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 beyond the Chinquapin gates. Campus visitors often compliment our students on their authentic, kind, welcoming spirit. 

Chinquapin is 20 miles east of Houston and sits on 55 acres to mirror a college campus. We are located off exit 789 on I-10 East, near Baytown.

Yes! Chinquapin has private buses that run various routes around the Houston area each morning and afternoon for our day students. Students who opt to board on campus Monday-Friday are provided with transportation on Monday mornings for pick-up and Friday afternoons for drop-off.

Historically, most of the students’ tuition at Chinquapin Prep has been paid by our contributors. While the cost to operate Chinquapin is approximately $25,000 per student per year, students typically pay only a small fraction of that cost, with a sliding-scale fee based on family income and family size. Historically, tuition fees range from $50 to $350 per month.

TEFA is a new state program that provides funds to help cover private school tuition and fees.

Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, eligible families can receive approximately $10,000 per child to apply toward educational expenses, including private school tuition. The State has allocated $1 billion for TEFA accounts. Children are eligible if they are U.S. citizens and reside in Texas. The parent must be a Texas resident. If funding is limited, priority will be given to students with disabilities and low-income families. Funds can be used for private school tuition. The program will prioritize applicants based on specific criteria outlined below:

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 to $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 Greater Houston.

No, there is no charge to apply. 

Chinquapin Prep accepts a full 6th-grade class as well as a few students per grade in the 7th-10th-grade classes. Admissions to 11th and 12th grades are carefully considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure student success. In total, we accept 30-35 new students each year.

Chinquapin Prep is an independent school, which affords us the flexibility to manage our school calendar. However, since many of our students come from HISD, we strive to align with HISD’s school calendar. Emergency and weather-related decisions are not necessarily the same as HISD’s. 

Yes! 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 live 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.

Any student not accepted to Chinquapin Prep may re-apply the following spring. Applications do not carry over to the next year, so applicants must restart the application process.