In spring of 2007, I was scheduled to speak at a conference in Houston. After spending some time online, I found the Bay Area Sailing School in nearby Kemah, Texas. We decided that my wife and I and oldest son would travel down before the conference to take a multi day on-the-water sailing course.
The goal was to pass the first three American Sailing Association certifications. First was ASA 101, Basic Keelboat. This course covers the “[ability] to sail a boat of about 20 feet in length in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters without supervision.”
Next was the ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising, which taught the skills necessary to “…cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew on an auxiliary powered sailboat of about 20 to 30 feet in length, in moderate winds and sea conditions.”
And finally, the holy grail of our quest, ASA 104, Bareboat Chartering. Contrary to your first impression, bareboating does not refer to the manner of dress one wears when chartering in the Carribean. Bareboating refers to renting a boat without a skipper or crew. The course is “an advanced cruising Standard for individuals with cruising experience. The individual can act as skipper or crew of a 30 – 50 foot boat sailing by day in coastal waters. The Standard includes knowledge of boat systems and maintenance procedures.”
The Bay Area Sailing School was terrific. Captain Bill, our instructor, felt like a member of the family by the time we were done. He was very patient and extremely knowledgeable. 
He even went out of his way to spend extra time with my oldest son, 14 at the time, to help him study for and pass the Basic Keelboat certification.
Sailing from Houston to Galveston gave us a great opportunity to sail in ship channels and do some serious navigating around many other ships, hazards in the water, and drawbridges. 
We sailed a beautiful 38 foot Pearson, which was the private boat of one of the school’s adjunct instructors, Tony.
To our surprise, there were lots of dolphins around Houston and Galveston. 
The water is quite brown from sediment, but every day we were escorted from time to time by 3 or 4 dolphins jumping and playing near the bow of the boat.
I’d give a strong recommendation on the Bay Area Sailing School, especially if you can get Captain Bill as your instructor.