Frequently Asked Questions


See below to find the answers to frequently asked questions.

  1. How do I set up an appointment for a tour of the school?
  2. Why should I consider The Branch School for my child?
  3. Where do children go when they graduate from The Branch School?
  4. Your school offers a Christian environment. What do you mean by that?
  5. When do we accept applications?
  6. Can a student join a class in the middle of the year?
  7. Is religion taught at The Branch School?
  8. What is the student-teacher ratio?
  9. Do you have lots of parent involvement?
  10. Are you accredited? What organizations do you belong to?


1. How do I set up an appointment for a tour of the school?

Just call the school at 713-465-0288 to set a time to tour the school. You are also encouraged to come to the next scheduled Open House. If you prefer you may Contact Us.

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2. Why should I consider The Branch School for my child?

Students are given the opportunity to build a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning. Our project-oriented curriculum helps students learn that classroom lessons can be applied anywhere and that critical thinking skills can be used to meet every challenge. Our high academic standards, low student/teacher ratio, nature-oriented campus and strong basis in Christian principles work together to make The Branch School a place where learning occurs through discovery and lessons are applicable to everyday life. Read what our parents have to say under Testimonials.

In preparation for 21st century demands, middle school students receive challenging academics focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).  Students benefit from interactive technology that promotes innovative learning opportunities and infinite possibilities for teaching. They also receive a rich experience of literary genres and critical reading skills that build reasoning and abstract thinking. Foreign language, art, robotics, computer, musical theatre, sports and after-school enrichment further enhance their learning. 

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3. Where do children go when they graduate from The Branch School?

Our graduates have performed successfully at many highly regarded private and public schools. Their success can be attributed to the strong foundation they have received at The Branch School. Some of these schools include Awty International School, The Emery/Weiner School, The Kinkaid School, Principia, Rainard School for Gifted Children, School of the Woods, St. John's School, St. Stephen's Episcopal School, Village School, and Westchester Academy

Colleges and Universities include: Baylor University, Berry College, Carnegie Mellon University, Dartmouth, Davidson College, Elon College, Emerson College, Findlay College, Harvard University, Harvey Mudd College, High Point University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Middlebury College, New York University,  Pomona College, Principia College, Purdue College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rice University, Stony Brook University, Texas A & M University, Texas Tech University, University of Alabama, University of California at Berkeley, University of Colorado, University of Chicago, University of Houston, University of Richmond, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Austin, United States Naval Academy, Vanderbilt University, and  West Texas A & M University

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4. Your school offers a Christian environment. What do you mean by that?

We don't teach religion at The Branch School, but we teach and model Christian values. The Golden Rule is the basis of our peacemaking program. Through our school-wide weekly topics, character education is taught by bringing out the qualities each of us expresses as a child of God. We state in our Mission that we support character development and prepare each student to be a good citizen and peacemaker.

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5. When do we accept applications?

We are happy to accept applications throughout the school year and summer. There is no deadline for applications. Some applicants do apply a year in advance.  

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6. Can a student join a class in the middle of the year?

Yes, students have enrolled in The Branch School during the year. A number of factors are considered to ensure that a mid-year move is best for both the applicant and the current class. We consider each circumstance individually and make a determination jointly with you about what would be most beneficial for your child.

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7. Is religion taught at The Branch School?

Religion is not taught at The Branch School. Our weekly topics (e.g. family, sharing, honesty, respect, and peace) provide a common spiritual goal for the school. The children are given an opportunity to explore these topics in the classroom at their level of understanding. During opening exercises each day, the children discuss the topic for the week and think about how to apply these ideas in their daily lives. In addition, the topics form the basis for the Monday Morning Assembly. Students in the oldest classes conduct the assembly, which includes references on the topic from the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy. In both the individual classes and the assembly, students discuss the topic, perform skits, or give presentations that illustrate the qualities or aspects of the topics. Our school community is diverse representing different cultures and religions.  We also recite a prayer and the pledge of allegiance, and we sing a hymn and a patriotic song.

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8. What is the student/teacher ratio?

We meet or exceed accreditation standards in our student/teacher ratios, which range from about 10/1 - 14/1 for core subject classes. We keep the class size small because of how we teach.

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9. Do you have lots of parent involvement?

Parents are actively involved at The Branch School. They volunteer in many ways including serving as Parent Association officers, library helpers, Outdoor Classroom volunteers, event chairs, room moms and dads, classroom speakers, Junior Achievement volunteers, and advancement assistance. They enjoy being connected to the school and tell us that they feel a part of The Branch School family.

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10. Is your school accredited? What organizations do you belong to?

The Branch School is accredited by SACS/CASI; AdvancED (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) 

Members of: Houston Area Independent Schools, Houston Area Association for the Education of Young Children, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Memorial Area Preschool Association, Texas Association of Non-Public Schools, National Council of Teachers of English, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Science Teachers Association, Houston West Chamber of Commerce 

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