John Cooper School Lawsuit, Woodlands Couple Parents Seek $15M After School “Hid” Sexual Assault for Weeks 2024-2025 Status & Legal Claims
A Woodlands couple filed a $15 million lawsuit against John Cooper School in Harris County on Thursday, November 7, 2024, alleging the elite private school failed to protect their 13-year-old daughter from repeated sexual assault by a classmate and concealed the incidents from them for weeks. The parents claim school officials minimized the groping assaults as “footsies” before ultimately removing their daughter from class—not the alleged perpetrator.
This case raises critical questions about private school accountability under Texas law. School officials maintain they “disagree strongly” with the lawsuit’s allegations, while the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office confirmed it investigated the incidents but closed the case.
Current Status: The lawsuit is in its initial stages in Harris County District Court, naming both The John Cooper School and the alleged student perpetrator as defendants.
What Are the Specific Allegations Against John Cooper School?
The lawsuit presents a disturbing timeline of alleged institutional failure spanning several weeks in 2024.
The parents allege their daughter was groped multiple times by a male classmate “for weeks” while school officials had knowledge of the assaults but failed to notify them. According to court filings, the family only learned about the sexual misconduct when the boy’s mother contacted them directly—not from school administrators.
The Key Legal Claims Include:
Failure to Protect and Notify Parents
The lawsuit alleges The John Cooper School “hid” the assault from the victim’s parents, not informing them until weeks after school officials became aware of the incidents. This delay raises questions about whether the school violated its duty of care and Texas mandatory reporting requirements.
Inadequate Response and Investigation
After investigating, school officials’ sole response was moving the alleged perpetrator to a desk on the opposite side of the classroom. The parents argue this minimal intervention demonstrated deliberate indifference to their daughter’s safety.
Minimizing Sexual Assault
The lawsuit specifically claims school officials downplayed the sexual assaults by referring to the repeated groping as merely “footsies,” suggesting physical boundaries were violated beyond innocent contact.
Victim Blaming and Retaliation
Rather than removing the alleged perpetrator, the school removed the victim from class and required her to finish the school year at home. The parents characterize this as “victim shaming” that compounded their daughter’s trauma.
What Texas Laws Apply to Private School Sexual Assault Cases?
Texas recently enacted sweeping reforms strengthening accountability for school sexual misconduct cases.
Private School Reporting Requirements
Under Texas Education Code Section 21.0062, private school chief administrative officers must report to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) within seven business days when they learn a private school educator abused a student, was involved in a romantic relationship with a minor, or engaged in inappropriate conduct.
All school employees in Texas—whether at public ISDs, charter schools, private schools, or religious schools—must report suspected abuse to the Department of Family and Protective Services or external law enforcement within 24 hours.
The John Cooper School lawsuit focuses on student-to-student assault rather than educator misconduct, but schools still have reporting obligations and duty of care responsibilities.
Title IX Protections Apply to Private Schools
All public and private elementary and secondary schools, school districts, colleges, and universities receiving any Federal funds must comply with Title IX. School personnel, including teachers, bus drivers, administrators, and cafeteria staff, are required to report incidents of alleged sexual harassment, sexual assault, abuse, or other gender-based violence to the Title IX Coordinator, even if the behavior does not rise to the level of unlawful or criminal conduct.
Unlike public schools shielded by governmental immunity, private schools face direct liability under traditional tort law without damage caps when they fail to protect students.
September 2025 Legislative Changes
During the 89th Texas Legislature, lawmakers passed House Bill 4623 and Senate Bill 571—the most significant reform of school accountability for sexual abuse in more than 50 years, both effective September 1, 2025. While HB 4623’s liability provisions apply specifically to public schools, SB 571’s mandatory reporting requirements apply to all schools statewide.
Who Are the Parties Involved in the Lawsuit?
Plaintiffs: The parents of a 13-year-old female student (names withheld to protect the minor’s identity) seeking more than $15 million in damages.
Attorney for Plaintiffs: Anjali Nigam represents the family, stating: “When a school chooses silence over compliance with the law, when it minimizes sexual assault and allows a child to be harmed again, that is a betrayal of that trust”.
Defendants: The John Cooper School (a prestigious K-12 private institution in The Woodlands) and the alleged male perpetrator, a classmate of the victim.
The John Cooper School ranks among Texas’s elite private schools. The school was listed as No. 2 in Texas and No. 14 nationally in recent Niche rankings, with tuition ranging from $33,000 to $37,000 for the 2025-26 school year.
What Has Happened in the Criminal Investigation?
The Montgomery County Attorney’s Office confirmed it investigated the incidents and closed the case, declining to provide further details due to the age of the students involved.
