Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about
Mirus Academy?
Here are answers to the questions we hear most often, but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have a question not listed here. After all, Mirus is a school that is as unique as its students.
FAQs
Does Mirus Academy accept all students who apply for admission?
No, Mirus Academy has a selective admissions process and is unable to accept every student that applies. The requirements for admissions can be found on the ADMISSIONS page of this website.
Does Mirus Academy accept students year-round?
Yes, Mirus Academy will accept new students throughout the year if space is available. (Note: some limitations apply to students transferring during their senior year).
Can my child try out the school without enrolling?
Yes, we believe school should be a "good fit" in order for each individual student to thrive and excel. As part of the application process, at least one trial day is required. Trial days are scheduled only after the completed application is fully submitted and approved. (note: Trial Days are not available for students applying during summer months).
Can Mirus Academy accommodate my child's unique circumstances?
Please read CAN MIRUS ACCEPT for details on special populations.
Does Mirus have options available for homeschooled students?
Mirus cannot accept "part-time" students who want to enroll in just one or two classes. However, Mirus Academy remains a popular option for families who have been homeschooling in the past and are now looking for a more structured school setting for their children. Approximately 1/3 of Mirus students have homeschooled before enrolling at Mirus Academy, so Mirus is very familiar with the needs of homeschooled families.
Can Mirus admit highly gifted students younger than 6th grade?
Mirus Academy is set up as a junior high and high school and is not equipped to support the needs of young students. Mirus can accept students as young as 10 years of age (as of the first day of school) as long as that student is solidly at a 6th grade level or higher.
Do most students live in Katy?
Approximately half of Mirus's students live within the boundaries of Katy ISD. The other half commute from areas such as Memorial, Sugar Land, Richmond, Sealy, Columbus, Cypress, Spring Branch, etc. A 20-30 minute commute is the norm for most Mirus students; however, as Mirus is the only school of its type in the area, some students drive over an hour to attend school at Mirus Academy.
Is Mirus accredited?
Yes, Mirus Academy is fully accredited by the National Association of Private Schools
What is the average class size?
Mirus classes vary in size from 3 -12 students, but the average is about 7-8 students per class. At Mirus Academy, students always receive the personal attention they need for academic and personal success.
What about the STAAR test? Does the school "teach to the test"?
To what colleges have Mirus graduates been accepted?
Mirus Academy graduates have been accepted to many select private and public universities both in Texas and out of state. Please read COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES for a more complete list.
Does Mirus Academy have an athletic program?
No. Mirus Academy has made the decision to not have sports teams. Experience has shown that athletic programs can be socially divisive which runs counter to the inclusive atmosphere of the school. Many students at Mirus are involved in after-school sports, but as a school Mirus places its focus on academics and fine arts.
Do students have recess or break periods?
At Mirus Academy, we believe breaks are an important part of the school day-- students, regardless of age, need time to socialize, stretch their legs, and get some fresh air outside. All students have a five-minute break each hour plus a mid-day 30 minute lunch period during which they may choose to eat inside or outside. Junior High students also have 30 minutes of outdoor recess. Recess and lunch periods are never taken away from the student for disciplinary reasons or to make up absent work.
What do students do for lunch?
Mirus Academy has two 30-minute lunch periods-- one for Junior High and one for High School. During lunch, students may eat and socialize in the lunchroom or at the picnic tables in the outdoor courtyard. Students may bring their lunch from home (microwaves are available), or they may purchase a hot lunch catered by local restaurants such as Chick Fil A, Dominos Pizza, Jason's Deli, and others. Juniors and Seniors are permitted to leave campus for lunch on Tuesdays & Thursdays.
Does Mirus follow the Katy ISD calendar?
In general, Mirus Academy follows the Katy ISD calendar, although Mirus tends to be more generous with its school holidays.
Is Mirus Academy a religious school?
No. Mirus Academy uses a secular curriculum similar to what is used in Texas public schools. Students of all religions (as well as non-religions) are welcome and respected.
Can my gifted child skip a grade or graduate early from Mirus?
At Mirus Academy, we place students in grade levels according to age. For example, a gifted 12 year old would be considered a 7th grader, even if that 12 year old is enrolled in multiple high school level classes. In this way, the 12 year old is able to continue to be with same-age peers for lunch, recess, and fine arts and also remain eligible for special programs and competitions that classify students by age rather than grade level.
How many students are at Mirus? Is the school growing?
Mirus Academy is a small school by design, with an average of 50 students enrolled each year. The small, family-like environment is essential to the Mirus Academy school philosophy, so we have no plans to grow the school larger.
How does Mirus Academy keep its tuition so low?
If you've compared tuition rates at private schools across Houston, you've undoubtedly discovered that Mirus Academy tuition is low compared to similar classroom-based private schools. We keep our tuition low, in part, by keeping our physical facility expenses low. We believe that a school is defined by its programs and not by its building, so we currently occupy a 1940s-era church building in the historic district of the City of Katy. We could certainly build a large, contemporary school building, but we would have to triple our tuition to pay for it and that would run counter to our commitment to keeping school tuition as low and affordable as possible.
What is the tuition? Is there financial aid?
Please read the TUITION & FEES page for complete information
Do Mirus students wear uniforms?
No, as part of the school's commitment to individualization, students are free to express their personalities through their clothing choices and do not wear a uniform.
What curriculum does Mirus Academy use?
Mirus Academy uses curriculum from a variety of resources that meet state and national standards. These resources are generally published by major curriculum providers such as Pearson/Savvas, Fuel Education, TCI, etc.
Are college-level courses (A.P. and Dual Credit) classes available?
Yes, 11th and 12th graders have the option of enrolling in AP or Dual Credit courses, if desired. We recommend that students do NOT fill their schedule with all college-level classes. Rather, we encourage highly-motivated students to enroll in just 1, 2, or 3 of these courses per year. We are a non-ranking school, so an all-AP schedule is not necessary to maintain a class rank, and we want students to have time to explore their interests and enjoy their teen years rather than spend every moment studying or doing homework.
The following college-level classes are available for Mirus:
* AP English (Language and Literature)
* AP Calculus (AB or BC)
* Dual Credit United States History (online course, with a Mirus teacher fascilitating)