Here is why parents choose Varnett for their children
Are you seeking a safe, family-oriented public education for your child? The VARNETT PUBLIC SCHOOL is one of the top charter schools in Houston, with three campuses across the city. Varnett offers outstanding academics and character-building programs. Our focus is to help students achieve their personal best in a protective, nurturing environment.
A growing number of Houstonians are recognizing the strengths of attending a charter school, where the benefits are unmistakably clear.
Varnett offers superior learning opportunities, combining experienced, great teachers, progressive educational theory and practice, and state-of-the-art technology with the advantages of a diverse school population.
Enthusiasm was high in 1984 when Varnett was established. The promise of better teachers, a smaller student-to-teacher ratio and a more well-rounded education resonated all around. Serving students in grade levels Pre-K through Eighth, Varnett strives to provide a strong basis in traditional academics, as well as instill in its students an awareness of and appreciation for the diversity among people living in one of the most international cities in America.
At Varnett, we believe every child is a unique and special individual who has the ability to learn. It is our responsibility to facilitate and nurture the development of every child’s maximum potential – academically, physically, socially and emotionally. We are committed to providing opportunities to assist students in making self-directed, realistic and responsible decisions when analyzing problems that may confront them in our multicultural, ever-changing world.
ADVANTAGES A diverse student population is the hallmark of The Varnett Public School. Our students reflect the diverse residents of the Houston community. It is this unique offering, combined with an exceptional curriculum and staff, that helps in developing the physical, mental, emotional and social performance of each student.
At The Varnett Public School, we offer several advantages that enhance the performance of our students, including:
Accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA)
Traditional academic program with an emphasis on math, reading and science
Smaller learning environment
Advanced programs for high achievers
Special Education
Aerospace Academy program NASA's Johnson Space Center is located.
Rosetta Stone language program
Tutoring and homework assistance available after school
School breakfast and lunch programs
Air-conditioned school bus transportation
Off-campus experiences
If you want these opportunities for your children, we invite you to enroll!
"I believe in my heart that each teacher at Varnett does an astonishing job at providing a phenomenal education." -- Tiarra M. (Parent)
Does your child dream of reaching for the stars?
Varnett is perfect for anyone who's ever wondered what it would be like to be an astronaut or scientist. If you have dreams of working at NASA, Varnett is the place for you.
Our mission of the 6th-8th grade S.T.E.A.M. Aerospace Academy is to inspire a diverse population of 21st-century learners with visionary ideas in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Our core beliefs and goals include:
Exposing your child to college, career opportunities, and professionals in the field
Teaching critical thinking, risk-taking, collaborating, and problem-solving
Providing a foundation including researching, planning, and executing S.T.E.A.M-based projects.
What better place to learn about aerospace, science, and engineering than in an area we know as Space City?
Watch our students in action!
Frequently Asked Questions About Enrolling at Varnett
Q: How can I enroll my child at The Varnett Public School?
A: A parent can enroll at varnett.org by clicking the "Enroll Now 2022-23" tab or go to your preferred campus and enroll with the front desk clerk.
Q: When is the enrollment period?
A: Enrollment is ongoing.
Q: Whom do I contact if I have questions about enrollment?
A: If a charter school receives more applications than available seats, a lottery will be held. The lottery is based on the availability of space at each grade level. The actual lottery is held on May 15 before the start of the next school year. Students who have not been selected remain on the waitlist until space becomes available. Applicants will be notified either by phone or email using the information on the lottery form. Parents can continue to complete paperwork after May 15, 2022, since the lottery is ongoing until all spaces are filled.
Q: When can I expect to be notified if my child is accepted?
A: Applicants will be notified within 3-5 days after submission of paperwork.
Q: What happens if only one of my children is selected from the lottery?
A: The lottery is based on the availability in each grade level. If there is no space in the grade level you are requesting, the child's name will go on the waitlist.
Q: What does it cost to enroll at Varnett?
A: Varnett is a public school so enrollment is free.
Q: What documents do I need to enroll?
A: Student name, date of birth, grade level, parent address and contact information.
For kindergarten through 8th grade, applicants need a lottery form, birth certificate, final report card or current grades.
For Pre-K, an original birth certificate is required.
Q: What are the requirements to enroll in Pre-K?
A: To be eligible for enrollment, a child must be at least four years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year and meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:
unable to speak and comprehend the English language
is educationally disadvantaged
is homeless
is the child of an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States, the state military forces or a reserve component of the Armed Forces, who is ordered to active duty by proper authority
is the child of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the state military forces, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty
is or has ever been in the conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (foster care)
is the child of a person eligible for the Star Texas Award as a firefighter, a peace officer, and emergency medical first responder, all under Texas Government Code #3106.004
Q: When does school start?
A: August 8, 2022.
Q: What are the school hours?
A: 8:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Q: Does Varnett provide transportation?
A: Varnett provides free transportation for eligible students based on seat availability.
Q: Does Varnett provide free meals?
A: Yes. Breakfast and lunch based on National School Lunch Program Guidelines.
Q: If I move, can I transfer to a different campus within Varnett?
A: A completed District Withdrawal Transfer form is required within both campuses (based on space availability).
Former student returns to East, credits campus teachers for high academic achievement
Cunningham Middle School student Lynel Hunter returned to the East campus and credited his teachers for his excellent accomplishments as a seventh-grader at the Galena Park Independent School District.
The soon-to-be eighth-grader attributed his remarkable success to strategies taught by East campus teachers Ms. Yolonda Williams and Krystal Williams. He said they pushed him to succeed and master his subjects.
I am so proud of him and so is his mother. Look at all of his accomplishments and certificates. Lynel is truly a great representation of what we offer at our school: "Excellence In All Things." He said he plans to attend Northshore Senior High School where we know he will continue to excel.
