The school’s boarding, day and academic programs show incremental growth and strength as it celebrates 75 years of excellence.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School enters the 2025-26 academic year with not only its highest boarding retention rates in the school’s history but the school is also applauding successful results from its expanded recruiting efforts across the United States and the world. Students from North Dakota, Wyoming, California, Haiti, Guatemala, the Cayman Islands, Spain, Mexico, South Korea and more have found belonging on The Hill. The school has also met a significant goal by enrolling more students from the Lone Star State — 47 boarding students attend from 17 Texas cities. 

“The single most destination our boarders are coming from is Texas,” says Lawrence Sampleton, associate head of school for enrollment management. “We are excited that more alumni are creating a new generation of Spartans by sending their children to St. Stephen’s. Texas is the heart of the recruiting and enrollment bullseye.”

St. Stephen’s is also reporting solid numbers in both its day and boarding programs. Boarding retention stands at 95% and retention in the day program is showing strength at 94%. 

“This is my 35th year at St. Stephen’s and this is the first time that our boarding retention exceeded the day retention, which just speaks volumes and I'm extremely proud of that,” said Sampleton. “We've implemented programs that have created opportunities for boarders to be successful here.”

Here is a look at St. Stephen's 2025-26 enrollment profile:

• School retention is at 94%
• 714 total students enrolled
• 532 day students
• 182 boarding students
• 67 new 6th graders from 29 schools
• 32 new 9th grade day students from 18 schools

Sampleton says these strong numbers are the result of implementing a targeted strategy and intentional, unified support from the entire St. Stephen’s community in both the day and boarding programs. 

“We've been incrementally getting to this point, but it was kind of shocking in a good way,” said Sampleton.“These numbers speak to our ability and so many people in the community who really take care of the kids. From Sarah Todd with the international program, Gene Phillips in the residential program, John Dugan with the counseling team, Hen Kennedy with academic support– all of these people play such an amazing role in supporting these kids.”

The boarding program has been at the heart of the school since it was founded in 1950. This year, the boarding population represents students from nine states and 26 countries. And while the program experienced hardship and a sharp decline in enrollment with less than 100 students in the 1980s, school leaders have always been committed to its vitality. 

“The boarding program is a significant part of the history of the school and is woven into everything we do,” said Sampleton. “St Stephen's has always wanted to offer a broad education to a diverse geographical group of people from the state of Texas, across the U.S. and the world. Our school is best known for its academic program, but the heart of the school is the boarding program. So it's significant as it connects back to the mission and history of the school in modern day.”

Happy students, parents and families equal landmark retention, adding another reason to celebrate 75 years of excellence this year.

Learn more about the St. Stephen’s boarding program or learn more about applying to St. Stephen’s here.