Frequently Asked Questions About Private Education at Keystone School
Is Keystone School the right choice for your child?
When considering private education, families frequently ask questions about the student experience. What does the school offer, academically and socially? Is it the best place for my child’s interests and abilities? Will my family feel welcome?
Questions that follow address the practical concerns of sending a child to private school. What is the admissions process? Is tuition affordable?
Keystone School offers a challenging academic program and a highly engaged faculty. Our class sizes are small to promote individual attention and interactive instruction. Students who love to learn receive the support to succeed here.
The admissions process determines whether the school and the student are a good match. We assess the student’s capability and motivation to develop their intellectual abilities. We also assess the school’s potential to serve the student well.
Keystone School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information or physical or mental disabilities in the administration of our educational policies, admissions, and financial aid programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have additional questions? You are welcome to contact Andrea Banks, Director of Enrollment Management.
The Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) accredits Keystone School. This organization is approved by the state to accredit private schools. It currently represents 82 schools in six states and Mexico. Keystone School and ISAS are affiliated with the National Association of Independent Schools.
Keystone School is a non-religious private school. We are not affiliated with any religious organization or church. Many religions are represented among the school community. Keystone School strives to be an hospitable environment for all faiths.
Keystone is one of the most diverse schools accredited by the ISAS. Currently, more than 60% of our students identify as people of color. Diversity has always been a hallmark of the Keystone experience. Students value sharing and learning about each other’s family cultural background.
All teachers have degrees and experience in the academic disciplines they teach. On average, teacher tenure is seven to nine years, though we have teachers who have been at Keystone longer. In the Upper School, 75% of our faculty have obtained a master’s degree or doctorate.
Keystone offers 15 designated AP courses, beginning with Modern European History in the sophomore year. AP courses in English and history are required of all students; math, science, and foreign language AP courses are optional. On average, 70-80% of all graduates have been named Advanced Placement Scholars for excellent performance on numerous AP exams.
The mean composite score for our senior classes typically averages over 1400 on the SAT and over 30 on the ACT. Students in grades K-8 average over 90% on the Stanford Achievement Test.
Grades K-4 begin at 8:30 and end between 3:00 and 3:15. Grades 5-12 begin classes at 8:30 every day; classes end at 3:45. The Wednesday schedule includes a general assembly period or an advisory session.
Students do not wear uniforms, but they are expected to wear appropriate attire for a focused K-12 school environment.
In Lower School, we offer competitive teams in volleyball and soccer. In Middle School, students compete in track and field, soccer, and basketball for boys and volleyball, track and field, basketball and softball for girls. Depending on student interest level, cross-country may be offered. The Middle School (grades 6-8) competes within the local ISAL league of private schools within San Antonio.
Upper School gives students the opportunity to compete in co-ed soccer, girls volleyball, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls tennis, softball and (when there’s enough interested students) baseball. The Upper School competes within the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools in the 3A division.
We want students to thrive in our challenging program, so the goal of the admissions process is to determine that the students we admit are capable of success in an accelerated curriculum and are good fits with our community.
Learn How to Apply
Families seeking admission must complete an application form and submit their child’s school records, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations. Our preschool requires a play date; for other divisions a student interview is required.
Students entering grades K-4 are tested for cognitive and grade level competencies. We use a standardized measure to assess cognitive abilities, conducted by a licensed psychologist.
The Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) is required for applicants to grades 5-12. The ISEE was developed by the Education Records Bureau and is used by over 1,100 independent schools as part of the admissions process. The test lasts approximately three hours and is offered on a variety of dates. The Head of Middle School and Head of Upper School also review recent test scores and grades of applicants.
The Kindergarten and 9th grade application deadlines are December 1. Current parents re-enroll by early February. Kindergarten testing begins in December, and we start sending out acceptances in late January.
Tuition assistance is available for grades K-12 based on demonstrated need of families and on space available in classes.
