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 (2023-24)
- Grades: (Boarding) 6-12
- Enrollment: 333 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $47,600
- 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
8-12
Grades Offered (Day)
PK-12
7-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Learning Difference Programs
Mild Learning Differences
n/a
Year Founded
1907
1907
Campus Size
220 acres
130 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
333 students
314 students
% Students of Color
18%
25%
% International Students
12%
20%
% Students Boarding
21%
67%
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)
$47,600
(*pay in full amount)
(*pay in full amount)
$63,925
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
n/a
$35,185
Tuition international students
$52,800
$55,200
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
(5 Day Boarding)
$37,400
$46,000
% 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%
60%
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
- LD types supported: Mild Learning Differences
- 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 $47,600 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 60%.
What sports does San Marcos Academy offer?
San Marcos Academy offers 16 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Football, Golf, Orienteering, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling.
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

Nurturing Futures: A Journey through Boarding at Haut-Lac School in Switzerland
Nestled in the hills overlooking Lake Geneva in the French-speaking part of Switzerland lies an educational gem that embodies a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural richness and a profound sense of community. Founded over 30 years ago, Haut-Lac International Bilingual Day and Boarding School is now home to both 600 day students and a maximum of 30 boarders from around the world.

What To Wear at Your Job Interview
Navigating job interviews can be stressful, but knowing what to wear shouldn't be. Our comprehensive guide covers the essential dress code tips for men and women interviewing at boarding schools. Make your first impression count with style and professionalism.

Navigating the Modern Maze: Emerging Challenges for Boarding Schools
Explore the pressing challenges facing boarding schools, from marketing difficulties and rising insurance costs to facility maintenance and recruitment of competent trustees and teachers. This article delves into these complex issues and proposes innovative strategies to overcome them.