Application Process

Middle school Bible teacher at Second Baptist School works with her students in the classroom.

Sharing the SBS Mission with All Families

The Second Baptist School application process across all division levels (lower school, middle school and upper school) is structured to reflect the mission of the school - to equip students to think critically, live biblically and lead courageously. Each step of our admissions journey is purposeful and deliberate in order to select mission appropriate candidates to be a part of our caring community.

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SBS Considers 3 Things When Evaluating Candidates for Admission

Academic Standards & Achievement

Second Baptist School believes that education must be both Christ-centered and academically excellent. Applicants must possess a high degree of learning in order to succeed in the curriculum and courses that are offered at SBS. A history of academic achievement paired with a desire to be challenged leads to ideal candidates that are motivated to succeed in the classroom.

SBS looks for dedication to academic pursuits and intellectual curiosity by assessing the following:

Grades (over time)
Rigor of current academic program
School type and curriculum
Standardized test results (including ISEE and WPPSI/WISC and Woodcock Johnson)
Student/family interview
Teacher recommendations
Personal essays

Personal Qualities

The heart of SBS is our caring community. By serving each other, we are living biblically together to support the school. Applicants must possess personal qualities that showcase their desire to engage in the life of the school and its co-curricular pursuits.

SBS looks for engagement by assessing the following:

Personal essays
Student/family interview
Co-curricular and service involvement inside and outside of the school
Demonstrated leadership in the student’s current school community
Teacher recommendations
Parent questionnaire

A Good Fit

Second Baptist School desires to bring all students into a relationship with Christ. This passion is fulfilled daily as faculty, staff and coaches invest in each student to help him or her exceed their potential. SBS looks for applicants that are mission appropriate and demonstrate a clear understanding of the school’s mission and passion through independence, self-advocacy and leadership skills.

We look for this dedication by assessing the following:

Personal essays
Student/family interview
Teacher recommendations
Parent questionnaire

Second Baptist School Head of Middle School smiles with four students at the anniversary chalk walk.

Steps to Apply

Select your division level below to learn more about the SBS application process for your student.

Lower School

Online Application & Checklist

When you Apply Now, you will create a login and password. You may complete the application over time, and your student will be considered an applicant when each step is completed and the fee is paid.

Required Documents

Submit the teacher recommendation through the online checklist. The teacher will return the completed form to the Office of Admissions.
Kindergarten-grade 4 applicants will submit the official records request to your student's current school. The school will send records directly to the SBS Office of Admissions.
You will submit your student's birth certificate and other applicable documents via the online checklist.

Testing

PK4 - grade 4 applicants, lower school required testing is administered by Education Specialists. Schedule your individual appointment with Education Specialists (713) 461-7996.

Evaluation

Lower school applicants attend an evaluation with the Office of Admissions. Evaluations are scheduled through the online checklist.

When to Apply

Pre-kindergarten 3 students must be three years old before September 1 of the enrolling year.
Pre-kindergarten 4 students must be four years old before September 1 of the enrolling year.
Kindergarten students must be five years old before September 1 of the enrolling year.

Important Dates

PK3 Application Deadline: November 1, 2022
PK4 - Grade 12 Application Deadline: December 5, 2022
PK3 Decisions: January 4, 2023
Admissions Decisions: March 10, 2023
Common Reply Date: March 31, 2023

*SBS will consider applicants after the deadline if there is availability in the grade level. Priority is given to applicants who adhere to the deadline.

Middle School

Online Application & Checklist

When you Apply Now, you will create a login and password. You may complete the application over time, and your student will be considered an applicant when each step is completed and the fee is paid.

Required Documents

Submit the teacher recommendation(s) through the online checklist. The teacher will return the completed form to the Office of Admissions. One recommendation is required for grade 5. Recommendations from both English and math teachers are required for grades 6-8.
Submit the official transcript request to your student's current school. The school will return the completed forms to the SBS Office of Admissions.
You will submit your student's birth certificate and other applicable documents via the online checklist.

Testing

Applicants for grades 5-8 are required to take the ISEE - Independent School Entrance Exam.

Evaluation

Middle school applicants attend an interview with a middle school administrator or faculty member. Interviews are scheduled through the online checklist.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: December 5, 2022
Admissions Decisions: March 10, 2023
Common Reply Date: March 31, 2023

*SBS will consider applicants after the deadline if there is availability in the grade level. Priority is given to applicants who adhere to the deadline.

Upper School

Online Application & Checklist

When you Apply Now, you will create a login and password. You may complete the application over time, and your student will be considered an applicant when each step is completed and the fee is paid.

Required Documents

Submit the teacher recommendations through the online checklist. The teacher will return the completed form to the Office of Admissions. Recommendations from English and math teachers are required.
Submit the official transcript request to your student's current school. The school will return the completed forms to the SBS Office of Admissions.
You will submit your student's birth certificate and other applicable documents via the online checklist.

Testing

Applicants for grades 9-12 are required to take the ISEE - Independent School Entrance Exam.

Evaluation

Upper school applicants attend an interview with an upper school administrator or faculty member. Interviews are scheduled through the online checklist.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: December 5, 2022
Admissions Decisions: March 10, 2023
Common Reply Date: March 31, 2023

*SBS will consider applicants after the deadline if there is availability in the grade level. Priority is given to applicants who adhere to the deadline.

Application Process Frequently Asked Questions

Why is testing required?

Testing is required as part of the application process to provide a standardized way to review academic scores from one candidate to the next. Applicants for pre-kindergarten 4-grade 4 require the WPPSI/WISC assessment. Grades 1-4 also require the Woodcock Johnson. Middle school and upper school applicants are required to take the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam).

How can I best prepare my student for testing?

For lower school, no preparation is needed for the WPPSI/WISC as they test IQ. The Woodcock Johnson assesses academic achievement and cognitive development so no preparation is needed. For middle and upper school, we recommend working through the materials provided by ISEE to familiarize your student with the format and timing of the test. Practice tests are also provided.

How do I schedule testing?

Is there a fee for the testing that is required as part of the application process?

Yes. The WPPSI™-IV Wechsler Preschool & Primary Scale of Intelligence™ | Fourth Edition is required for pre-kindergarten 4, Bridge and kindergarten applicants and the fee is $250. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children® Fifth Edition (WISC®-V) and the Woodcock-Johnson® IV (WJ IV) are required for grade 1-4 applicants and the fee is $500. The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is required for grades 5- 12 and the fee ranges from $120-$200.