This closure means no criminal charges will be pursued against the alleged perpetrator. The civil lawsuit proceeds independently—victims can pursue civil claims even when criminal prosecutions don’t move forward because civil cases require a lower burden of proof (“preponderance of the evidence” versus “beyond a reasonable doubt”).
What Is The John Cooper School’s Official Response?
In a statement to the Houston Chronicle, school officials said they “disagree strongly” with the allegations and stated: “At The John Cooper School, we prioritize student safety above all. Moreover, we have in place clearly defined and consistently applied policies for reporting concerns related to student conduct”.
The school maintains it responded quickly to the student’s concerns, though the lawsuit disputes both the speed and adequacy of that response.
What Are the Potential Legal Consequences for the School?
Private schools face different liability exposure than public institutions.
Civil Damages
The parents seek over $15 million in compensation for:
- Medical and psychological treatment costs for their daughter
- Pain and suffering from the sexual assaults and institutional betrayal
- Emotional distress from being removed from class while the perpetrator remained
- Punitive damages if the school’s conduct is found to be especially egregious
Private schools were never protected by sovereign immunity and can be sued under traditional tort law. Private school victims may face no damage cap and can seek punitive damages.
Title IX Violations
If federal investigators determine the school violated Title IX by demonstrating deliberate indifference to known sexual harassment, the school could face:
- Loss of federal funding (though private schools typically receive less federal funding than public schools)
- Mandatory policy and training reforms
- Ongoing federal monitoring of compliance efforts
Reputational Impact
For an elite institution charging nearly $40,000 annually, negative publicity around student safety failures can significantly impact enrollment and donor relationships.
What Does This Case Mean for School Sexual Assault Accountability?
The John Cooper School lawsuit highlights tensions between schools’ institutional interests and their fundamental duty to protect students.
Key Accountability Questions Raised:
When must schools notify parents? Texas law mandates 48-hour reporting to authorities for certain misconduct. But what about parent notification timelines when the alleged perpetrator is another student?
What constitutes adequate response? The lawsuit suggests merely separating students in a classroom falls short of adequate protective measures.
Who should be removed? The case challenges the practice of removing victims rather than alleged perpetrators when sexual misconduct occurs.
How should schools investigate? The parents allege the school’s investigation was inadequate and biased toward minimizing the seriousness of the assaults.
How Common Are Student-to-Student Sexual Assaults in Schools?
Research indicates peer-to-peer sexual harassment and assault in schools is disturbingly prevalent but often underreported.
Under Texas law, students who are victims of sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault by another student at the same campus must, upon parental request, be transferred to a different campus than the offender or to a neighboring school district. However, this provision typically applies after criminal charges or adjudication, not during initial allegations.
Schools must balance protecting alleged victims while ensuring due process for accused students—but many experts argue institutional protections too often favor the status quo over victim safety.
What Should Parents Do If Their Child Reports School Sexual Assault?
If your child experiences sexual harassment or assault at school, immediate action is critical:
Document Everything
Record dates, times, locations, witnesses, and detailed descriptions of incidents. Save text messages, social media communications, and any physical evidence.
Report to Multiple Authorities
- School Title IX Coordinator (private schools receiving federal funds must have one)
- School principal or headmaster in writing
- Local law enforcement (for criminal investigation)
- Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (if the victim is a minor)
Seek Medical Attention
Even if your child has no visible injuries, medical documentation provides critical evidence and ensures appropriate treatment.
Consult an Education Law Attorney
An experienced attorney can protect your child’s rights, ensure proper investigation, and pursue civil claims for damages. Don’t wait—evidence preservation and reporting deadlines matter.
Request Safety Measures
Formally request the school implement protective measures like schedule changes, no-contact orders, or alternative education arrangements. Document all responses.
Consider Therapy
Professional counseling helps your child process trauma while creating documentation of psychological impact.
What Are the Common Misconceptions About School Sexual Assault Cases?
Misconception: “Kids will be kids” excuses sexual misconduct
Reality: Sexual contact without consent is assault regardless of the perpetrator’s age. Schools must take allegations seriously.
Misconception: Criminal charges must be filed before civil action
Reality: Civil lawsuits proceed independently. Many families pursue civil claims even when criminal cases aren’t filed or result in acquittal.
Misconception: Private schools have less accountability than public schools
Reality: Private schools actually face greater liability exposure because they lack governmental immunity protections.
Misconception: Schools can’t act without “proof”
Reality: Title IX requires schools to investigate and implement interim protective measures upon receiving reports, not after investigations conclude.
