Frequently Asked Questions About Yorkshire Academy
1. When and how did Yorkshire Academy begin?
Yorkshire Academy opened its West Houston private school 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 300 children ranging in ages from 18 months to fifth grade. Yorkshire Academy is proud of its 37 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. Learn more from our Why Private Schools article.
3. Why choose Yorkshire Academy over other area private schools?
Yorkshire Academy 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 enrichment choices — being involved in a full musical production each spring, competing in district and statewide academic competitions, experiencing an accelerated curriculum, being connected to the environment through Y.A.'s Houston's only Ocean Guardian School status, 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. Do you accept students from international families?
Of course! Read our International Families’ Information page to learn how we support our international students and how to apply from overseas.
5. What is your teacher/pupil ratio?
- Early Childhood — 2:8 (youngest EC classes); 2:10 (Upper EC)
- Preschool — 2:12
- Pre-Kindergarten — 1:15
- Lower Elementary (Grades K to 2) — 1:16
- Upper Elementary (Grades 3 to 5) — 1:16
6. Is Yorkshire Academy accredited? With whom?
Yes, Yorkshire Academy is an accredited Houston private school through TAAPS (Texas Association of Accredited Private Schools). Yorkshire Academy is also a certified member of the Texas Association of Gifted and Talented (TAGT), and the Houston Association of Independent Schools (HAIS).
7. What curriculum do you use in each grade?
Our curriculum includes: Pearson Reading Street, Abydos Literarcy Learning, GoMath, Saxon Math, Eureka Math, Social Studies Alive, SEEDS (Students Engaging in the Environment through Discovery and Science), student-centered, inquiry based STEM program that focuses on concepts in Earth, Life, and Physical Sciences, and Accelerated Reading programs. Please review the curriculum portion of each program for a more detailed overview.
8. 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.
9. What extracurricular/enrichment subjects are taught?
Yorkshire Academy excels in its enrichment classes, including Music, Spanish, Art, Computer, Physical Education/Health and Library. Explore the website for some great examples of these neat activities. All elementary students have each of the above-named classes twice each week, whereas Pre-K students enjoy them once per week. Preschool enjoys Art, Music and Movement, Spanish, P.E. (with Coach Josh) 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.
10. 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. Students who participate in this program are considered part of Safecare.
11. 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, chess, coding, tae kwon do, dance, tennis, soccer, science exploration, golf, and many more.
Yorkshire Academy’s tutoring program offers private and group tutoring for all ages.
Where Is Yorkshire Academy?
We are located in West Houston, on Memorial Drive, one block west of Kirkwood.
- 14120 Memorial Drive
Houston, Texas 77079 - Location map
Yorkshire Academy is an ERB Member School
ERB is the organization Yorkshire Academy has joined in order to offer evaluations for our current students, as well as for those students applying for admission. Yorkshire Academy has chosen ERB because it is a leader both nationally and internationally providing a user-friendly online format, robust feedback and immediate score reporting. For more information, visit the ERB website.