BACK-TO-SCHOOL
San Marcos Academy students returned to campus on Tuesday, Aug. 12, to begin the Academy’s 118th school year. Faculty and staff greeted 167 lower school students (PreK-3 to fifth grade), 77 middle school students (sixth to eighth grade), and 111 upper school students (ninth to twelfth grade), representing communities across Central Texas and around the globe. Of the 354 students enrolled this year, 96 are new to the SMA family.
San Marcos Academy Middle School cheerleaders welcome an SMA Lower School student on the first day of school. Photo courtesy of San Marcos Academy.
San Marcos Academy serves a diverse population of learners from near and far. In addition to students from San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Lockhart, New Braunfels, Wimberley, Dripping Springs and Seguin, the Academy also welcomes boarding students from across Texas — including Austin, Houston and the Rio Grande Valley — as well as from St. Kitts, South Korea, China, Congo, Nigeria and Vietnam.
“Our student body is made up of students from right here in Central Texas, from across our great state, and from around the world. It is a privilege to welcome our returning students and new families to campus as we begin a year centered on Christ’s command in John 15:12 to ‘Love One Another.’ At San Marcos Academy, every student matters to us because they matter to God, and we look forward to seeing them grow in both their academic pursuits and their walk with the Lord,” said Dr. Brian Guenther, president of San Marcos Academy.
The first day of school began with a special sunrise gathering for the Class of 2026, who met on the football field for a time of prayer and fellowship before joining the rest of the middle and upper school student body for orientation, led by Dr. Guenther and Principal Mrs. Tamra Howe. Lower school students were warmly welcomed by middle and upper school cheerleaders before heading into their classrooms to meet their teachers and classmates. Later, they joined Dr. Guenther and Lower School Principal Mrs. Rebecca Nash for a time of praise and worship.
San Marcos Academy is a fully accredited private Christian school for students in PreK-3 through twelfth grade, offering both day and boarding programs for grades sixth to twelfth. The Academy’s rigorous and engaging curriculum is designed to inspire students and prepare them for success in life and in college. Since 1907, San Marcos Academy has upheld a tradition of excellence in Christian education, equipping young leaders to grow in faith, wisdom and purpose.
