The Bennett School Baseball: Cost, Coaches, Record and What to Expect
The Bennett School in Houston, Texas became one of the most talked about programs in the academy baseball world in 2026 — its inaugural season ended with the NAA Conference Championship, a national ranking as high as 1st in Texas by MaxPreps, and a signature victory over IMG Academy. For a school that opened in August 2025, that is an extraordinary first year.
Quick Facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | 2626 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Houston, TX 77043 (Baseball USA complex) |
| Tier | Tier 2 Year Round Structured |
| Ages | Grades 7 through 12 |
| Founded | August 2025 |
| Co founders | Brandi Dowell and Professor Gregg Bennett (Texas A&M) |
| Circuit | NAA |
| Website | thebennettschool.com |
Published Tuition
| Program | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition | $15,000 |
Source: Houston Press coverage confirmed tuition at $15,000 per year.
Texas families with voucher eligibility: The Bennett School is an approved vendor under Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA). Qualifying families can apply a $10,000 state voucher toward tuition, reducing the out of pocket cost to approximately $5,000 per year. The TEFA program launched for the 2026 to 2027 school year. Confirm eligibility with the Texas Education Agency.
At $5,000 per year after the voucher, The Bennett School is the most cost effective pathway to NAA circuit level competition in the directory.
The Academic Model
The Bennett School uses the Alpha School model — an AI powered academic block of approximately two hours per day using a platform called Incept. The rest of the day is dedicated to baseball.
The school is accredited by Cognia and uses Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing operated by the not for profit NWEA. The academic model has generated significant media attention and political debate in Texas around the use of voucher funds for a school with a two hour academic day — this is noted for families doing due diligence.
2025 to 2026 Season Record
- NAA Conference Champions 2026 — an 8-7 win over PRO5 Baseball Academy in the championship game (May 13, 2026)
- Defeated IMG Academy 4-3, ending IMG's 30-game win streak (March 2026)
- Ranked number 1 in Texas by MaxPreps during the season
A specific overall win-loss record and national ranking figure were referenced in earlier research but could not be independently re-confirmed against current public sources — the two results above are the specifically documented, verifiable outcomes.
First Graduating Class
18 graduates in May 2026 — all college bound. Confirmed scholarships to Texas A&M University, University of Texas, Rice University, and Oklahoma State University.
Enrollment grew from 27 students at founding to 56 in year one. The school is targeting 80 to 100 students for 2026 to 2027.
Coaching Staff
All coach details verified from the official site and Houston Press coverage:
Russel Reeder — Head Baseball Coach. Former pitcher at Alvin Community College and McNeese State University. Five years in independent professional baseball — four All Star selections and two league championships across approximately 600 innings pitched. Rapsodo certified. ABCA member for 12 years. 26 years as a classroom teacher prior to founding the program.
Scott Moore — Assistant Coach. Former Oakland A's 23rd round pick in the 2006 MLB Draft. Ranked as a top 50 prospect. Midwest League All Star in 2007. Played professionally for the Oakland organization from 2006 through 2011.
Technology
Rapsodo confirmed in use — head coach Russel Reeder is Rapsodo certified. Modern analytics are referenced on the official site. Specific additional systems not confirmed.
Media Coverage
The Bennett School has been covered by the Houston Press, ABC13 Houston (KTRK), BroBible, the Houston Chronicle, and the Texas Tribune. Coverage spans both the baseball program achievements and the broader political context of the Texas voucher program. Families researching the school will encounter both — the baseball outcomes and the policy debate are both part of the public record.
Alternatives
| Academy | State | Annual Cost | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Prep Academy | TX | Not published | Also Texas based, NAA member, Leander |
| PRO5 Nashville | TN | Not published | NAA member, former MLB coaching staff |
| Eastern Carolina Academy | NC | $15,000 | Same price point, ABA circuit |
| PRO5 Baseball Academy | NC | Not published | NAA member, former MLB coaches |
| IMG Academy | FL | $95,900 to $99,900 | Residential, six fields, Johns Hopkins health services |
All information sourced from thebennettschool.com, Houston Press, ABC13 Houston, BroBible, MaxPreps, and PR Newswire coverage of the 2026 NAA Championship, re-verified as of August 2026. Verify tuition and voucher eligibility directly before making enrollment decisions.