology is concerned. But through it all, San Marcos Academy has been steadfastly faithful to the traditional values on which it was founded. Our commitment to Christian education, our emphasis on developing leaders and our desire to meet each student’s individual needs will always be part of the Academy experience.”

Located off Ranch Road 12 at the edge of the city limits, San Marcos Academy is home to a “nurturing community based on Christian values.” Its neighbors include the new La Cima single-family housing development and the Purgatory Creek Greenbelt.

Through its programs, it sets high expectations to challenge “their students to reach their full potential.” The school strives to provide its students with tools for success including opportunities to develop confidence, leadership and character.