St. John’s School: Houston’s Top Private Institution for Academic Excellence
When evaluating the top private schools in Houston, St. John’s School (SJS) consistently stands out as the premier institution, renowned for its academic excellence, college placement success, and holistic student development.
Academic Excellence
Founded in 1946, St. John’s School is a coeducational, independent K–12 day school located in Houston, Texas. The school boasts a rigorous academic program, reflected in its students’ outstanding standardized test scores. For the Class of 2024, the median SAT scores were 740 in Reading & Writing and 770 in Math, while the median ACT score was 33 out of 36.
SJS’s commitment to academic excellence is further evidenced by its students’ recognition in national programs. Between 2012 and 2015, over half of each senior class were honored as National Merit Semifinalists or Commended Scholars. In the 2013–2014 academic year, SJS led all Houston-area schools with 49 National Merit Semifinalists, representing 35% of its senior class.
College Placement Success
St. John’s School has a strong track record of college placements, with approximately 48% of its seniors matriculating to colleges and universities ranked in the Top 25 of National Universities or the Top 10 of Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report between 2010 and 2014.
Holistic Student Development
Beyond academics, SJS emphasizes the development of well-rounded individuals. The school offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and community service programs. Approximately 13% of students receive financial aid, and 49% of the student body self-identify as being of color, reflecting the school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
National Recognition
St. John’s School’s reputation extends beyond Houston. It has been featured in national media, including a Forbes.com story titled “America’s Elite Prep Schools” and a Wall Street Journal article on elite college admissions. In 2024, Niche.com ranked SJS as the No. 5 Best Private K–12 School in America and No. 13 Best Private High School in America.
Notable Alumni
The school’s alumni network includes prominent figures such as filmmaker Wes Anderson, U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Benjamin Moser. These individuals exemplify the school’s success in nurturing talent across various fields.
St. John’s School’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, successful college placements, and holistic student development solidify its status as the top private school in Houston. Its national recognition and distinguished alumni further underscore the exceptional education and opportunities it provides to its students.