How to Get Into St. John’s School
Key Dates and Information
- Location: Houston, TX
- Grades: K-12
- Application deadlines for the 2027-2028 school year:
- Initial application:
- Kindergarten: August 28, 2026
- Grades 1-4: October 23, 2026
- Grades 5-11: December 4, 2026
- Final deadline: January 10, 2025, unless otherwise noted
- Initial application:
- Admissions tests
- Kindergarten: Cognitive ability testing (WPPSI) through Collaborative Academic Testing Service (C.A.T.S.) and an on-campus group evaluation
- Grade 1: Cognitive ability testing (WPPSI) through C.A.T.S., an at-home assessment through Admission Testing Solutions (ATS), and an on-campus group evaluation
- Grades 2-4: Cognitive ability testing (WISC) through C.A.T.S. and the ISEE
- Grades 5-11: ISEE required
- Admissions decisions: Typically released on the Friday before spring break. Check the official admissions website for current-cycle details.
Introduction
St. John’s School (St. John’s) is a leading K-12 college preparatory school located in Houston, Texas. With abundant opportunities in and out of the classroom, it draws a diverse array of applicants. It was the 5th most sought-after school in 2023.
Creating an application to a competitive school like St. John’s can be intimidating, but Test Innovators is here to help. We created this guide to help students and families navigate the application process. We also offer Admissions Assist Courses to help you create your strongest application. Our course helps students and parents prepare for the interview, determine the best approach to written application materials, and better understand what schools like St. John’s seek in applicants.
Application
St. John’s entry point grades are Kindergarten, grade 1, grade 6, and grade 9. There are occasional openings to non-entry point grades due to current student attrition, so interested students are still encouraged to apply.
The following materials are needed to apply to St. John’s:
- Submit the initial application/ interest form
- Application fee: Confirm the current fee through the online application.
- Deadline:
- Kindergarten: August 28, 2026
- Grades 1-4: October 23, 2026
- Grade 5: December 4, 2026
- Deadline:
- Application fee: Confirm the current fee through the online application.
- Visit St. John’s (optional)
- Open houses and tours are available. Check the admissions website for current dates and registration.
- Complete the parent meeting
- Kindergarten and grade 1: Parent/guardian meetings are available for families new to the admissions process.
- Grades 2-5: Check the grade-specific admissions requirements.
- Complete required testing and evaluations
- Kindergarten
- Cognitive ability testing (WPPSI) through C.A.T.S.
- On-campus group evaluation in January.
- Families are notified about their testing status in mid-September.
- Grade 1
- Cognitive ability testing (WPPSI) through C.A.T.S.
- At-home assessment through Admission Testing Solutions (ATS).
- On-campus group evaluation in December.
- Grades 2-4
- Cognitive ability testing (WISC) through C.A.T.S.
- ISEE
- Testing results must be received by the current-cycle deadline.
- Grade 5
- ISEE
- Check the grade-specific admissions checklist for score-submission deadlines.
- Kindergarten
- Complete supplemental application materials
- Submit current and previous report cards.
- Request required teacher recommendations.
- Complete any additional application materials listed on the applicant’s admissions checklist.
- Check the online application portal for the deadlines applicable to each grade.
- Submit the initial application
- Application fee: Confirm the current fee through the online application.
- Deadline: December 4, 2026, for grades 6-8.
- Visit St. John’s (optional)
- Open houses and tours are available. Check the admissions website for current dates and registration.
- Complete the student interview and parent/guardian meeting, if required
- Families will be contacted to schedule applicable meetings and interviews.
- Virtual arrangements may be available for families living outside Houston.
- Take the ISEE and submit scores
- Check the admissions checklist for the current-cycle score-submission deadline.
- Students may take the ISEE at a convenient testing location; taking it at St. John’s is not required.
- Complete supplemental application materials
- Required recommendations: current English teacher and current math teacher.
- Additional administrator and extracurricular recommendations, as required.
- Applicant questionnaire and writing sample.
- Report cards from the previous and current school years.
- Check the online application portal for the applicable deadlines.
- Submit the initial application
- Application fee: Confirm the current fee through the online application.
- Deadline: December 4, 2026.
- Priority deadline: November 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Families are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline because parent/guardian meeting availability may be limited afterward.
- Visit St. John’s (optional)
- Open houses and tours are available. Check the admissions website for current dates and registration.
- Complete the student interview and parent/guardian meeting, if required
- Families will be contacted to schedule the interview and meeting.
- Virtual arrangements may be available for families living outside Houston.
- Take the ISEE and submit scores
- Scores must be received by January 8, 2027.
- Students may take the ISEE at a convenient testing location; taking it at St. John’s is not required.
- St. John’s accepts only one ISEE score report from the current admissions cycle.
- Complete supplemental application materials
- Required recommendations: current English teacher, current math teacher, and administrator.
- Extracurricular recommendation.
- Applicant questionnaire and writing sample.
- Report cards from the previous and current school years.
- Supporting materials must be submitted by the applicable deadlines listed in the admissions checklist.
