Why Chinquapin?
What sets us apart?
Our small, safe, familial environment means students connect with one another, their teachers, and other community members. Students have opportunities to socialize in different environments, preparing them for a successful life after they graduate from Chinquapin. Students assume many leadership positions on campus and are natural leaders in their communities. They exude confidence with modesty, intelligence without presumption, and an unassuming light. It is not uncommon for our students to stand out outside of the Chinquapin gates. Campus visitors often compliment our students on their authentic, kind welcoming spirit.
Our Faculty and Staff
Chinquapin Prep has a dedicated, high-performing faculty committed to our mission. We have multiple in-house professional development opportunities where teachers build community with each other as a team and have opportunities to lead professional development sessions to demonstrate their unique strengths. Our dedicated Director of Curriculum and Instruction provides instructional leadership and support to our faculty and staff, including classroom observations, professional development recommendations, and general mentorship for our early educators. Faculty are provided resources and support so they feel seen and recognized for their diligent work and professionalism. Our teachers design the curriculum with the support and leadership of their department chairs and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, giving our faculty a sense of autonomy and agency for the instruction in their classrooms. Many of our teachers and administrators are certified, but certification is not a requirement to teach at Chinquapin.
Chinquapin is a literal home to many students and teachers, so we conduct our daily lives in a comfortable and business-casual manner while still maintaining academic rigor with high expectations.
Boarding Program
Unlike most charter and public schools, which are primarily day schools, Chinquapin offers optional boarding Monday through Friday. This residential aspect provides students with a stable and supportive living and learning space, which can significantly enhance their academic success and personal development.
Our Residence Life Staff lives in apartments inside the dorms and are available on-call throughout the night. Student attendance is taken regularly for breakfast, dinner, evening study hall, and two late evening check-ins. We also provide security each night until the early morning hours for added safety.
Affordability and Accessibility
Despite being a private school, Chinquapin Prep is deeply committed to family affordability, offering a nearly full scholarship to each student. As a result, families typically only pay $50-$350 per month, depending on family income and family size. This modest financial investment for a high-quality college preparatory education is considerably lower than the typical costs at other private schools, making Chinquapin more accessible to a wider demographic from the Greater Houston area.
Holistic Development
The school’s mission extends beyond just academic success. Chinquapin focuses on the holistic development of its students, emphasizing character, leadership, and resilience. The school’s rural setting and boarding aspect also encourage students to develop independence and life skills that go beyond the classroom.
Chinquapin’s Quid Pro Quo model is a distinctive part of its educational philosophy, where students are required to contribute to the school community through daily chores and responsibilities. This model emphasizes the value of hard work, responsibility, and giving back to the community. By participating in tasks such as cleaning, maintenance, or other duties around campus, students not only help to maintain their living and learning environment but also learn the importance of teamwork, accountability, and service. The Quid Pro Quo model reinforces the idea that education is a privilege and that contributing to the community is an integral part of personal growth and character development.
Wish to support?
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