San Marcos Academy
San Marcos, TX
"Ad Viros Faciendos"
The Verdict
Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos Academy has been shaping young men and women of character since 1907. As a coeducational Christian boarding school affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, SMA combines rigorous academics with faith-based values and a proud military heritage. The Academy's Corps of Cadets program continues a tradition spanning over a century, instilling discipline, leadership, and integrity in students from diverse backgrounds and all religious faiths.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
San Marcos Academy is a private, coeducational, college preparatory Christian school affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Its mission is to educate young men and women within a nurturing community based upon Christian values.
Tuition & Costs
2025-2026 RatesBoarding
$53,264
Day Student
$14,000
Middle School
$12,212
International
$63,240
Endowment
$6 million
*The following fees, services and opportunities are included in Boarding Student tuition: All Meals, Textbook Resource, Campus Safety, Blackbaud Tuition Management, Rec Activity, Sports Participation, Music Instrument Rental, Science/Ceramics Lab. Parents are advised to plan for additional costs for school supplies and uniforms for their students.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
selective
Key Requirements
- Completed application with transcripts
- Teacher recommendations
- Campus interview (in-person or virtual)
- Standardized test scores when available
Admitted Student Profile
80%
Acceptance Rate
3.00
Avg GPA
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
220 acres
Housing
Dormitory
Enrollment
343
Student:Teacher
15:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
dorm
Daily Schedule
0630 Reveille and morning formation, 0700 Breakfast, 0800 Academic classes begin, 1200 Lunch, 1300 Afternoon classes, 1530 Athletics and extracurricular activities, 1800 Dinner, 1930 Mandatory study hall, 2130 Free time and dorm activities, 2230 Lights out (varies by grade).
Discipline Model
SMA employs a structured residential program with nurturing supervision provided by dedicated residence hall staff. Required study halls ensure academic focus, while the Corps of Cadets instills military-style discipline and leadership. The Academy emphasizes developing the whole person—mentally, socially, physically, and spiritually—within a supportive Christian community.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
95%
Where Graduates Go
San Marcos Academy is recognized by the U.S. Army as an Honor Unit with Distinction and is authorized to recommend students for appointments to West Point, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy.
Hall of Fame
Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
The SMA Athletic Hall of Fame, established in 1983, honors alumni who excelled in sports including All-State athletes who competed at Baylor University and University of Georgia.
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Physical fitness is encouraged through athletics and Corps of Cadets activities. Students participate in sports programs and have access to campus fitness facilities.
Facilities
Football stadium with bleacher seating for 400, gymnasium with seating for 350, weight room with free weights and Nautilus equipment, cardio equipment including stationary bikes and stairmills, large exercise mat area, and outdoor athletic fields on 220-acre campus.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
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