Boarding School Review - Established 2003

San Marcos Academy

2801 Ranch Road 12 San Marcos TX 78666
Tel: (800) 428-5120
www.smabears.org

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: (Boarding Students) 6-12
  • Grades: (Day Students) Pre-K-12
  • Enrollment: 333 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $53,264
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $12,000
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
San Marcos Academy Photo #1 - San Marcos Academy has offered a tradition of excellence in private, Christian education since 1907.
San Marcos Academy Photo #2 - Graduation is a special and meaningful time with unique ceremonies and events; 95% (or more) of SMA graduates matriculate at a college or university.
San Marcos Academy Photo #3 - The Upper School (grades 9-12) offers regular, honors, and dual-credit courses to prepare students for success in college and in life.
San Marcos Academy Photo #4 - Athletic opportunities abound at San Marcos Academy, with teams for girls and boys of all ages and skill levels.
San Marcos Academy Photo #5 - In the Academy Middle School, students in grades 6-8 are provided a rigorous curriculum, including fine arts, foreign language, physical education/athletics, Bible instruction, and technology.
San Marcos Academy Photo #6 - Our 220-acre hill country campus is located between Austin and San Antonio. Our gated entrance is one of many features designed to keep our students safe while under our care.
San Marcos Academy Photo #7 - The Academy's Christian ministries program includes chapel services, Bible instruction, and discipleship opportunities with the goal of producing leaders whose lives are built on integrity and who exemplify Christ's devotion to service and compassion for others.
San Marcos Academy Photo #8 - Girls and boys residence hall staffs provide nurturing supervision with the structure and discipline necessary for student success.
San Marcos Academy Photo #9 - San Marcos Academy offers a beginner band for students interested in learning to play an instrument as well as continuing education for students who have already begun to master their music.
San Marcos Academy Photo #10 - Here at SMA students can participate in Theatre productions and plays throughout the school year. All areas of the program are available to students. For example, set design, sound and lighting, costume, and of course acting.
2801 Ranch Road 12
San Marcos, TX 78666
Tel: (800) 428-5120
www.smabears.org
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San Marcos Academy Photo #1 - San Marcos Academy has offered a tradition of excellence in private, Christian education since 1907.
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San Marcos Academy Photo #1 - San Marcos Academy has offered a tradition of excellence in private, Christian education since 1907.
San Marcos Academy Photo #2 - Graduation is a special and meaningful time with unique ceremonies and events; 95% (or more) of SMA graduates matriculate at a college or university.
San Marcos Academy Photo #3 - The Upper School (grades 9-12) offers regular, honors, and dual-credit courses to prepare students for success in college and in life.
San Marcos Academy Photo #4 - Athletic opportunities abound at San Marcos Academy, with teams for girls and boys of all ages and skill levels.
San Marcos Academy Photo #5 - In the Academy Middle School, students in grades 6-8 are provided a rigorous curriculum, including fine arts, foreign language, physical education/athletics, Bible instruction, and technology.
San Marcos Academy Photo #6 - Our 220-acre hill country campus is located between Austin and San Antonio. Our gated entrance is one of many features designed to keep our students safe while under our care.
San Marcos Academy Photo #7 - The Academy's Christian ministries program includes chapel services, Bible instruction, and discipleship opportunities with the goal of producing leaders whose lives are built on integrity and who exemplify Christ's devotion to service and compassion for others.
San Marcos Academy Photo #8 - Girls and boys residence hall staffs provide nurturing supervision with the structure and discipline necessary for student success.
San Marcos Academy Photo #9 - San Marcos Academy offers a beginner band for students interested in learning to play an instrument as well as continuing education for students who have already begun to master their music.
San Marcos Academy Photo #10 - Here at SMA students can participate in Theatre productions and plays throughout the school year. All areas of the program are available to students. For example, set design, sound and lighting, costume, and of course acting.
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 Facts (2026)

  • Grades: (Boarding Students) 6-12
  • Grades: (Day Students) Pre-K-12
  • Enrollment: 333 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $53,264
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $12,000
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2025 School Data
San Marcos Academy
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
6-12
9-12
Grades Offered (Day)
Pre-K-12
Pre-K-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Yes
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Mild Learning Differences
n/a
Year Founded
1907
1909
Campus Size
220 acres
125 acres
School Calendar
View School Calendar
School Motto
Excellence in Christian Education since 1907

Student Body

Enrollment
333 students
300 students
% Students of Color
18%
25%
% International Students
12%
20%
% Students Boarding
21%
70%
Average SAT Score
1151
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score
25
(Out of 36)
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
khaki pants, plaid skirt, polo shirts
Casual
Average Class Size
15 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
14
17
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
55%
70%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
14
17
Courses
AP Calculus ABAP Computer Science Principles
AP PhysicsCollege English 1301
College English 1302College Math 1310 (Algebra)
College Math 1311 (Trigonometry)Environmental Science AP
Macro Economics APMath 2302 (Statistics)
POLS 1302 (Government)PSYC 1301 (Psychology)
U.S. History 1301U.S. History 1302

Tuition & Financial Aid

Endowment Size
$6 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$53,264
(*pay in full amount)
$59,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$12,000
(Tuition for Lower School ranges from $6,832.50 to $7335. Middle School tuition is $9998.25. Upper School Tuition is $10,350. These are all pay-in-full amounts.)
$33,500
Tuition international students
$57,491
$53,975
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
$42,740
$44,000
% Students on Financial Aid
40%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$10,725
(Need based, Limited)
$25,000

Admissions

Application Deadline
None / Rolling
Jan. 15
Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)
Yes
No
Acceptance Rate
80%
58%
Director of Admissions
Mattie Howard
Application URL
Online Application

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered
18
16
Sports
BaseballBasketball
CheeringCross Country
Cross Country RunningFootball
GolfMarkmanship
MarksmanshipOrienteering
RiflerySoccer
SoftballSwimming
TennisTrack
Track and FieldVolleyball
Colors
Green and Purple
School Mascot
Bears

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
11
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
JROTCLeo Club
Music MinistriesNational Honor Society
National Junior Honor SocietyStudent Ambassadors
Student CouncilYearbook Staff


Arts and Music Programs:
International ThespiansVocal and Instrumental Individual Instruction


Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Sports

College Matriculation

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
View Matriculation Data

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
Source: Verified school update
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does San Marcos Academy cost?
San Marcos Academy's tuition is approximately $53,264 for boarding students and $12,000 for day 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 58%.
What sports does San Marcos Academy offer?
San Marcos Academy offers 18 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Football, Golf, Markmanship, Marksmanship, Orienteering, Riflery, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Track and Field and Volleyball.
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).
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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: (Boarding Students) 6-12
  • Grades: (Day Students) Pre-K-12
  • Enrollment: 333 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $53,264
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $12,000
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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