The Chinquapin School was founded in 1969 by Robert Moore, a former head of the English Department at St. John's School, and his wife Maxine, with the help of a grant from The Brown Foundation, Inc. The Moores saw the need to provide incentive for students who have high potential, but limited opportunities.

Chinquapin is a non-profit, college preparatory school, grades six through twelve, for economically disadvantaged youth from the Houston area. The 7th - 12th grade boys live on campus Monday through Friday, and the girls and 6th grade boys are transported daily.

"Quid Pro Quo" - Something for Something - is the Chinquapin motto and is lived daily as students give time and effort to the school in return for the opportunity to receive quality education in a caring, family-oriented environment. The purpose of the school is to produce responsible, educated citizens and leaders who can become positive role models in their community.

Today, 15 full-time teachers live on-campus to educate about 164 boys and girls who attend Chinquapin. Bob and Maxine Moore's original vision is carried forth under the guidance of the Board of Trustees and the school's current director, Dr. Ray Griffin.