The Kinkaid School

As a 2007 graduate, I now have a few years perspective on my education here. Without a doubt, Kinkaid has excellent resources - teachers, administrators, and facilities are all top notch. However, it is a bit frustrating to me to see that the school's assets are not used in the best way possible. The admissions policy seems overly based on legacy and perhaps on finding involved and well-connected parents. I recognize the appeal of tradition in a school of this age, with several "firsts" for Houston schools. However, tradition can get in the way of the spirit of innovation that great schools need. I don't know if Kinkaid has much motivation to do this - the same crowd of wealthy and good but not outstanding students, whose parents attended Kinkaid before them, seem firmly lodged in the institution's identity. If the administration committed to raising the proportion of students accepted purely for merit, and made greater attempts to reach out to different backgrounds of students, I think it would well and truly pay off. Until then, I would have to recommend Kinkaid with a major caveat.

Incredible for a strong, well rounded education. Diverse students, great fine arts and athletics, and top notch academic college prep curriculum.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school, great teachers, administrators, donors/supportors! A school to be proud of for the students of Houston. It is similar to the motto used by the University of Texas - 'what happens at Kinkaid changes the world!'

The teachers and facilities are uniformly outstanding. In high school, Kinkaid requires substantial participation in arts and sports, plus has a 3 week mid year change from normal classes. The result is an exceptionally broad and balanced educational experience. Students discover hidden talents. The school atmosphere is very positive and supportive. It's no wonder it produces so many leaders.
--Submitted by a parent

This is one of the top prep schools in the South. A C+ at this school is like an A- or B+ at other schools. Collages know that and they notice any Kinkaid student as one that will succeed in life. Some of the country's leaders went to Kinkaid including President George W. Bush. It is a beautiful school. However if you do activities outside of school you may not have time for them anymore (in high school). Once you are in high school and even late middle school, your life revolves around school. Because it is very well rounded that isn't too bad though.
--Submitted by a student

I went to Kinkaid for 1st grade through 12th grade. The preparation and mindset instilled in students at Kinkaid is exceptional. I matriculated into the University of Texas at Austin as a sophmore, because of all the SAT-II and AP credits due to Kinkaid's high school curriculum. My writing skills were greatly superior to my fellow UT students, most of whom had attended public schools.

I used to attend Kinkaid for my sixth grade year. Although the education and extracurricular activities are amazing, the people are not. The school is indented for people of wealth and if you don't meet that standard the kids make fun of you. Also if your different or of lower social status, or non-Caucasian ethnicity I don't recommend this school at all. If you meet all the right things then I recommend that you attend as soon as possible because in sixth grade a teacher named Ms. Cooney is excellent. Kudos, Ms. Cooney. And theres one more year left for those of you who want an excellent Spanish teacher. Her name is Mrs. Beck and shes retiring after the 2007-2008 school year.
--Submitted by Giovanna Boyd, a former student

I went to Kinkaid from Kindergarten to 12th grade. First, I have to say that the teachers at Kinkaid are excellent. Kinkaid is also unique from other schools in several different ways - 1) It focuses on promoting arts, athletics, and academics 2) It has a character education program that is dedicated to promoting respect, honesty, kindness, and responsability 3) Interim term 4) It is highly respected by top colleges. Like all private schools, Kinkaid is expensive, but it is at this moment the least expensive of all the private schools in Houston. Even though it is primarily white, racism and discrimination are not tolerated at Kinkaid. My group of friends included people of Jewish, Lebanese, Indian, Chinese, and Burmese descent. Kinkaid does tend to only accept those who have connections with the school from Pre-K to 5th. But 6th and 9th grade admissions include people from various backgrouds.
--Submitted by a former student

This is a good school, but is quite pricey. There is little diversity and no effort made to meet that challenge. Parents are friendly, but administration is not very welcoming
--Submitted by a parent

I am a proud member of the Kinkaid School fighting class of 2006. This is my 13th year and I am overjoyed at the prospect of going off to college next year. However I would like to say that Kinkaid was the perfect school for me and I would bet the perfect school for 95% of my classmates. My education I have received is beyond words. The facilities are beyond anything a high school student could wish for. The special programs offered are spectacular, from Mr. Veselka s amazing photography program to Mr. Louis s breathtaking sets, every art has an incredible program. I have never been good at sports, but I did 11 seasons. When I look back as to why I did 11 seasons its not only that I loved playing the sports but that I particularly loved my coaches. Kinkaid is an amazing opportunity, don t let it slip away.
--Submitted by a student