The Science Academy of South Texas

I am basing this rating on the quality of instruction. The teachers are simply fantastic. My child went on to a very demanding, very competitive college program and was, in truth, overprepared. The first year was a piece of cake--while many other top students from other high schools were struggling. If I were rating the administration, however, they would get maybe a 2. The counselors in particular are, sadly, really awful. The one my child was stuck with all four years was worse than useless. She has no idea what she is doing and desseminates information that is just plain wrong. The principal knows there is a problem but just looks the other way. Overall, the school is highly worth attending, but know that you are going to have to do the counselor's job yourself.
--Submitted by a parent

I attended the Science Academy for 2 years before going back to my local public school my senior year. The Science Academy is a top-notch school with excellent teachers that truly do care. I had plenty of choices for colleges and I credit the Science Academy for this and for the fact that my first two years of college were a breeze. Don't let the lack of sports deter you from this school; I played soccer, tennis, and softball in high school with my local leagues. I also continued to play those sports in college on intramural teams and was a co-founder of lacrosse. Needless to say, you can participate in sports even if they are not a part of your high school.

We have a son who had always attended private school and discipline. After 2 years of being there he decided that he wanted to go to a different school because he didn't feel he was fitting in the private. When we visited Science Academy we were amazed with the school, the teachers and the staff. He just finished his freshman year and we have to say that we haven't regret for a moment the decision of him being there. The school has very challenging academics and besides of having kids from very different cities they all feel that they belong there. The teachers live for their students and are always there to help them. The only bad things we see it's that is short in after school activities and that most of them are in a school bus for 2 hrs a day.
--Submitted by a parent

The school has an excellent curriculum for those wishing to accel in math and science. It does this at the expense of not offering courses or extracurricular activities available at a typical high school. The classroom instruction is presented at a very fast rate and it is diffucult for most students to keep up. Homework time is usually 3 to 5 hours per night. Teachers are available most mornings and afternoons to help students who are having trouble with assignments but our experience with this arrangement is not very good. Overall, I think the school offers something to those who excel in math but for those who want a regular high school experience I would go somewhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of a freshman who initially was not happy in being sent to this school. But with every passing day she grew to love the staff and students. The stories she'd bring home day after day were so hilarious. From the food drive bandits to the rumors of a 'hemi'! It has instilled in her that school can be fun while teaching you so much more than the average school. I knew she had crossed over when I over heard her brag about the school curriculum and national standing. I'm grateful to have the chance to send my daughter to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at The Science Academy and I can honestly say that it has been the greatest improvement in my life. The teachers and faculty have all done an excellent job in preparing all of the students for the future. The courses offered are excellent and provide a good background in the fields of science, math, and engineering. Science Academy is a small school that offers a second home to all of the students. As a junior at Sci-Tech I can honestly say that I love this school, the teachers, the environment and of course the students at this school.
--Submitted by Olivia Olmos, a student

I'm not a parent, but I am a student at this school and might I say I love it...it's such a helpful school...they teach us so much and I learn so much. They make an effort to make sure I know everything I'm being teached.
--Submitted by Pedro Valdez, a student

We have had 2 children here. Academics are superior and teachers are professionals in their fields. Transition to college for the graduates is seamless. This school ranks with the best in the nation for academics. We also love the small class sizes and individualized attention to all students by teachers. The Senior Individual/Independent Problem Study is topnotch, with some students winning national honors. I only wish I had more children to send to this school.
--Submitted by a parent