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St. Stephen's Episcopal School

United States, Austin

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $39,850 - 85,200
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 714
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1950
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Taught languages Mandarin, French, Latin, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Middle School, Senior Secondary School, Secondary School, High School, Sixth Form
Introduction

St. Stephen's Episcopal School is a coeducational boarding and day school located at 6500 St. Stephen's Drive in Austin, Texas. Established in 1950, it sits on more than 370 acres overlooking Lake Austin and is organized into three zones: academics, student life and athletics. The campus features the Chapel, Helm Fine Arts Center, Becker Library, athletic facilities including multiple gyms, outdoor fields, an Olympic‑size swimming pool and a ropes tower. The curriculum is college‑prep for Middle and Upper School, with departments in English, Fine Arts, Health and Wellness, History and Social Science, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Theology and World Languages; courses are detailed in the Curriculum Catalog. Transformational Learning unfolds through the Project and Idea Realization Lab (PIRL), College Counseling, Learning Support and Educational Travel. The school maintains a Haïti partnership with St. Etienne and welcomes international students through its International Program. Over 50 clubs and athletics enrich student life.

6500 St. Stephen's Drive, Austin, TX 78746

The Essentials

St. Stephen's Episcopal School has 714 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
6500 St. Stephen's Drive, Austin, TX 78746, United States. The campus is located in the Austin area. It is accessible via major routes such as I-35 and Loop 360.

Stages
Middle School and Upper School (grades 6–12)

Type
coeducational boarding and day school

Pupil Nationality Mix
26 countries represented; 17% international students; most common nationality: null; local to international ratio: approximately 4.9 to 1

Additional learning support
The Department of Learning Services improves academic experience and success for students who struggle; accommodations include access to audio books, use of laptops during testing, extended testing time (up to 100% on tests, 50% on end-of-term exams), format provision on testing, and use of a four-function calculator. There is no separate course of study for students with learning disabilities; the department collaborates with instructors to ensure equitable learning opportunities.

Country affiliation
Haïti partnership (St. Etienne, Salmadère) in Haïti

Religious affiliation
Episcopal; a diocesan school of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas; daily chapel services in the Episcopal tradition
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school has a boarding program with seven campus dorms and 182 boarding students representing 27 countries plus seven U.S. states. Dorm life is supervised by a house leader and a team of four or five dorm parents; weekend activities are run by dorm staff. Junior and senior students are selected as proctors to support dorm life. The school also operates an International Program and a Host Family Program for international students.

Uniform Requirement
Dress Code Policy; there is no formal uniform. Students must dress in clean, neat attire appropriate for school. Middle School: clothing must fully cover midriff, sides and back; shoulders must be covered; undergarments and chest/private areas must be covered; upper thighs must be covered; athletic shoes with closed toes and heels are required for recess. Upper School: shorts/skirts must cover hips and upper thighs; clothing must not have holes exposing skin; torso must be fully covered; midriffs must be covered; shirts must reach the waist when standing; hats are not permitted indoors in the dining hall or Chapel; clothing with references to sex, drugs, violence, or obscenities is not allowed; pajama-like clothing is not allowed except on designated days.

Food Options
The Huddle is a campus concession stand with two locations. On-school-day hours are 3:00–6:30 p.m. The menu includes traditional snacks, candy and drinks, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, spicy chicken sandwiches and pizza, with occasional rotating dinner specials. Families can set monthly spending limits on student accounts.

House System
Dorm-based residential life across seven campus dorms. Each dorm has a house leader and a team of four to five dorm parents who supervise daily routines and weekend activities. Juniors and seniors are selected as student proctors to assist with dorm life. The school also supports an International Program and a Host Family Program for international students.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by the St. Stephen's Episcopal School Board of Trustees, which has ultimate responsibility for the institution. The Endowment Fund Board oversees the school's endowment. The Head of School is listed as an ex officio member of the board.
Fees

Annual tuition at St. Stephen's Episcopal School ranges from USD 39,850 to USD 85,200 for 2026/27.

