The Laurel
San Marcos Academy: Excellence in Christian Education Since 1907
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Welcome to Residential Life at SMA A Private Boarding School in Texas

The San Marcos Academy Boarding School program is open to boys and girls from grades 6-12. Representing a number of different countries, U.S. states and Texas cities, our boarding students benefit from the nurturing, structured, and comfortable environment of our Residence Hall, where our dorm parents and staff provide supervision and mentoring by forming relationships with the students in their care. Through the boarding experience, students can develop time management, independence, teamwork, and other valuable life skills that will serve them well after graduation.

Our Boarding Options

The Academy offers two boarding options: the traditional 7-day boarding program or the 5-day boarding program, designed for families residing within a 70-mile radius of the Academy campus. Starting in the 2020-21 school year, we are also offering a 5-day boarding program for students residing in Houston. Our residence halls are open every weekend and on most holidays. The exceptions are Thanksgiving week, Christmas/New Year’s break and Spring Break.

Please Note: we can assist in scheduling a home stay for international students during major holiday breaks. At the end of each semester, students should check out of the dormitory when their finals are completed. 

Residential Life Contact Information

Residential Life Staff Directory

  • Dean of Residential Life: Mrs. Christy Guenther
  • Boarding Director: Mrs. Stephanie Ramirez
  • Assistant Boarding Directors: Nathan Rocha & Daniel Stiff
  • Weekend Directors: Jose Espinoza & Laura Espinoza

Phone Numbers

  • Dean of Residential Life: (512) 753–8056
  • Boarding Director: (512) 753–8094
  • Boys Hallway Phone: (512) 753–8098
  • Girls Hallway Phone: (512) 753–8099 

Boarding Student Mailing Address

San Marcos Academy
℅ Residence Hall 
Student Name
2801 Ranch Road 12
San Marcos, TX 78666

Admissions Information

For more information on San Marcos Academy and what we have to offer, contact our admissions office by email at admissions@smabears.org or phone at 512–753–8000 (800–428–5120).

Learn More About Life at Our Private Boarding School in Texas

We’re happy to see you’re considering San Marcos Academy for your child’s private boarding school experience, and we’d love to welcome them into our community. Check out the slideshow below for examples of what life is like for students in our dormitories, and browse through the links below for more information on campus life at San Marcos Academy and the various amenities we offer our students.

Residential Life Handbook

Read detailed information, rules, and requirements for our boarding students.

Checklist for Dormitories

Keep track of what to bring when you move your child into one of our dormitories.

Daily Schedule for Boarding Students

See what a typical day will be like for your child in our boarding program.

Uniform Guide

Learn the requirements, specifications, and shopping details for uniforms at SMA.

Food Service

See what services and meals are offered at our dining hall throughout the week.

Levels Chart

See the rules, requirements, and privileges for our various boarding levels.

Bear2Bear

Download a flyer for our Bear2Bear community-building program.

Rec Center

Check out the amenities available to boarding students at our recreation center.

Facilities & Services

Our doors are always open to new students

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