FAQ

The Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) accredits Keystone School. This organization is approved by the state to accredit private schools and currently represents 82 schools in 6 states and Mexico. Keystone School and ISAS are affiliated with the National Association of Independent Schools.

Each grade consists of two sections of fewer than 20 students per section. Current enrollment is approximately 500 students in grades PK3-12.

Keystone offers only an accelerated and enriched academic program. We do not offer different instructional tracks. All courses are considered to be at least equivalent to an honors level. We try to ensure that the students working within such a program are capable of success. Our goal is to make a good match between each student and our program so that each child can realize his or her maximum potential.

• Students entering grades K-4 are tested for cognitive and grade level competencies.  We use a standardized measure to assess cognitive abilities, conducted by a licensed psychologist.
• The Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) is required for applicants to grades 5-12. The ISEE was developed by the Education Records Bureau and is used by over 1,100 independent schools as part of the admissions process. The test lasts approximately three hours and is offered on a variety of dates. The Head of Middle School and Head of Upper School also review recent test scores and grades of applicants.

We do not have a deadline; however, the number of seats available in many classes is limited and priority is given to applications received by February 1st. Current parents re-enroll for grades 1-12 by late February, and some grades fill by mid-March. Kindergarten testing begins in December and we start sending out acceptances in late January. We encourage early submission of application.

Keystone has been among the most diverse schools accredited by the ISAS. Currently, more than 60% of our population are students of color. This mixture has always been a hallmark of the Keystone experience.

Keystone is not affiliated with any religious organization or church and no worship or religious activities are part of campus life. Many religions are represented among our current families, and Keystone considers itself to be an hospitable environment for all faiths, a characteristic which both the school and the students value.

Tuition assistance is available for grades K-12 based on demonstrated need and on space available in classes where there is an opening.

Teachers have degrees and experience in the academic disciplines in which they teach. On average, teacher tenure is 7-9 years, though we have a number of teachers who have been here longer. In the Upper School, 75% of our faculty have obtained a master’s degree or doctorate.

Grades K-4 begin at 8:30 and end between 3:00 and 3:15. Grades 5-12 begin classes at 8:30 every day; classes end at 3:45. The Wednesday schedule includes a general assembly period or an advisory session.

Students do not wear uniforms, but are expected to wear modest attire suited to a K-12 school environment.

Keystone offers 15 designated AP courses, beginning with Modern European History in the sophomore year. AP courses in English and history are required of all students; math, science, and foreign language AP courses are optional. On average 70-80% of all graduates have been named Advanced Placement Scholars for excellent performance on numerous AP exams.

The mean composite score for our senior classes typically averages over 1400 on the SAT and over 30 on the ACT. Students in grades K-8 average over 90% on the Stanford Achievement Test.

In the Middle School, competitive teams are fielded in track and field, soccer, and basketball for boys and volleyball, track and field, basketball and softball for girls.  Depending on student interest level, cross-country may be offered.  The Middle School (grades 6-8) competes within the local ISAL league comprising of private schools within San Antonio.

Upper School competitive teams are fielded in co-ed soccer, girls volleyball, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls tennis, softball and baseball.  The Upper School competes within the TAPPS 3A division, a state-wide organization.