Application Fees

- Domestic admission application fee: USD 100.
- International admission application fee (applicant lives outside the U.S.): USD 125.
- Clarity financial-aid application fee (per household): USD 65.

Tuition fees — academic year 2026–27 (annual amounts by programme)

- Middle School (Grades 6–8) tuition (annual): USD 39,850.
- Upper School (Grades 9–12) tuition (annual): USD 41,500.

Required supplements and fees (annual)

- Facilities use fee (all students): USD 1,000.
- Food service (day students): USD 2,500.
- Food service (boarding students): USD 5,000.
- Boarding supplement (Grades 8–12): USD 34,250.
- International boarding supplement (Grades 8–12): USD 37,700.

Representative total annual costs (combine tuition + required fees)

- Middle School day student (annual total): USD 43,350 (tuition + facilities use fee + food).
- Upper School day student (annual total): USD 45,000 (tuition + facilities use fee + food).
- 8th Grade boarding student (annual total): USD 80,100.
- Upper School boarding student (annual total): USD 81,750.
- International boarding student (annual total): USD 85,200.

Optional and program fees (examples, annual where noted)

- Middle School Soccer Academy: USD 2,800.
- Upper School Soccer Academy: USD 5,250.
- Upper School Theatre Focus: USD 5,250.
- Private fine-arts lessons (academic year): USD 1,600.

Testing and assessment fees (examples)

- SSAT (domestic, at-home virtually proctored): USD 263; standard/school flex paper: USD 177; Prometric SSAT: USD 250; flex with consultant: USD 272.
- SSAT (international): typically USD 339 for standard/Prometric/flex.
- ISEE: at-home virtually proctored USD 250; at a school USD 170; Prometric USD 250; in-office USD 225–255.

Other routine costs

- Textbooks and supplies: families should expect approximately USD 500–800 per year for textbooks and supplies. Textbooks are ordered through the school's authorized online bookstore.
- Campus Store purchases (branded apparel, supplies, snacks): store hours and online sideline store available; costs vary by item.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The publicly published information lists annual tuition and required annual fees; detailed per-term invoice amounts and specific installment due dates are not published in the available materials.
- Families are provided information about payment plans and affordability options through the school's financial-aid/affordability resources and workshops. Guidance on available payment-plan structures is offered through those programs.

Fee payment methods and student-account charges

- Accepted payment methods for student charges and campus purchases include cash, credit card, or charges posted directly to a student school account.
- Textbook orders are placed through the school's designated online bookstore platform; campus-store purchases are available in person and via the sideline online store.

Refund information and tuition-refund coverage

- The school uses an established Tuition Refund Plan that provides coverage in the event of student withdrawal or dismissal. The plan's common provisions include: payment of 75% of unused yearly insured fees for medical withdrawals after specified conditions, 60% of unused yearly insured fees for voluntary withdrawal after the initial attendance period, and 75% for dismissal after specified attendance. Claims are processed to the school and benefits are applied to the student account. Premium cost and enrollment in the Tuition Refund Plan are detailed in enrollment materials. Premium payment is due within ten days after the first class day of the academic year; claims must generally be reported within 30 days of separation.

Contacts for billing, affordability and questions

- Affordability and billing questions: affordability@sstx.org; phone: 512‑327‑1213 ext. 210.

Brief summary of gaps in published detail

- Annual tuition, boarding supplements, food-service charges, facilities-fee, application fees, common optional fees, testing fees and textbook/supply estimates are published for the 2026–27 academic year. Per-term (semester/quarter) fee breakdowns, exact billing dates, the complete list of accepted electronic bank-transfer methods, and the school's precise installment-plan terms are not published in the publicly available materials reviewed; those items are provided to families through enrollment materials and the school's billing office.
Academics

Curriculum
St. Stephen's provides personalized learning within a college-preparatory framework for Middle School and Upper School. The curriculum is organized by academic departments, including English, Fine Arts, Health and Wellness, History and Social Science, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Theology, and World Languages, with course offerings described in the Curriculum Catalog. The Curriculum Catalog presents Academic Department descriptions for Middle School and Upper School and lists Courses by Department and by Division. Transformational Learning is embedded through initiatives such as the Project and Idea Realization Lab (PIRL). The program also includes College Counseling for matriculation, Becker Library for research, Learning Support, and Educational Travel opportunities that enrich learning beyond the classroom.

