What if my family is not Baptist?
We welcome all families who want their child to experience the kind of education ROBS offers. Our students come from many different religious backgrounds. In fact, it might surprise you to know that this is our current enrollment:
30% Christian without a specified denomination
15% Methodist
15% Catholic
12% Episcopalian
9% Baptist
8% Unreported
7% Presbyterian
4% Religions other than Christianity
If you review our website and other materials and visit the school, we think you’ll be able to get a good sense of whether you and your family will be comfortable here.
When should I apply?
Applications for entry into the following school year open in the beginning of August each year. The deadline to apply is December 10. However, we encourage you to apply early so you start on your child’s admission checklist. Assessment and Interview appointments are available on a first come, first served basis.
What is your acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate varies by grade applied. On average the acceptance rate is around 40-50%. We welcome students on the wait list to go through the application process again.
Should I apply to more than one school?
Yes, we think so. There are a number of great options out there, and the most important thing is that you take a good look around and find the best match for your child. Also keep in mind that the best schools typically have limited openings, so the more you explore and apply to, the more potential options you will have.
Are legacies given preference?
Yes. Siblings of existing and former students and children of alumni have priority, however we do reserve openings at all levels for non-legacies. Due to limited openings and high demand, legacies are not guaranteed admittance, and some are placed on our waiting list every year. All students, including legacies, must qualify for admission to receive an offer of admission.
What other groups are given priority?
In addition to legacies, children of participating members of River Oaks Baptist Church, children of current faculty and staff, and returning students receive priority in the admission process. All students, including those in priority categories, must qualify for admission to receive an offer.
Do you have a waitlist?
After enrollment offers are made in March, a wait list is generated and students are accepted as spaces become available. In some grades, all spaces fill without going back to the wait list. When school begins in the fall, those placed on the wait list are contacted and invited to apply again. Each admission year is treated independently and all applicants must complete an admission application, even those who are reapplying.
What if I decline a place at ROBS and decide to reapply?
If you decline our offer, you must submit a new application to be considered for future admission.
How can I prepare my child for testing?
The only preparation your child will need is a good night’s sleep, a nutritious breakfast, and the simple idea that he or she is about to have a pleasant experience. A couple days in advance, you might casually tell your child that he will get to do some “interesting work” in a classroom with other kids his age. On testing day, arrive at least 10 minutes early so your child can get comfortable. The gathering room has toys in the middle with chairs nearby for parents. Just let your child go and play, while you relax. We then begin with a student parade to the classrooms. The testing consists of age-appropriate activities that are likely already familiar to your child.
We strongly discourage parents from trying to prepare children for testing. Testing is designed to give both you and us a true picture of your child’s abilities. This is important information for you to have in choosing a school that is a good fit for your child. And it is important to us as we seek to admit students who are ready for our program. Trying to prepare a child for a cognitive test such as the WPPSI/WISC invalidates the results. We believe this so strongly that if the tester believes your child has been prepped for an aptitude test, we will not consider his or her application for at least a year.
Does my child need to test every year if he or she was previously on the wait list?
Yes. Every admission year is independent of prior years, and applying students must go through the entire process, including submitting a new application.
What are your typical class sizes?
Readiness classes have 16 students and two teachers. Prekindergarten classes have 18 students and two teachers. Kindergarten classes have approximately 18 students and two teachers. In grades 1 – 8, there are generally 18-20 students per class with one teacher.
Do you offer after-school care?
Yes; all students may enroll in Prime Time, which is open until 6:00 p.m.
We also offer a wide array of on-campus activities from outside providers, such as art, dance, music, theater, Tae Kwon Do, sewing, golf, Mad Science, MineCraft, Chinese, and Spanish.