The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.
— Dr. Seuss (I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!)
As the groups of juniors and seniors wielded scalpels and probed the deep red tissue just a few weeks ago, they looked like college students or perhaps even incipient physicians in medical school. Instead, they were finishing a unit in Mr. Nydegger’s Human Physiology class on the workings of hearts, and their hands-on portion involved dissecting cow hearts. (Thankfully, Mr. Nydegger procured the hearts at a butcher, so the room did not smell of formaldehyde.) Students pointed out the different ventricles, and one group appeared to identify a cardiac tumor.
Similarly, I can still recall the impressive observations I heard last year while sitting in on a socratic discussion of Kazuo Ishiguro’s “The Remains of the Day” in Ms. Hall’s AP English Literature. The seniors’ level of analysis astonished me.
Our students’ academic achievement continues to astound and show how Keystone’s unique combination of challenge and nurture helps young people achieve on the highest levels.
Just a few weeks ago, four seniors were named National Merit Semifinalists. This is as many as the other independent high schools in San Antonio combined.
One of those semifinalists, Annia, spoke of how Keystone balances the academic challenge with emotional support.
“There’s a really supportive environment of teachers at this school. The teachers are attuned to students’ needs, what they are going through, and provide a lot of opportunities in and out of the classroom,” she said. “I feel very comfortable talking with the teachers about something I’m going through and teachers are amenable to adapting to students’ personal situations and academic stress. They’re open to hearing about what you’re going through.”
In the Class of 2025, 50% of the seniors are either National Merit Semifinalists, Commended or are receiving National Merit Recognition. (Yes, you read that correctly-50% of the class.) The depth of our intellectual talent runs deep, and it comes through in our college placement.
Year after year, our college admissions track record is unmatched. For the Class of 2024:
- 94% went to a US News Top 100 college or university (National, National Liberal Arts, or Global)
- 68% went to a Top 50
- 18% went to an Ivy Plus (Ivies plus MIT, UChicago, Stanford, Duke)
- 24% went to an Ivy Plus, Seven Sisters or Service Academy
Few, if any, high schools – public, independent, parochial, or charter – in San Antonio and in the United States, can match our continuing record of achievement. Beyond the brand-name schools, we’re even more proud that our students are accepted into colleges and universities that fit their interests and personalities.
We’re the only independent school in San Antonio to have had an alum receive a Rhodes Scholar – Isabella Sullivan ‘20.
In fact, the Class of 2020 has a Rhodes Scholar, a Boren Scholar who is studying in Taiwan, and a Fulbright Scholar who will obtain a Master’s in Russian, Eurasian, and Eastern European Studies in Finland.
We also have had three Presidential Scholars, the most recent being Derek Wong from the Class of 2021 who attends the University of Pennsylvania.
What’s more, our students shine in extracurricular activities, such as winning championships and accolades in activities like Model United Nations, where Keystone has won at least one award per conference in the past three years. In their first outing last weekend, two 9th graders took second place in a debate tournament.
Keystone teams placed first at the National Academic WorldQuest competitions in 2022 and 2016. Keystone teams earned second place in the world in Academic WorldQuest in 2015, 2014, and 2012. Keystone teams have won the regional competitions every year since 2011.
For nearly 30 years, at least one Keystone student has been invited to compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. Between 1-4 Keystone students compete at ISEF each year.
Our high schoolers do so well, thanks, in part, to their time in the Little, Lower, and Middle School where the curriculum is one grade ahead of the traditional academic program. Here again, teachers challenge and support students to reach further than they ever thought possible and produce work far beyond their years. What’s more, they inspire a love of learning and a sense of creativity that equips these young minds to achieve when they’re older.
Not only do our students stand out in their achievements, they also excel while staying emotionally healthy. Whether they are planning activities to support well-being as part of the Upper School Wellness Council, sharing concerns in Middle School Advisory, or meeting with one of our two counselors, they practice self-care and demonstrate a commitment to their mental and physical health.
“I’ve learned over the years that you will not always be perfect and get straight A’s, but what is more important is developing effective learning habits, and prioritizing critical thinking over memorizing information,” Annia said. “What’s important is learning. Teachers are open to explaining things and helping you when you have questions and really understand something.”
We’re proud of the students we serve who go on to become amazing alumni, make incredible contributions to their chosen fields, and improve our world for themselves and others. Thank you to the faculty/staff and parents who guide them on their journey toward success.
