The Chinquapin School was founded to provide a high quality college-preparatory education to able and motivated youth from low-income families in the Greater Houston area.
Through its rigorous curriculum and an emphasis on community service and earning what one receives, Chinquapin hopes to produce responsible, well-educated citizens who will become constructive leaders in the community.
The Chinquapin School is a college preparatory, 5-day co-ed boarding school with a day school component for students from low-income Houston area families.
The school was founded in 1969 by Robert P. Moore, former head of the English Department at St. John's School in Houston, with the help of a $250,000 grant from The Brown Foundation.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked TX School
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 149 students
- Yearly Tuition: $1,170
- Acceptance rate: 32%
- Average class size: 19 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Chinquapin Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Acceptance Rate
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Year Founded
1969
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
149 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
97%
State avg.: 41%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
70%
Average Class Size
19 students
Number of AP Courses
8 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus AB, English, Environmental Science, Spanish, Statistics
Average SAT score
1180
(Out of 1600)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
No dress code
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition is based on a sliding scale using the TDA eligibility guidelines for free and reduced lunch. Most students pay $35-225/month for 9 months. The highest current tuition is $200/month ($1,800 total). Students may work off tuition on campus, similar to a Work Study program.
% on Financial Aid
100%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$13,700
Acceptance Rate
32%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Aby Cisneros
Sports
Total Sports Offered
9 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
12 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
community service, debate, guitar, Interact Club, newspaper, performing arts, piano lessons, Student Ambassadors, yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
ceramics, choir
Recreational Athletic Programs:
yoga
community service, debate, guitar, Interact Club, newspaper, performing arts, piano lessons, Student Ambassadors, yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
ceramics, choir
Recreational Athletic Programs:
yoga
School Notes
- Chinquapin Preparatory School provides achallenging,college-preparatoryeducation to able and motivated youth fromlow-incomefamilies in the Greater Houston area. Chinquapin Prep isprivately managed and funded. Parents pay aminimal tuitionthat typically covers only three percent of the annual cost of educating our students. Students are also able to work off tuition through a program similar to work study. 95%of our students matriculate into college. 85%of our students receive college degrees. 100%receive college tuition assistance.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Chinquapin Preparatory School cost?
Chinquapin Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $1,170 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Chinquapin Preparatory School?
The acceptance rate of Chinquapin Preparatory School is 32%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Chinquapin Preparatory School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Texas with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Chinquapin Preparatory School offer?
Chinquapin Preparatory School offers 9 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Chinquapin Preparatory School's ranking?
Chinquapin Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Texas for: Least expensive tuition, Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of students of color and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Chinquapin Preparatory School?
The application deadline for Chinquapin Preparatory School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 2/17/2024
Chinquapin was home away from home. I attended from 7th - 12th grade. This school prepared me for life. For college, and for the real world. Fast forward some years, and I now have a Junior attending Chinquapin. He fell in love with the campus, teachers and students. Chinquapin continues being, home away from home.
5 9/10/2017
Chinquapin has had my back since I can remember starting sixth grade. This school offers two things that can't be bought with money and they are teacher showing their students to love learning and a family away from home. I am thankful for my opportunity to be here and can't wait for the years to come .
5 9/10/2017
Chinquapin is a great opportunity for any student with a low income family. It truly prepares you for college, but more importantly it instills great values in you that will stay with you forever. It is a true family community and it's only getting better.
5 8/5/2016
I need an opportunity in this campus I have 3 girls grades 10, 11 and 12 and just moved to Highlands from Deer Park Tx and very interested in attending your school.
5 1/28/2012
Chinquapin is a wonderful college-preparatory school dedicated to sending students to college. The boarding system for students really teaches students how to interact with others and manage their time wisely.
5 1/28/2012
Great school that helps you achieve your goals in life. The teachers push you and motivate you so you can graduate and get prepared for college.
5 1/28/2012
Never have I met so many teachers dedicated to the success of their students or this many kids decated to learning. Chinquapin might seem like an exotic way of learning and teaching because of the rigorous work load but it prepares the students for college. And the students have fun !
5 1/28/2012
Chinquapin is a great private school that offers the low income students a chance to receive a better education. The schools main focus is education. Chinquapin cares a lot about the students level of grades, and they offer lots of help to everyone. Chinquapin is not only a private school that offers great education, but it also offers students an oppurtunity to show there athletic and creative side. They offer all students an oppurtunity to join sports no matter who they are. Everyone has many oppurtunities to succeed in life. When you come to Chinquapin you receive an oppurtunity like no other.
Endorse Chinquapin Preparatory School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.