Admission: Frequently Asked Questions

List of 19 items.

• When should I apply?

  The application deadline is in January. However, we often incur a significant number of openings throughout the school year due to families receiving job transfers. Accordingly, we accept and encourage applications after the initial admission deadline date for all grades PK-12. Please contact Director of Enrollment Management, Sean Griffin with any questions you may have.

• What are the normal entry grades?

  The most common entry points are prekindergarten, kindergarten, sixth grade, and ninth grade. We always have a limited number of spaces in all other grades due to relocation and other attrition.

• Should I attend an Admission event?

  While not required, physically being on our campus goes a long way to assist you in understanding our school and determining if you feel Cooper would be a good match for your family. If you are unable to attend an Admission Event, we are happy to meet with you individually.

• May I meet individually with someone in the Admission office?

  We welcome you to schedule an appointment to meet with Sean Griffin, Director of Enrollment Management.

• How competitive is the admissions process?

  Admission is selective, and each application is reviewed with care to ensure a strong match between the student and our program. As one of the highest ranked independent schools in The Woodlands and among the top schools in Texas and the United States, Cooper offers a challenging yet nurturing educational experience for a diverse group of students who are ready to thrive both academically and personally.
  
  The John Cooper School encourages all families to learn more about our warm and supportive community. We invite you to visit our campus or schedule an in-person tour.

• How are students assessed for admission?

  Students are assessed through various components depending on the grade level they are applying to, including teacher recommendations, report cards/transcripts, admission testing, and student interviews.

• Can you explain the admission interview process?

  Once families have submitted their initial application, they will gain access to the Student Interview calendar where they can register for a date and time at their convenience. Upon arrival to campus, the family is welcomed to the admission office until the admission representative arrives to take the student applicant to their office for a 30-minute discussion. Following that discussion, the student applicant’s parents will be invited for a 10-minute discussion.

• When are admission decisions sent out?

  Admission decisions are typically sent out on the first Friday in March.

• Are payments plans available for tuition?

  Yes, we offer 1, 2, 4, and 9 payment plan options for tuition payment.

• Is there a waitlist?

  Yes, each grade level has a wait pool created annually on admission decision day.

• Do you accept mid-year transfers?

  Yes, we accept applications to all grade levels after the deadline dates due to the transient nature of our region. Please contact the admission team for more information: 281-367-0900 ext. 2506 | admission@johncooper.org

• Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

  We offer financial aid based on a family's demonstrated financial need. Visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page for a link to Clarity, the software provider for the financial aid application.

• Do you offer sibling discounts?

  Financial aid is based on a family’s demonstrated financial need. There is no specific or guaranteed discount for siblings.

• Do you accept international students?

  The John Cooper School is a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, and the registrar can issue a Form I-20 required for international students to obtain an F-1 visa to study at Cooper. Cooper does not supply housing, so any applicant to must also live within driving distance and be housed with a legal guardian.

• What makes the school different from other private schools?

  The John Cooper School stands out for its small student teacher ratio, a commitment to whole child development, and high academic expectations supported by a modern, dynamic campus. Strong programs in STEM, fine arts, athletics, and digital learning give students broad opportunities to explore their interests and grow their skills.

  
  Students are truly known and cared for. They benefit from world class resources, individualized guidance, and a wide range of extracurricular experiences that help them discover their strengths and pursue their ambitions. At Cooper, students are supported in become lifelong learners, as they move along their journey from curiosity to wisdom.

• How many students attend The John Cooper School?

  Currently there are 507 students in Lower School, 331 students in Middle School, and 540 students in Upper School, for a total enrollment of 1,378.

• What are the class sizes?

  The average class sizes tend to be about 18-20 in all grades with the exception of prekindergarten which is 16. Lower School classrooms have full-time teaching assistants in PK-1st grades and part-time teaching assistants in 2-5th grades. The average student-teacher ratio is 11:1.

• What is your philosophy on balancing academics and extracurricilar activities such as athletics?

  The John Cooper School is committed to nurturing the whole student through a balanced approach that includes academics, arts, athletics, and service. Our founder, Mr. John Cooper, believed that these pillars work together to create a rich and complete educational experience that helps students grow into well-rounded individuals.
  
  For more than 35 years, this philosophy has guided the school. Students learn to challenge themselves in the classroom while developing teamwork, discipline, and resilience through athletics. The effectiveness of this balanced approach can be seen in more than 2,000 alumni around the world who are thriving in fields such as entrepreneurship, medicine, energy, innovation, the arts, and public service.

• Is giving required for all families?

  The John Cooper School is a nonprofit independent school that relies on the generosity of its community, including current parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff, and trustees. While giving is not required, these contributions play an important role in supporting the school’s operating budget.
  
  Donations help Cooper remain at the forefront of independent education. They strengthen classroom learning, enhance campus facilities, support teacher professional development and advanced degrees, provide competitive compensation for faculty, and uphold the high standards of excellence that define the school. Families are encouraged to participate at a level that is meaningful to them.