For more information on applying to St. John’s, please refer to their admissions page and application checklist.
Admissions Interview
St. John’s requires a student interview for applicants to grade 6 and grades 9-11. Parent/guardian meetings are available for families new to the admissions process applying to kindergarten, grade 1, and grades 6-11. Families who currently have a child enrolled at the school, have a recent graduate, or have previously completed a parent meeting are not required to attend another meeting. Interviews and parent/guardian meetings can be completed virtually for out-of-town applicants.
The admissions interview is an opportunity to share what makes you unique as an applicant. It is important to be ready for your interview, with a plan for how to present yourself. Test Innovators’ Interview Prep Course prepares students and parents for the interview. You will practice common interview questions, think strategically about what to highlight in your interview, and gain confidence.
In addition, we recommend researching the school prior to the interview. Read about St. John’s mission and their approach to community and inclusion. Look into the curriculum for Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. Think about how you would like to get involved in arts and athletics at St. John’s. Speak up if you would like to participate in their study abroad programs or their clubs and organizations. If you feel excited about opportunities at St. John’s, share that in your interview and application materials.
Admissions Tests
Students applying to kindergarten and grade 1 at St. John’s are required to complete individual cognitive ability testing through the Collaborative Academic Testing Service (C.A.T.S.). Kindergarten applicants take the WPPSI and participate in an on-campus group evaluation. Grade 1 applicants take the WPPSI, complete an at-home assessment through Admission Testing Solutions (ATS), and participate in an on-campus group evaluation.
Applicants to grades 2-4 must complete individual cognitive ability testing through C.A.T.S. using the WISC and submit ISEE scores. Applicants to grades 5-11 must submit ISEE scores. For the 2027-2028 admissions cycle, ISEE scores for applicants to grades 2-4 must be received by January 8, 2027. Applicants to grades 9-11 must also ensure their scores are received by January 8, 2027.
When you are ready to begin preparing for the ISEE, Test Innovators is here. We are the only official practice partner of the ISEE. On Test Innovators’ platform, you will take full-length practice tests, and receive a breakdown of your scores after each test. You can compare your scores to the typical score range for St. John’s and other schools of interest. Based on your performance, you’ll receive a personalized Prep Plan that helps you target areas with room for improvement. You’ll also gain familiarity and confidence with the test format, helping you achieve your best results on test day.
Take a look at our ISEE Prep Guide and see how Test Innovators can help you reach your target scores.
Financial Aid Application
St. John’s understands that education is a significant investment for families and attempts to meet demonstrated need for all admitted students, subject to budget considerations. Financial aid is awarded based on demonstrated financial need, and awards do not need to be repaid. St. John’s does not offer academic, athletic, or other merit-based scholarships.
Families should start the financial aid application process in December 2026. They must complete the Parents’ Financial Statement and submit additional supporting tax documents through School and Student Services. Financial aid decisions are communicated along with admissions decisions in March.
For more information on financial aid at St. John’s and how to apply, please visit their financial aid page.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Athletics
78% of St. John’s students are involved in athletics. St. John’s students can participate in the following sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cheerleading
- Cross country
- Field hockey
- Football
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and diving
- Tennis
- Track and field
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
To learn more about athletics at St. John’s, please refer to their athletics page.
Arts
Students at St. John’s are introduced to the arts and encouraged to explore the creative process starting in Lower School, building upon that foundation over the years. According to the school’s current profile, 86% of St. John’s students are involved in fine arts. Lower School students are offered visual and choral arts. Middle School students can explore choral arts, dance, instrumental arts, theater, and visual arts, while Upper School students have the opportunity to explore digital media in addition to the Middle School arts categories. See more about the arts at St. John’s and ways you can get involved on their website.
Clubs and Organizations
Opportunities to participate in clubs and organizations at St. John’s are abundant. Offered clubs range vastly from groups like Cornhole Club and Improv Club, to more traditional academic groups like Model UN and Astronomy Club. Clubs and organizations are a great place to draw inspiration for your St. John’s application materials, so be sure to explore all of their options on their website.
Additional Opportunities
St. John highly values community service and works to ensure students are involved in their communities at every level of education. Students have opportunities to participate in community service throughout their time at St. John’s, with Upper School students taking on substantial service commitments and leadership opportunities.
St. John’s also offers students opportunities to study away from school, both domestically and abroad. Through School Year Abroad (SYA), eligible Upper School students can spend a year studying in another country while earning U.S. graduation credits. St. John’s also offers domestic experiential learning opportunities and school trips throughout the grade levels. Availability and destinations vary by program and year. Learn more about opportunities to study at different locations through St. John’s website.
Conclusion
St. John’s has opportunities for students to grow and explore in and out of the classroom. Test Innovators is here to help you put together a competitive application.
Preparation Resources:
- Enroll in our Admissions Assist Courses for Middle School or Upper School
- Learn more about preparing for the ISEE
- Learn more about St. John’s School
Originally published on September 28, 2022. Updated on September 10, 2024.
