Private High Schools

[MAROON79]

A nurturing environment with strong academics is our key.

from what I've heard, St. Thomas is is not nurturing at all. Strake is somewhat better on that front, but neither would ever be considered "nurturing"

[one busy mom]

Thanks.

[hendersj31]

Yes it is mostly the academics, but the overall vibe is part of it. Its hard to explain but since you have and will be visiting multiple schools you will likely know what I mean when you prefer one over the other(s).

Originally Posted by one busy mom

Thanks all. I have placed a call to Strake and am awaiting a response. We will be in town in July to tour both schools as well as Lutheran South and O'Connell prep in Galveston and then will make a decision. Hendersj31 can you tell me what is weighting your decision towards Strake? Is it the academics or the overall environment.

[karuna95]

Strake is about $18K, plus cost of books.

On drive from Lake Jackson: One of my son's friends attended St. Agnes (all-girls' school next door to Strake), and she lived in Lake Jackson. Her parents drove her for the first 2 years, until she got a license, then she drove herself. About 45 minutes each way, so it's doable.

On environment: I wouldn't describe Strake as nurturing. The faculty is pretty tough, and some were better at teaching than others. The teachers and staff that are more caring and kind really make the students' day.

On Strake class of 2014: Of about 200 graduates, 100% college acceptance rate. This year's graduates received more than $20M in scholarship offers.

On athletics: sports is high-profile, but there are many other interest groups available, including groups such as the Yu-Gi-Oh group, anime group, engineering & robotics group, SJET (TV/media production) etc... If you are not athletic, but want to participate in the sport, may be more challenging. You don't get tennis court time, or pool time, and the track coaches may not be as welcoming or supportive ...

On religiosity: You don't have to be Catholic, but you should have a good reason for why you want a Catholic education. I think that being agnostic would be acceptable, but they may draw the line at an atheistic student. We've met students from many faiths, including Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu. Some students are more active in their faiths than others, and that's ok.

[one busy mom]

Thanks everyone for the input. I appreciate it. We will be visiting in mid July and hopefully making our decision at that time.

[Houston parent]

You might check out Brazosport Christian. I don't have any idea what their academics are like, but they are in Lake Jackson.

[one busy mom]

Will look into it.

[KatieKennedy]

There is a comparison of Strake and St. Thomas in this chart.2013

[one busy mom]

Thanks that was helpful

[one busy mom]

So Strake is closed for admission for 10th grade for the year. We have decided to expand our search and also look at St. Pius and Pope John XXIII as well as St. Thomas and Lutheran South. Anyone with any insights into any of these schools or preferences for one over the other would love to hear feedback. We will be touring the schools in mid July for admission in Aug. Thanks again everyone for the assistance.