Frequently Asked Questions

1. When and how did Yorkshire Academy begin?

Yorkshire Academy opened its doors in May of 1984 as a preschool with 84 students. Today, we have blossomed into a campus with two buildings offering an extensive program for approximately 200 children ranging in ages from 18 months to fifth grade. Yorkshire Academy is proud of its 22 year history, and has been called a “West Houston Jewel.”

2. Why choose private school v. public school?

Private school offers students a secure environment with more choices for children to experience diverse educational opportunities. While private schools administer standardized testing to their students, it is as a guide for schools to know that their curriculum is on track and their students rank well nationally, but it does not dictate their general approach to teaching.

“As your child begins private education, you are entering a special community of parents concerned with providing the finest possible preparation for their children’s futures. Private schools have served American families since the 17th century — often preceding the first public institutions. Competition between these two types of schools has strengthened both, while guaranteeing that families like yours have meaningful alternatives when it comes to education. What makes private schools unique? Each was founded by an individual or group with a clear and distinct approach to education — a mission. As a result, you can choose the school whose mission matches your child’s needs.” Source: Independent School Management (ISM)

The National Public Opinion Poll of Perceptions of Independent Schools, commissioned by the National Association of Independent Schools, found that “independent schools are seen as the most different in offering a more personalized, customized education, and an environment that is civil and controlled. Small class sizes, individualized attention, values, manners, and discipline are the most important factors describing differences between public and independent schools.”

Private schools are different in that….

  • Students generally do more homework, watch less television, and read more than their public school counterparts (US Department of Education study)
  • A greater percentage of students participate in the arts, athletics, and other extracurricular activities.
  • Achievement, hard work and study are typically valued by all members of the community.
  • Teachers interact with students in all aspects of school life and not just in the classroom.
  • They promote critical thinking and a love of learning.
  • Teachers have greater instructional latitude.
  • The schools emphasize ethical behavior and good citizenship.
  • Students are expected to be well-mannered and disciplined.
  • Emphasis is placed on communication between school and home.
  • Most are funded privately through tuition and charitable contributions.
  • Source: HAIS website

3. Why choose Yorkshire Academy over other area private schools?

Yorkshire offers students an opportunity to benefit from a nurturing environment which has low teacher/pupil ratios and educational opportunities that cannot be duplicated in a larger setting. Examples include so many extracurricular choices – from being involved in a full musical production each spring to working on Yorkshire’s annual Art Car project, accelerated curriculum, a Reading Specialist for very individualized attention, and so much more. The staff and faculty choose to be at Yorkshire Academy because it’s an enthusiastic place that inspires everyone, teachers and students alike, to do their best!

4. What is your teacher/pupil ratio?

  • Mother’s Day Out — 1:6 for 18 months; 1:8 for 2 years
  • Preschool — 1:12
  • Pre-Kindergarten — 1:15
  • Elementary (K to 5) — 1:16

5. Is Yorkshire Academy accredited? With whom?

Yes, Yorkshire is accredited with TAAPS (Texas Association of Accredited Private Schools). Yorkshire Academy is also a certified member of the Texas Association of Gifted and Talented (TAGT), the Houston Association of Independent Schools (HAIS), and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

6. What curriculum do you use in each grade?

Our curriculum includes: Addison Wesley/Scott Foresman Spelling, Handwriting Without Tears, Harcourt Trophies Language Program, Harcourt Social Studies, Nystrom Atlas/Geography, Harcourt Reading Series, Harcourt Early Leaning Series, Saxon Math, Scribner Reading Series, Shurley Grammar, AIMS Science Program, Neuhaus Language Enrichment Program, and Accelerated Math & Reading programs. Please review the curriculum portion of each program for a detailed overview.

7. Where do students attend school after Yorkshire Academy’s fifth grade?

Approximately 70% of our students move on to area private schools, and 30% go on to public middle schools, both groups with much success. We’re a member of HAIS (Houston Area of Independent Schools), a private school organization that allows schools to have close relationships with each other and keep abreast of the latest programs available. All schools are happy to hear they have a Yorkshire Academy student headed their way.

8. What extracurricular/enrichment subjects are taught?

Yorkshire excels in its extracurricular classes, including Music, Spanish, Art, Computer, P.E./Health and Library. Explore the web site for some great examples of these neat activities. All elementary and Pre-K students have each of the above-named classes twice each week. Preschool enjoys Art, Music and Movement, and Library with the extracurricular teachers. Our youngest Cottage kiddos even go to the library for special stories and to the P.E. teacher for Music and Movement.

9. Does Yorkshire Academy have Before- and After-School Care?

Yes, Before-School Care begins at 7:00 a.m. each morning, and After-School Care ends at 6:00 p.m.

10. What enrichment programs/classes are available at Yorkshire Academy? Are they open to the community?

The Memorial Afterschool Program (MAP) is open to the community and includes a myriad of choices for students to enjoy after school. Some examples of the classes offered are: art, piano, voice, violin, tae kwon do, dance, ceramics, and many more.

Yorkshire Academy’s tutoring program offers private and group tutoring for all ages.