Student Teacher Ratio
8:1

Higher Education Progression
Graduates matriculate to a broad range of selective universities, including Harvard University, MIT, Stanford University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Brown University, Dartmouth College, Rice University, The University of Texas at Austin, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Tulane University, Northwestern University, and many others (Classes of 2022–2026).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL is embedded in health education with age-appropriate programming covering self-awareness, self-regulation, relationships, decision-making, and social awareness. Counseling is fully integrated into school life, supporting students in classrooms, advisories, and athletic or performance spaces. Counselors meet with students individually, in groups, and in classes to address academic, social and psychological development. The wellness program emphasizes a healthy sense of belonging by addressing physical, mental, and health education needs. Health Education covers mental health and SEL through age-appropriate programming to help students develop self-awareness, self-regulation, relationships, and decision-making. Timely Talks offer parent education to support student wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Department of Learning Services works to improve the academic experience and increase the academic success of students who struggle, so that they might develop a lifelong love of learning. The department collaborates with instructors and students to ensure equitable learning opportunities for all students, whether or not they have a diagnosed learning difference. There is no separate course of study for students with learning disabilities or medical/psychiatric disorders. The department provides accommodations such as access to audio books, use of laptops during testing, and extended testing time. It also manages the accommodations process to ensure eligibility and appropriate testing formats.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The International Program includes a Transitional English Program for first-year international students, offering individualized writing support and grammar instruction. The program takes a holistic approach, supporting international students across academics, athletics, the arts, health and dorm life. Programs and services include Venture Orientation Program, Transitional English Program, Travel, Immigration and Visa Support, Host Family Program, and Japanese Exchange Program. The Venture Orientation Program welcomes new students to campus life with activities focused on academic and extracurricular skills and familiarization with the campus and the city. Transitional English Program provides small-class English instruction to support literary analysis and revision.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by the Health Center, which provides on-site registered nursing care and access to medical services. Counseling is fully integrated into school life and addresses academic, social and psychological development. Health Education covers mental health topics and SEL through age-appropriate programming to help students develop self-awareness, self-regulation, relationships, and decision-making. The wellness team also provides crisis resources such as the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) and crisis text line (741741) for students in distress. The campus promotes a healthy sense of belonging by addressing students' physical and mental health needs and by offering health education and parent engagement programs like Timely Talks.

Safeguarding
Counseling and Health teams safeguard students' well-being by providing integrated mental and physical health support. Crisis resources include the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) and crisis text line (741741) for urgent help, along with local mental health helplines. Privacy and Non-Discrimination Policies protect student rights and ensure nondiscriminatory treatment in policies and programs. Campus safety is supported by a Security team, including on-call security personnel to respond to incidents and maintain safe campus operations. The Learning Services department guards equitable learning opportunities and accommodations for students with learning differences, and ensures confidentiality and appropriate support within school policies.
Parent Experience

History
St. Stephen's Episcopal School was co-founded in 1950 by Rev. William Brewster and Bishop John E. Hines. It was the first coeducational Episcopal school in the United States and the first integrated boarding school in the South. Groundbreaking occurred on St. Stephen's Day, December 26, 1949, on a hillside later known as The Hill. The campus spans more than 370 acres overlooking Lake Austin, with original buildings quarried from on‑site stone. A 75-year anniversary celebration was held during the 2025–26 academic year.

