Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to go to Huntington-Surrey?

Tuition is $8100 per year. Most parents choose to pay by the month, which works out to $900 per month for 9 months (September through May). Electives cost an additional $100 per course per semester.

When parents sign a contract, the last month's tuition is paid in advance, along with a $500 processing fee. This $1400 deposit is nonrefundable.
Are there scholarships available to help with tuition?

Not through the school. The school is privately owned and is funded entirely through tuition payments. We receive no grants or donations that would make scholarships available.

What are the advantages of small classes?
Students have no place to hide from teachers, and teachers have no place to hide from students. Students get more attention, which leads to better understanding. Students develop relationships with teachers and peers that give them the comfort necessary to ask questions and discuss topics. Teachers have the luxury of teaching rather than having to spend all their time managing an unruly and disinterested mob. These conditions aid students in their development as students and as individuals.
Can you help students with learning disabilities?
Maybe. Our staff is not trained in special education, but we have had some success with some learning-disabled students. We evaluate each student on a case-by-case basis. Important factors are the nature and severity of the learning disability and the student's willingness to succeed in spite of it.
How can students learn anything in only a half day of classes?
We cut the fat out of the standard school day and only focus on core academics. There are no Physical Education classes, no lunch hours, no pep rallies, no homeroom classes, and no daily announcements. And due to the reduced need for discipline and bureacracy, class time is spent more efficiently.
Does Huntington-Surrey have extracurricular activities?
No. We focus on academics and leave students to pursue their other activities outside of school.
Are the teachers any good?
Oh, yes. Our teachers are degreed in their academic subjects. Many have multiple degrees. Most importantly, our program (small classes, teacher control over curriculum, etc.) gives them the time and flexibility they need to succeed as teachers. Our teachers are here for the same reason our students are here: Huntington-Surrey creates an environment where teachers can teach and students can learn.
Will credits earned at Huntington-Surrey transfer to other schools?
Yes. Huntington-Surrey's accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools assures that Huntington-Surrey's credits are transferable regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Does Huntington-Surrey offer honors or AP classes?
No, but depending on the student's level of achievement in a particular course, that course may be designated as Advanced or Basic at the teacher's discretion.
Is Huntington-Surrey's curriculum driven by the TAKS or other standardized tests?
No. Huntington-Surrey students are exempt from such state-mandated tests. We do tailor our curriculum to help our students succeed on college entrance exams such as the SAT, but we feel it is important to teach them how to read, write, and think rather than merely to teach them how to take one test or another.
Will going to Huntington-Surrey improve my child's chances of getting into college?
Most likely. Huntington-Surrey's entire four-year curriculum is designed to prepare students for college. Seniors are required to take a semester-long Senior Advisory course in which they are guided through the process of researching and applying to colleges. Our graduates are accepted to four-year schools at close to a 100% rate. Recent graduates have been accepted into schools such as the University of Texas at Austin, the University of North Texas, Southwestern, St. Edward's, Evergreen, Reed, Hendrix, Sarah Lawrence, NYU, Loyola, Colorado State University, Arizona State University, Louisiana State University, and Ole Miss.
What is the social atmosphere like at Huntington-Surrey?
We try to create and maintain a friendly, accepting, safe environment for our students and faculty. We expect all the members of our community to contribute toward that end. Our abbreviated school day and the fact that our students come from all over the Austin area require our students to get many of their social needs met outside of school. We don't have dances or other activities that would foster social connections, but our scale and our philosophy require an atmoshpere of collegiality, tolerance, and common cause.

Huntington-Surrey School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
© 2003, 2006 Huntington-Surrey School. All Rights Reserved. Design by Larissa Pickens and Michael Laster.

Click below to see questions about: