College Prep High Schools in Houston: Advantages of Our All-Girls School

The educational experience at St. Agnes Academy is unlike what other college prep high schools in Houston might provide. As a Catholic, all-girls institution, we offer a unique high school experience that is motivated by Dominican values: our students graduate as curious, brave young women after four years of academic challenge.

A key factor that helps our students achieve their academic goals is our all-girls learning environment. As you consider high schools in Houston that can help your daughter prepare for college, we invite you to learn what separates St. Agnes as the highest-ranked all-girls, private school in Houston.

Need more convincing about the benefits of an all-girls high school? Here’s a closer look at how a single-gender learning environment benefits young women in terms of confidence, learning environment, academics, community, and Catholic values.

Confidence is crucial to both personal and academic success, and an all-girls environment is specifically designed to foster it. In a single-gender educational setup, girls are more willing to step out of their comfort zones without the social pressures that may accompany coeducational settings.

At St. Agnes, the absence of boys in the classroom and other school activities helps alleviate some of the self-consciousness that can affect young women, especially going into high school. Students are also encouraged to participate and take leadership roles in a variety of activities that boys might traditionally dominate.

Whether earning a role on the St. Agnes Student Council (StuCo) Executive Board, participating in Debate Club, or becoming part of Varsity Field Hockey, St. Agnes girls have numerous opportunities to build their self-esteem and discover their strengths.

The supportive atmosphere and focus on female empowerment allow students to develop a strong sense of self-worth and the confidence to tackle new challenges – in and out of the classroom.

With approximately 930 students total, St. Agnes is smaller than the average Houston coeducational, public school.

Thanks to our smaller class sizes, St. Agnes teachers can provide students with more individualized attention, personal learning, and feedback that facilitates growth and deeper learning.

These close learning environments are structured to promote collaboration and open discussion through class seminars, group projects, and graded discussions. Students are more likely to actively participate in class, ask questions, and express their opinions without fear of judgment or stereotyping, making the classroom a more interactive and participatory learning experience.

The opportunity to create a close community within their respective classes gives students a safe environment to learn, make mistakes, and grow throughout the year—something not always possible in a coeducational space.

The arrangement also allows for closer relationships to develop between students and their classmates. By the end of the year, they have gained many new friends! This is a crucial part of what fosters the tight-knit community and sisterhood St. Agnes is known for.

St. Agnes promotes strong academic performance and a commitment to excellence within their students. We offer a rigorous academic program, including the opportunity for girls to take Advanced, Honors, and AP classes during their time at St. Agnes.

These higher levels of classes challenge our students and prepare them for higher education and professional-level work. The focus on academic achievement is complemented by a range of extracurricular activities, including Tiger Athletics, clubs, arts, and more.

The all-girls environment at St. Agnes also supports healthy peer pressure among students. By fostering a supportive and collaborative community, the all-girls environment transforms peer pressure into a more positive force, guiding students toward personal growth and success. 

Students are not afraid to look to each other for assistance and motivation. They constantly push each other to improve and raise the bar. For example, if a student sees her friends excelling in academics, she will often feel inspired to push herself to achieve similar goals.

This sense of positive peer influence creates an environment where positive behaviors are encouraged and celebrated at St. Agnes. A sense of commitment and shared purpose forms, which positively influences students’ motivation and performance.

Sisterhood is a cornerstone at St. Agnes. We cultivate strong relationships among students and faculty, making school a place where every girl feels valued and supported – as a student, person, athlete, and artist in every capacity. The absence of boys in the student body allows for a sense of solidarity and mutual respect among girls, which is crucial in the spirit of St. Agnes.

St. Agnes girls greatly benefit from the all-girls community where their voices are heard, and their contributions are recognized. It encourages collaboration and a shared purpose, leading to lasting friendships and a supportive network that goes beyond graduation into the “real world.” 

At our alumnae events, it is evident that the sisterhood created during the girls’ four years at St. Agnes is strong enough to last well into life. The bonds created through the all-girls setting are long-lasting.

The all-girls environment at St. Agnes provides a place where faith and learning can coexist. Catholic values are deeply integrated into our curriculum and school culture, and girls receive a holistic education that covers both academic and spiritual development.

Girls are encouraged to grow in their faith while developing academically. Religious education is woven into the curriculum, and students participate in Theology classes, faith-based retreats, required Masses, and Servant Leadership projects that focus on Catholic teachings.

Through this program, St. Agnes also teaches the empowerment of women in the Catholic faith and Bible. This integration of faith gives students the chance to understand how their faith and actions connect to their role as young women.

An all-girls education at St. Agnes offers various benefits that empower young women to thrive – not only in the classroom but also in a professional career.

From cultivating confidence and an encouraging learning environment to promoting academic achievement and building a strong sisterhood, St. Agnes creates a supportive and enriching high school experience for our students before they launch out into college.

We also offer the benefit of integrating the Catholic faith into our teaching and community, giving girls the space to explore their spiritual identity and grow within it.

As you consider college prep high schools in Houston, we invite you to schedule a call with our Admissions team to learn more about enrolling your daughter at St. Agnes. We are confident our college preparatory school can help your daughter prepare for future success.