Since its founding in 1893, TMI Episcopal has stood as a landmark of education and character in San Antonio. From its origins as a frontier military academy to its current status as a premier co-educational college preparatory school, TMI’s history is a story of adaptation, service, and a deep commitment to its mission.
The Early Years: "West Point on the Rio Grande"
TMI was established as the West Texas School for Boys by the Rt. Rev. James Steptoe Johnston, the first bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. Johnston, a Civil War veteran, envisioned a school that combined academic rigor with the discipline of military leadership.
The school’s name was quickly changed to West Texas Military Academy (WTMA), and it soon earned the nickname "West Point on the Rio Grande" due to its strict military discipline and its location on what was then the edge of the American frontier. The first campus was located on Government Hill, adjacent to Fort Sam Houston, reflecting its strong ties to military tradition.
Growth and Evolution
The school underwent several significant transformations throughout the 20th century:
1926: The school was renamed Texas Military Institute after merging with the upper school of San Antonio Academy.
1972: In a move reflecting broader societal shifts, TMI began admitting female students.
1974: The school’s identity evolved further when the military program was made optional, allowing for a broader, more flexible educational model while still maintaining the Corps of Cadets as a central leadership path.
1989: TMI moved to its current 80-acre campus to the Texas Hill Country of far northwest San Antonio, right outside of the gates of the Dominion.
2004–2017: The name was streamlined to TMI Episcopal to honor its historical association with the Episcopal Church and its foundational values of service and leadership.
Notable Alumni: Shaping the World
TMI’s legacy is perhaps best reflected in its graduates. The school has produced leaders in every field, from the military and government to arts and entertainment:
General Douglas MacArthur (Class of 1897): Perhaps the school's most famous alumnus, MacArthur was the first valedictorian of WTMA and went on to become a five-star general and Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers.
Dan Blocker (Class of 1946): Before becoming a television icon as Hoss Cartwright on Bonanza, Blocker was a standout athlete and cadet leader at TMI.
Lamar Smith (Class of 1965): A long-serving U.S. Representative for Texas's 21st congressional district.
Jeremy Bernard (Class of 1981): Served as the first male White House Social Secretary under President Barack Obama.
TMI Today: Tradition Meets Innovation
Today, TMI Episcopal continues to thrive as the flagship private school of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, educating students in grades 6–12. While it maintains its optional JROTC program, the school is equally known for its competitive athletics, fine arts, and a 100% graduation rate.
Recent milestones, such as the opening of the Walker Innovation Center in 2020, highlight TMI’s commitment to providing students with the STEM and creative collaboration skills needed for the future. As it moves forward, TMI remains a community where tradition meets innovation, continuing to inspire "wisdom, integrity, service, and excellence" in every student.
TMI is the most convenient private school to the Dominion, only a few hundred yards from the South Gate.
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