About Yellowstone Schools
Founded in 2001 and rooted in the Christian faith, Yellowstone Schools* collectively educates 600 children in Pre-K through 9th grade and will grow a grade each year to serve 12th grade by 2026. Yellowstone partners with students and families—regardless of financial means—to provide a life-changing education, develop a strong moral foundation, and prepare scholars for life beyond high school. The K12 campus is located in the Third Ward, one of Houston’s oldest historically Black neighborhoods.
Most students served live in communities without access to strong educational opportunities. With an average class size of 16 to 18, our students experience a rich academic and co-curricular model while receiving bus transportation, two meals a day, and access to a comprehensive student support program.
Yellowstone Schools consists of a cooperative of two school systems: a lower school (a private Christian school serving PreK-5th grade) and an upper school (a tuition-free, public charter school growing to serve 6th-12th grade).** The lower school and upper school are distinct legal and financial entities with separate governing boards. The name Yellowstone Schools reflects each school system’s shared mission, vision, values, culture, and leadership. Each school complies with all applicable federal and state laws.
Mission
Yellowstone Schools inspire, empower, and invest in students to achieve their highest potential and fulfill their intended purpose.
Five-Year Strategic Vision
By 2026, we will provide a life-changing experience to 750 students in PK3-12th grade on one campus.
A Brief History of Yellowstone Schools
Yellowstone Schools was founded in July 2001 to provide a high quality, Christian education for students in Houston’s historic Third Ward community. After a year of intensive planning, Yellowstone officially opened in August 2002 with 64 preschool students, and added a grade level each year through the ninth grade.
In 2006, Yellowstone Schools purchased the historic Douglass Elementary School building from the Houston Independent School District. This landmark campus is one of the oldest continuously operating school buildings in the city of Houston, and helps to anchor the school as a community endeavor rooted in a long tradition of educational excellence.
The school celebrated its first 8th grade graduating class in 2012. Those graduates began Yellowstone’s reputation for shattering statistics, with 92% graduating from high school, and 80% going on to pursue a college education.
During the 2022-23 school year, Yellowstone celebrated 20 years of excellence in education. We completed our largest fundraising campaign to-date – a $30 million comprehensive campaign. We renovated the historic Douglass Building and doubled the size of our campus with the completion of a new wing.
Yellowstone Schools currently serves 600 students annually, and will grow to serve 12th grade by 2026. Our graduates continue to pursue their God-given potential in high school, college, and other post-secondary opportunities including vocational certifications and the military.
As we reflect on our milestone 20th anniversary and look towards a bright future, we hope that you will join us on this exciting journey forward!
