San Marcos Academy is a coeducational, Christian boarding for 6th through 12th-grade students, located in the beautiful Texas hill country. We also accept day students in grades K-12.
In addition to our traditional 7-day boarding program, we also offer a 5-day program for families who live within a 70-mile radius of our campus.
The Academy offers a college preparatory curriculum, featuring leadership training; a strong fine arts department; a Learning Skills program for students with mild to moderate learning differences; and an English as a Second Language immersion program for international students.
Our mission at San Marcos Academy is to educate young men and women in a nurturing community based upon Christian values.
The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Accreditation Committee of the Texas Association of Baptist Schools and is recognized by the Texas Education Agency.
Small classes (with an average of 9 students) and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 provide a strong learning environment and individualized instruction to meet the needs of each student.
Structure, discipline and nurturing supervision, including required study halls, are provided in the dormitories.
Ninety-five percent or more of our graduates move immediately into post-secondary education at schools throughout the country.
Founded in 1907, the Academy is rich in tradition and is a vital part of the local community.
The school offers a rolling enrollment. SEVP Certified for international students studying on an F-1 visa San Marcos Academy is affiliated with Texas Baptists.
Quick Stats (2023)
- Grades: (Boarding) 6-12
- Enrollment: 333 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $41,250
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
6-12
9-12
Grades Offered (Day)
PK-12
5-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1907
1906
Campus Size
220 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
333 students
315 students
% Students of Color
18%
25%
% International Students
12%
20%
% Students Boarding
21%
69%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
14
17
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
55%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$6 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$41,250
(*pay in full amount)
(*pay in full amount)
$62,000
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
n/a
$35,070
Tuition international students
$46,500
$55,000
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
(5 Day Boarding)
$31,000
$44,900
% Students on Financial Aid
40%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$10,725
(Need based, Limited )
(Need based, Limited )
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Acceptance Rate
Acceptance Rate
80%
58%
Director of Admissions
Mattie Howard
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
14
17
Courses
AP Calculus AB, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Physics, College English 1301, College English 1302, College Math 1310 (Algebra), College Math 1311 (Trigonometry), Environmental Science AP, Macro Economics AP, Math 2302 (Statistics), POLS 1302 (Government), PSYC 1301 (Psychology), U.S. History 1301, U.S. History 1302
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
16
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
11
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
JROTC, Leo Club, Music Ministries, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, Yearbook Staff
Arts and Music Programs:
International Thespians, Vocal and Instrumental Individual Instruction
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Sports
JROTC, Leo Club, Music Ministries, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, Yearbook Staff
Arts and Music Programs:
International Thespians, Vocal and Instrumental Individual Instruction
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Sports
College Matriculation
Year: 2018 - 2019
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
Texas A&M
9
Texas Tech
5
University of Texas @ Austin
5
Penn State
4
Tarleton State
4
Drexel University
3
Indiana University
3
Michigan State
3
Syracuse
2
University of Illinois
2
School Notes
- Quality Academics With Low Teacher-Student Ratio
- Honors Curriculum
- Dual Credit College Courses
- Accommodated Learning Program (ALP) For Students With Mild To Moderate Learning Differences
- ESL Immersion for Internationals
- Structured Environment
- San Marcos Academy accreditations: Approved or accredited by Accreditation Commission of the Texas Association of Baptist Schools, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Texas Education Agency, The Association of Boarding Schools, Texas Department of Education
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does San Marcos Academy cost?
San Marcos Academy's tuition is approximately $41,250 for boarding students.
What is the acceptance rate of San Marcos Academy?
The acceptance rate of San Marcos Academy is 80%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 58%.
What sports does San Marcos Academy offer?
San Marcos Academy offers 16 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Football, Golf, Markmanship, Orienteering, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Track and Field and Volleyball.
When is the application deadline for San Marcos Academy?
The application deadline for San Marcos Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Recent Articles

Mastering the Boarding School Selection Process: A 5-Step Guide
Discover the ultimate 5-step guide to choosing the perfect boarding school for your child. Explore essential factors, such as academics, campus facilities, extracurricular activities, and more. Make an informed decision to provide your child with an enriching and transformative educational experience. Read now!

5 Founders and Their Boarding Schools
What prompts somebody to start a boarding school? The motives range from idealism to munificence right on through to capitalism. The common thread seems to be ample capital and a vision of what education can do.

April 24, 2023
Top 5 Reasons To Study Dance At A Boarding SchoolFrom meeting world-renowned guest artists to balancing busy rehearsal schedules, students share how boarding school is preparing them to dance professionally.