Community
St. Stephen's hosts an annual Block Party welcoming the entire community, featuring family-friendly activities, food trucks and opportunities to cheer on Spartan teams. In 2026 the Block Party marked the grand opening of Spartan Loop and the St. Stephen's Aquatic Center, made possible by a $17 million gift from Jill Wilkinson '64 and the Still Water Foundation. The event is coordinated with the Parents' Association, which seeks volunteers for block party set-up, stations and clean-up. During the 2025–26 academic year, St. Stephen's commemorated its 75th anniversary with a yearlong celebration.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
St. Stephen's has a Parents' Association that supports the entire Spartan community year‑round. The Association coordinates volunteers for events, including Block Party setup, stations and cleanup. The PA also hosts family engagement activities and parent social events, such as Boarding Parent Socials during Parents' Days. The Community page notes that the PA supports the Spartan community year‑round in immeasurable ways.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus spans more than 370 acres. The campus is identified in three zones: academics, student life and athletics. The academics zone includes the Chapel, Helm Fine Arts Center and Becker Library. The athletics facilities are in zone three and include Clayton and Spartan Middle School Gyms, athletic fields for soccer, field hockey, football and track, baseball fields, tennis courts, the St. Stephen's Aquatic Center and the ropes tower. There are nearly 12 miles of walking, hiking and mountain biking trails and 1,064 solar panels across five campus buildings including Temple Dining Hall, Clayton and Spartan gyms, Becker Library and the Roger Bowen Arts Studio.

Sports Facilities
Athletics facilities are in zone three and include Clayton and Spartan Middle School Gyms. There are athletic fields for soccer, field hockey, football and track. Baseball fields and tennis courts are on campus. The St. Stephen's Aquatic Center provides an on-site aquatic facility with an Olympic-sized pool. A ropes tower is available on campus.

Academic Facilities
The academics zone is at the top of The Hill and includes the Chapel, the Helm Fine Arts Center and Becker Library. Becker Library is part of the campus's academic facilities. The Helm Fine Arts Center houses fine arts spaces for students. The academics zone is one of three campus zones identified on the campus map.

Extra Curricular Facilities
From over 50 student clubs and organizations, student government, annual class retreats, the arts, outdoor adventure, athletic and educational travel across Texas and the United States, students have numerous opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities. Our sports programs include football, baseball, field hockey, track and field, basketball, tennis, golf, volleyball, cross-country, lacrosse, soccer and swimming. Arts opportunities abound, including a comprehensive dance and outdoor wilderness program, visual arts, music, theatre and film. An advanced film program, Theatre Focus, a student dance company, and choral and instrumental ensembles support student artistry. Student works are exhibited in the campus art gallery and the modern performing arts center hosts student and professional performances. Experiencing Austin connects students with major city events such as ACL, Austin FC games, Formula 1 races, Rodeo Austin, SXSW and UT-Austin events.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
St. Stephen's challenges students to grow academically and to make a difference in the world. It offers a more rigorous academic experience and a college-prep environment in a casual and creative setting. Project and Idea Realization Lab (PIRL) provides an environment for design, innovation and creative service. Educational Travel offers immersive experiences in fine arts, language, varsity athletics, service learning and academic enrichment.

Arts & Creative
Students can expand their talents in visual arts, music, dance, theater and film. An advanced film program and an intensive Theatre Focus program support high-level study. A student dance company and choral and instrumental ensembles provide performance opportunities. Student works are exhibited in the campus art gallery and the modern performing arts center hosts both student and professional performances.

Cultural & Language
The International Program welcomes international students and celebrates diverse cultures, traditions and perspectives within St. Stephen's inclusive global community. The program provides programs and services to help international students acclimate to the school and thrive in academics, extracurricular activities and social life. New international students participate in a Venture Orientation Program to ease their transition. The International Program team supports students in every aspect of school life, providing the resources and care needed to thrive at St. Stephen's.

Social & Hobbies
There are over 50 student clubs and organizations. Boarding and day students participate in student government, annual class retreats, the arts, outdoor adventure, athletics and educational travel across Texas and the United States. Spartan athletics offer competitive and recreational sports, including football, baseball, field hockey, track and field, basketball, tennis, golf, volleyball, cross-country, lacrosse, soccer and swimming. The Devil's Canyon Adventure Program (DCAP) offers outdoor education with activities like caving, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking.

