Perhaps you sense a subtle shift in the air here. We are standing before The Kinkaid School, a place where history and ambition intertwine. It is the oldest independent coeducational school in Greater Houston. Kinkaid’s story began in 1906. Margaret Hunter Kinkaid founded it. Initially, classes were held in her dining room at Elgin and San Jacinto.
Imagine that dining room. Tuition ranged from $90 to $130 per year. Today, the Kinkaid School stands on a 40-acre campus in Piney Point Village. It moved here in 1957. Before that, it was located at Richmond and Graustark.
Lux per Scientiam is the school motto. It means Light through Knowledge. The school colors are purple and gold. The mascot is the falcon. Kinkaid is divided into three schools. There is a Lower School, a Middle School, and an Upper School. Lower School includes PreK through 4th Grade. The Middle School has 5th through 8th grades. The Upper School covers 9th through 12th grades. Currently, Jonathan Eades is the head of school.
A unique feature is the Interim Term. It is a three-week period in January. Teachers design special curricula. Students select courses. These can include military histories. They also offer digital programming and art history. Students can embark on international trips. They might tour China, Italy, or Greece.
Kinkaid School also has a strong athletic program. They compete in the Southwest Preparatory Conference. The annual Kinkaid vs. St. John’s School football game is a major event. It is played at Rice Stadium. Kinkaid offers many sports. These include football, soccer and swimming. There is also baseball, golf and lacrosse.
The arts also flourish here. Kinkaid offers courses in dance and acting. There are also options for choir and band. Visual arts include drawing and painting. The school puts on musicals. Upper and Middle School students participate. The Independent Schools Association of the Southwest hosts an arts festival. Kinkaid students showcase their talents.
In the early 1990s, Kinkaid began a large construction program. They modernized the facilities. A new Lower School and Middle School were built. The Upper School expanded. A new auditorium and cafeteria were added.
The Kinkaid School Archives preserve the school’s history. They hold records of Margaret Kinkaid. You can also find yearbooks and photographs. The archives are located in the Upper School Moran Library. They are accessible to the public.
Kinkaid has been recognized as one of the smartest private schools in the US. The quiz bowl team was ranked first nationally in 2021-2022. In 1998, scenes from the movie Rushmore were filmed here.
Notable alumni include James A. Baker III and George W. Bush. Jeb Bush and many other influential figures also attended Kinkaid. The school has made a lasting impact on Houston. It continues to shape future leaders. Kinkaid’s commitment to excellence remains strong. The Hall of Honor showcases Falcon student athletes. It provides an engaging and interactive environment.
As you leave Kinkaid, remember its motto. Light through Knowledge. It is a guiding principle for all who pass through these halls. The Kinkaid School stands as a beacon. It illuminates the path for generations to come.