History

St. Mark's Episcopal School was created in 1960 as an educational ministry of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. The School operated as a nursery school for years, then gradually began adding elementary grades, becoming one of the first private elementary schools in the West University area. Eventually adding middle school grades and graduating its first 8th grade class in 1989, St. Mark’s Episcopal School grew into one of the most recognized private schools in the greater Houston, Texas area.

The private Christian school, founded on Episcopalian principles, received its initial accreditation from the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools(recognized by the Texas Education Agency) in 1990.

In 2010, St. Mark's Episcopal School celebrated its 50th year, and continues to grow by bounds each year. Through the years the campus has grown, but small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios remain. Each year, the St. Mark’s Annual Fund allows us to provides the supplemental resources needed for the full support of our children and their educational development, including enhancements related to technology, instructional support and curriculum advancement, campus improvements, and professional development for our team of experienced faculty and staff, who have a passion to mentor youth and grow children into the leaders of tomorrow.

St. Mark was born shortly after Jesus in a small town in current-day Libya. He was one of the youngest followers of Jesus, and he witnessed much of Jesus' ministry as well as his crucifixion. Mark became a close friend to Peter, another of Jesus' disciples. Mark's Gospel is believed to contain the story of Jesus as told by Mark. It is thought to be the first Gospel that was written after the death of Jesus.

Mark, who was known as "The Evangelist," founded the Christian church in Egypt. He was jailed in Alexandria, Egypt because of his faith. One night, in jail, he was visited by an angel in the form of a lion who reassured him with these words, "Pax Tibi Marce Evangelista Meus," which means, "Peace be with you, Mark, my evangelist." The next day, Mark was martyred. The lion quickly became the symbol for St. Mark and is often portrayed with his paw on a book, his gospel, and the words "Pax Tibi Marce Evangelista Meus." The lion has wings in reference to the apocalyptic vision of the four creatures that John witnessed in Revelation 4. Today, Mark's body and some of his relics are in the San Marco Cathedral in Venice, Italy. However, his head and other relics are believed to be in St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, in Alexandria, Egypt.

At St. Mark’s, we want all of our students to be leaders, but it's just as important to be able to be a follower sometimes. Mark was a tremendous leader; he founded the church in Egypt. But he also knew when to be a follower; he followed Peter in his ministry.