Community & Service
Educational Travel opportunities include service learning as part of immersive experiences. Trips range from a few days to multiple weeks, covering fine arts, language, varsity athletics and academic enrichment. Students engage in service-learning projects during these trips, connecting classroom learning with real-world impact.

Leadership & Professional
Student government is a feature of student life, providing leadership opportunities. Project and Idea Realization Lab (PIRL) provides an environment for design, innovation and creative service. Educational Travel includes service learning and leadership experiences as part of immersive trips. New international students participate in a Venture Orientation Program to support leadership and integration.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Physical activity plays a key role in student life through recreational or competitive athletics. Sports programs include football, baseball, field hockey, track and field, basketball, tennis, golf, volleyball, cross-country, lacrosse, soccer and swimming. Dance, visual arts, music, theater and film complement wellbeing through the arts. The DCAP program offers outdoor education with caving, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught include Spanish, French, Latin, Chinese, and Mandarin. In Middle School, students study Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish. In Upper School, language offerings include Spanish, French, Latin, and Mandarin. The school operates a French Exchange Program with Lycée La Sauque in Bordeaux, France.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Begin the application: Create an account with the Finalsite admission application portal. You will use the Finalsite portal to submit required forms, upload report cards and request recommendations. It provides a checklist to monitor the status of your application. You will only need one Finalsite account to manage the admission process for multiple family members.
2. Student Questionnaire: The Student Questionnaire allows applicants to share their personality and passions. It is to be completed by the student without assistance (other than navigating to the electronic form and proofreading). The form is part of the application and is submitted through the Finalsite portal.
3. Student Essay: The essay should be 200–500 words in response to one of the prompts listed. It should be your original work and not produced with generative AI. Support from parents or teachers should be limited to proofreading. The essay is submitted as part of the application.
4. Recommendations: Provide three recommendations by emailing the current math teacher, English teacher and one personal reference. The forms will be submitted electronically. Recommenders will receive reminders and notification upon submitting.
5. Parent Statement: Parents are asked to submit candid responses about your child. The Admission Committee is eager to learn about your child.
6. Report Card: Upload a PDF of the applicant's 2025-26 final (year-end) report card (official transcripts are not required at this time).
7. Standardized Testing: Applicants must submit standardized testing scores from SSAT (code 6956) or ISEE (code 440315). Testing must be completed by January 20 to be considered for the priority deadline. TOEFL (code B078) is recommended but not mandatory and cannot replace the SSAT.
8. Interview: All applicants are required to interview with an admission officer. The interview lasts about 45 minutes and is for both the applicant and the parent(s). On-campus interviews are available, and Zoom interviews for out-of-town applicants may be scheduled via Vericant; Vericant will provide a recording and a writing sample copy to the school. Schedule interviews through the Finalsite portal or via admission@sstx.org.
9. Deadlines and wait list: The priority admission deadline is January 20. Decisions are communicated beginning March 10. After January 20, the school reviews files on a rolling basis; when spaces are filled, qualified candidates are placed in the wait pool. Campus visits are encouraged but optional.

Scholarships
Financial aid is available and can be need-based or merit-based. Applications for financial aid are submitted through Clarity, with a priority deadline of January 20. In 2026–27, 22% of students received over $6.6 million in financial assistance. The Brewster Scholarships cover the boarding supplement for each year at St. Stephen's. Other signature scholarships include the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship (need-based for an incoming boarding student), ISAS/SAES Scholars (for students from ISAS/SAES schools without a high school option), Kavcic Family Scholars (partial merit-based scholarships), and Rural Texas Scholarships (for boarding students from rural Texas counties). The Texas ESA program is not participated in by the school.

Waitlist
Qualified candidates are placed in the wait pool when spaces are filled.
School Events
The school has not added events
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