St. Mark's Episcopal School (West University Place, Texas)

St. Mark's Episcopal School is a private primary and secondary school located in the Cambridge Place development and in West University Place, Texas, in Greater Houston. St. Mark's serves preschool (ages 18 months and up) through Grade 8. The school is located just four miles from the Texas Medical Center and minutes south of the Galleria. St. Mark's is a part of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest and the Southwest Association of Episcopal Schools. The current headmaster of the school is Garhett Wagers.

The school is structured into three divisions - primary school (preschool 2s through kindergarten), lower school (1st through 4th grade), and middle school (5th through 8th grade).

History
St. Mark's Episcopal School was created in 1960 as an educational ministry of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. The school operated as a nursery school for years then gradually began adding elementary grades. The first 8th grade class graduated in 1988. The school received its initial accreditation from the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (recognized by the Texas Education Agency) in 1990. The school earned accreditation from the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest in 2017.

Student life
Primary and lower school students receive progress reports with narrative comments on their child's growth and development. Lower school students study a sequential curriculum that includes handwriting, math, word study, reading, and writing. Lower school classrooms foster close-knit communities centered on the honor code of respect, responsibility, and kindness.

St. Mark's has a robust middle school advisory program for grades 5-8 that promotes character building and follows the honor-based "St. Mark's Way." The school is dedicated to preparing 8th graders for high school. It hosts an annual instructional meeting for all 8th-grade students and families, providing ongoing assistance in the high school selection and application process. By 8th-grade graduation, St. Mark's students will have completed three high school-level courses: Pre-AP honors algebra I, Spanish I, and integrated physics and chemistry. St. Mark's graduates consistently place into Spanish II or Spanish II honors. They are accepted into top Houston area high schools and colleges and universities across the country.

Facilities
The school occupies four main buildings on campus, including three complete computer labs, a library utilized by all students, three fully equipped science labs, a basketball court serving as a gymnasium and stage, a multi-purpose cafeteria, a "flex space" for extracurricular activities, a music room, an art room, and large, well-lit classroom spaces. The campus is networked, allowing students to work in the labs or on classroom computers. The facility surrounds an appealing courtyard and gardens where children enjoy lunch or outdoor lessons. Technology is integrated into the curriculum, and the school boasts a robust one-to-one iPad program.

Extended Care
The afterschool program is available to families with students in grades preschool 3s through 8th grade who need daily or part-time after-school care. The program includes snack time, outside recreation, extensive homework time for older students, or informal indoor activities for younger children.

The before-school program is available to families in need of an early drop-off for students in preschool 3s through 8th Grade.

Clubs and Activities
In middle school, students participate in elective credit options that enable them to explore their interests and discover new passions. Additionally, clubs meet one day a week after school. Some of the clubs include cooking, piano, guitar, violin, Tae Kwon Do, USA Chess, ceramics, fencing, golf, and origami.

Fine Arts
Art surrounds the youngest students throughout the school year. Formal art classes begin in kindergarten and continue through eighth grade, introducing drawing skills, experience with various art mediums, and artist studies.

The music theory, singing, theater, and performance curriculum is showcased across the school experience. School-wide fine arts events include musical theater performances, holiday concerts, dance recitals, talent shows, and chapel performances.

Athletics
The middle school students at St. Mark's compete in GHAC (Greater Houston Athletic Conference). The St. Mark's middle school athletics program includes volleyball, soccer, cross country, basketball, swimming, golf, tennis, track & field, and baseball. Lower School students can participate in soccer, cross country, basketball, bounceball, and touch football.