Academic Excellence
Academics
The foundation of the St. Stephen's experience is the school's rigorous academic program. Long acknowledged as one of the region's pre-eminent college-preparatory schools, St. Stephen's has emerged as a national leader in preparatory education, and its graduates consistently attend a diverse range of universities selected by the students to bring out the very best in themselves.
The St. Stephen's academic program is designed for able, motivated young people who plan to attend college. Much is asked of these young people in terms of time, dedication, and effort while at St. Stephen's. In return, they receive a world-class education from teachers who are deeply committed not only to teaching but also to the success and well-being of their students. Small class sizes and personal interaction with faculty, both in and out of the classroom, ensure that every student can develop his or her potential to the fullest.
Exceptional Educators
Teachers at St. Stephen's are characterized by their deep involvement in the challenging and rewarding work of educating young people. Because learning at St. Stephen's takes place in a tightly knit community, it's going on all the time. Students interact with one another and with their teachers over meals and during extracurricular activities, and the result is an ongoing process that doesn't stop at the classroom door. Boarding students particularly benefit from this environment: Since many teachers live on campus, they are literally more approachable than their counterparts at day schools.
The faculty's enthusiasm for teaching is rivaled only by its expertise. Approximately half of the school's staff and faculty have master's degrees, and 15 percent hold doctorates. And almost every teacher has a degree in the subject he or she teaches.
The faculty's enthusiasm for teaching is rivaled only by its expertise. Approximately half of the school's staff and faculty have master's degrees, and 15 percent hold doctorates. And almost every teacher has a degree in the subject he or she teaches.
Advisors
Teachers serve as advisors to students and meet with them during a special advisory period.
They know their advisees well and are able to be of special help to them in a variety of ways: planning study programs tailored to individual interests and academic needs, ensuring each advisee understands the responsibilities of school routine and keeping the parents informed about their child’s activities and academic progress.
Special advising and tutoring for international students is available through the Center for International and Multicultural Affairs.
Daily Schedules
The daily schedule is organized around chapel services, classes, study, meals, athletics, and extracurricular activities. A seven-day, rotating schedule allows ample flexibility and variation and encourages boarding and day school students to learn to make decisions about their use of time.
Grading System
St. Stephen's created and uses a unique system of letter grades, known as HVGPUX.
H: Honors
V: Very Good
G: Good
P: Passing
U: Unsatisfactory
X: Failing
In some classes, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, we don't use number grades. Students aren't assigned a grade point average, and it's not common for students to be awarded an "H" or "H+" grade. Additionally, each instructor prepares a written evaluation of the student's work, which we share with the student, and his or her parents.
H: Honors
V: Very Good
G: Good
P: Passing
U: Unsatisfactory
X: Failing
In some classes, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, we don't use number grades. Students aren't assigned a grade point average, and it's not common for students to be awarded an "H" or "H+" grade. Additionally, each instructor prepares a written evaluation of the student's work, which we share with the student, and his or her parents.
Address: 6500 St. Stephen's Dr., Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 327-1213
Phone: (512) 327-1213