FAQ

Top 10 Questions to Ask when choosing a private school for your child…….

How safe is the school?

When it comes to their children, we know that safety is the top concern of parents today. Our state of the art facility is well cared for and a team of committed custodians is diligent in maintaining the physical plant. Supervision of students is top priority from toddlers all the way through 6th grade. The Imagine More Capital Campaign provided the funds to not only renovate the Dent Early Childhood Building (the home of kindergarten) and build a fantastic new Reed Outreach Center (ROC), but it has also funded important security and fencing updates which have created an almost completely brand new campus over the last year! When you drop off your child at St. Alban’s, you can be at peace that they are safe and secure in a nurturing and loving educational environment. 

Is there high quality and committed faculty and staff?

Let’s face it - faculty and staff are the most important resource in any school. And we have the most talented educators in Harlingen! Our teachers are compassionate, well trained and committed to resenting a dynamic education program. Grades 4k - 6th grade teachers are 100% degreed and have an average of over 20 years of experience. Teacher turnover at St. Alban’s is very low, ensuring that our teachers are here because they love to teach!

What is the ratio of students to staff?

St. Alban’s is committed to maintaining low student to staff ratios. Preschool classes
(toddlers through kindergarten) have a teacher and an aide and/or share an aide and classes maximums are not compromised. Ratios in preschool range from 4:1 in our toddler class up to 10:1 in our kindergarten. Class sizes for grades 1-6 are kept at or under those recommended by the standards committee of Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools.

Are there strong partnerships among parents, teachers and students?

The partnership between a school and a family is one of the most important elements to consider when choosing a private school. At St. Alban’s, we believe that this partnership is a critical component in the success of our students. Parents want to be comfortable in talking and working with their children’s teachers. Our faculty and staff are approachable and open to parent concerns. Because our mission focuses on building a foundation based on God, love, family and academic excellence, we are able to work together with our families to ensure that the students are receiving the highest quality education, not only academically, but socially, emotionally and spiritually. We are all in this together!

Is there opportunity for parental involvement?

If you are a parent who is interested in being involved in your child’s school, one of the first questions you should ask is what opportunities there are for parental involvement. St. Alban’s is committed to developing the relationship between school and parents and the best way to do that is by getting you involved. There's a high level of collaboration between parents and the school and there are numerous opportunities to be involved in the life of the school. 

Does the school have a climate that supports achievement?

St. Alban’s is committed to building a culture that supports our mission. Our campus hosts a diverse population and promotes a wide variety of opportunities for student success, not only academically but socially and emotionally as well. Our students excel in many areas including PSIA, chess club, music performances,sports and gymnastics events. Our rigorous academic program has resulted in much student success after leaving our school. St. Alban’s is proud of our many alumni who have had academic success in middle school, high school and college. 

Is there availability of technology and technological resources?

St. Alban’s is committed to cutting edge technology that is actively used by teachers and students. Our technology program incorporates the use of a learning lab, laptops, document cameras and an interactive smart board. Preschool classrooms have access to stand alone computers in their technology center as means of introducing technology into the curriculum and our newly renovated Dent Early Childhood Building has the most cutting edge technology available! All teachers have their own chromebook and St. Alban’s is proud to be the first elementary school in Harlingen to offer a 1:1 laptop program in the 3rd - 6th grade!

Are textbooks and teaching materials high quality and up to date?

While teachers are the most important resource in a school, the textbooks and teaching materials must also be considered when choosing a private school. St. Alban’s has an excellent curriculum that is updated on a rotating basis. Faculty and staff are trained in every program and funds are provided to purchase any supplemental materials needed to make the entire program a success.

How long has this school been in operation?

You might not have been looking for the oldest school in town, but knowing a little bit about the background of a school can help to give you a fuller understanding of its character. St. Alban’s Episcopal Day School was founded in 1948 as a half day preschool and has grown over the past 70 years into a full-fledged preschool/elementary school with over 200 students from 18 months of age through 6th grade. We have a strong sense of family and community and offer an unparalleled education program within the Rio Grande Valley. As we continue to grow and evolve, we believe we have a bright future ahead of us.

How successful are the students after graduation?

From 2008-2011, a St. Alban’s alum was named valedictorian at Harlingen High School. Additionally, for the last several years, our alumni have comprised a significant number of students in the top 10% of both high schools. Our graduates move to middle school and become leaders both socially and academically - many of them landing in the Top 12 students in their middle school!