The Saint Joseph Academy Mission Statement- Conducted by the Marist Brothers of the Schools and serving the children of the lower Rio Grande Valley, Saint Joseph Academy provides religious and moral formation and a college preparatory education in the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.
It endeavors to form young men and women who will succeed in university studies, who know and love Jesus, and who actively participate in the worship and mission of the Church, including the Church`s preferential option for the poor.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked TX School
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 463 students
- Yearly Tuition: $11,940
- Acceptance rate: 95%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: Oct. 21
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Saint Joseph Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia, Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1865
Colors
White, Red
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Student Body
Total Students
463 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
90%
State avg.: 41%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
18 students
Number of AP Courses
10 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP BiologyAP Calculus
AP ChemistryAP Computer Science
AP FrenchAP Government
AP Human GeographyAP Microeconomics
AP PhysicsAP Psychology
AP Spanish LanguageAP Spanish Literature
AP Studio ArtAP US History
Average SAT score
1120
(Out of 1600)
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform required
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Oct. 21
Yearly Tuition Cost
$11,940
Tuition Notes
Application Fee $75
Registration $650
% on Financial Aid
25%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$2,500
Acceptance Rate
95%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Marisol De Luz
Admissions Associate
Destiny Rodriguez
Application URL
Endowment Size
$2 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
13 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
23 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Astronomy ClubBloodhound Ambassadors
Book ClubBowling Club
Business ClubChess Team
Fishing ClubFrench Honor Society
Good Neighbor Service ProjectGreen Team
Marist YouthModel UN
National Junior Honor Societypep squad
Positive Peer Leadership TeamProject Red (Student News)
Rotary International InteractSpanish Honor Society
Student CouncilSWAP (Poetry/Writing Club)
UNICEF Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Liturgical ChoirNational Art Honor Society
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bloodhounds
- The Saint Joseph Academy Mission Statement- Conducted by the Marist Brothers of the Schools and serving the children of the lower Rio Grande Valley, Saint Joseph Academy provides religious and moral formation and a college preparatory education in the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.
- It endeavors to form young men and women who will succeed in university studies, who know and love Jesus, and who actively participate in the worship and mission of the Church, including the Church`s preferential option for the poor.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Saint Joseph Academy cost?
Saint Joseph Academy's tuition is approximately $11,940 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Saint Joseph Academy?
The acceptance rate of Saint Joseph Academy is 95%, which is higher than the national average of 82%.
What sports does Saint Joseph Academy offer?
Saint Joseph Academy offers 13 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Football, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Weightlifting. Saint Joseph Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Texas for most sports offered.
What is Saint Joseph Academy's ranking?
Saint Joseph Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Texas for: Highest percentage of students of color, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Saint Joseph Academy?
The application deadline for Saint Joseph Academy is Oct. 21.
In what neighborhood is Saint Joseph Academy located?
Saint Joseph Academy is located in the Mitte Cultural District neighborhood of Brownsville, TX. There are 2 other private schools located in Mitte Cultural District.
School Reviews
5 7/6/2020
I started working at Saint Joseph Academy since 2005 and have been blessed to work for incredible leaders, all which have inspired me to do the very best of my ability. I feel valued, appreciated, acknowledged and rewarded which keeps me motivated mentally and physically. Our administration, faculty and staff are truly dedicated and committed to the school community as a whole. We ardently work to keep our Mission and Vision alive for our current students and the generations to come. Our motto is "Ad Astra per Aspera" which means "To the stars through difficulties" - this encapsulates and expresses the high ideals of our administration, faculty, staff and students.
5 6/28/2020
My two children graduated from Saint Joseph Academy and they received an excellent education that prepared them well for their university studies. Both of my children went to Texas A & M University and excelled there thanks to the strong foundation of education that they received at St. Joe. St. Joe provided not only a strong academic base, but it provided my children with strong values for the importance of community service and faith. The school provided my children with the opportunity to learn and partake in leadership roles and how to be part of a team. Their experiences at St. Joe will carry them through life.
5 6/28/2020
I have one child that graduated from Saint Joseph Academy, and one child currently enrolled. I feel that there is no other school in Brownsville that prepares your child for the rigors of college than SJA. My daughter was admitted to the Business Honors program at her university with nearly a full scholarship and is doing fantastic and I attribute that success to the rigorous courses of SJA. Not only does SJA provide true college prep academics, they foster an environment of service and encourage involvement in athletics and extra-curricular activities. They have an amazing counseling department dedicated to helping students ensure they have the courses they need and then apply to their desired schools and get scholarships. SJA works to develop the whole child in a faith-filled environment.
5 6/22/2020
The best private school in South Texas!!
5 5/28/2020
This school was the best thing for our son. We moved him in the middle of his 9th-grade year and it was the best decision we could have made. He was able to have more positive, enriching experiences than his previous top-ranked school, more activities to be involved with, and we were able to be more involved as parents. He was happier, excelled even though it was challenging, and had the best help to get into the college he wanted.
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