Misconception: Settlements include non-disclosure agreements that silence victims
Reality: While common, NDAs are negotiable. Many families refuse settlements with gag orders to maintain public accountability.
What Happens Next in the John Cooper School Case?
The lawsuit filed November 7, 2024, in Harris County District Court will likely follow this timeline:
Discovery Phase (6-12 months)
Both sides exchange evidence, including school policies, incident reports, communications, and witness statements. Depositions of school administrators, teachers, and students who witnessed incidents will occur.
Mediation Attempts (Throughout)
Courts often require mediation before trial. The school may offer settlement to avoid trial publicity.
Motion Practice (Ongoing)
The school may file motions to dismiss certain claims or limit damages. These motions can significantly shape the case.
Trial (12-24 months from filing)
If no settlement is reached, a jury will hear evidence and determine liability and damages.
Appeals (If necessary)
The losing party may appeal, extending the case another 1-2 years.
A related federal case, Shannon v. The John Cooper School (4:24-cv-02962), was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas on August 8, 2024, though details of that case’s relationship to this lawsuit are unclear from public records.
How Does This Compare to Other Texas School Sexual Assault Cases?
Texas lawmakers passed the most significant reform of school accountability for sexual abuse in more than 50 years during the 89th Legislature. This legislative action responded to widespread concerns about institutional failures to protect students.
Other recent Texas cases demonstrate similar patterns:
- Schools minimizing sexual misconduct allegations
- Inadequate investigations favoring institutional interests
- Removal of victims rather than perpetrators
- Delayed or absent parent notification
- Lack of meaningful consequences for perpetrators
The John Cooper School case may become a benchmark for evaluating private school accountability under these new legal standards, particularly regarding student-to-student assault scenarios.
Resources for Families Affected by School Sexual Assault
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Report suspected child abuse: 1-800-252-5400 or www.txabusehotline.org
Title IX Coordinator
Your school must designate a Title IX Coordinator. Contact information should be on the school website or in student handbooks.
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
24/7 confidential support: 1-800-656-4673 or online.rainn.org
Texas Advocacy Project
Free legal services for family violence and sexual assault survivors: 1-800-374-4673
Crime Victims’ Compensation Program
Financial assistance for medical costs, counseling, and other expenses: www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/cvc
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I sue a private school for failing to protect my child from sexual assault?
Yes. Private schools have a duty of care to protect students and can be held liable for negligence when they fail to prevent foreseeable harm or respond adequately to sexual misconduct. Unlike public schools with governmental immunity, private schools face full tort liability without damage caps.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit against a school for sexual assault?
Texas has specific statutes of limitations for different types of claims. For personal injury claims involving minors, you typically have until the victim’s 20th birthday to file. However, consulting an attorney immediately is crucial because evidence preservation and reporting obligations have much shorter deadlines.
Q: What evidence do I need to prove the school was negligent?
Key evidence includes: documentation that the school had actual knowledge of the assault or harassment; evidence the school’s response was inadequate or deliberately indifferent; proof of harm to your child; and documentation that the school violated its own policies, Title IX requirements, or Texas reporting laws.
Q: Will my child have to testify in court?
Not necessarily. Many cases settle before trial. If the case proceeds to trial, the court may allow accommodations like closed courtrooms, video testimony, or using trained intermediaries. Your attorney will work to minimize your child’s trauma while building a strong case.
Q: Can the school retaliate against my child if we file a lawsuit?
No. Title IX explicitly prohibits retaliation against students or families who report sexual harassment or assault. Retaliation—including harassment, threats, or adverse treatment—can form the basis for additional legal claims.
Q: What damages can we recover in a school sexual assault lawsuit?
Potential damages include: medical and psychological treatment costs (past and future); pain and suffering; emotional distress; loss of educational opportunities; and punitive damages if the school’s conduct was particularly reckless or intentional. Economic damages compensate actual losses; non-economic damages address intangible harms.
Q: How are student-to-student assault cases different from teacher-to-student cases?
Student-to-student cases require proving the school had actual knowledge of harassment or assault and responded with deliberate indifference. Teacher-to-student cases may involve additional claims of negligent hiring, supervision, or retention, and potentially criminal charges against the educator.
Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. School lawsuits involve complex legal issues with serious consequences. Consult an education law attorney for specific legal guidance regarding this case or similar situations. The facts presented are based on allegations in the lawsuit and public statements; they have not been proven in court, and defendants deny wrongdoing.
Related Articles:
- How Law Enforcement Handles Sexual Assault Cases
- Top Sex Crimes Criminal Defense Attorney
- What Can Be Used Against You in Child Custody Cases
Last Updated: November 2024 | Article researched and verified using court records, Texas statutes, and reputable news sources
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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