Schools in Texas

Texas — the Lone Star State — is known for more than just its size and spirit. It’s also one of the best places in the United States for quality education. From world-class public schools to private academies and specialized magnet institutions, Texas offers some of the finest K–12 learning environments in the country.

Whether you’re a parent seeking the right school for your child or a student looking for academic excellence, Texas provides outstanding options that combine academic rigor, extracurricular excellence, and holistic development.

1. St. Mark’s School of Texas – Academic Excellence for Boys

Location: Dallas, Texas
School Type: Private (All-Boys)
Grades: 1–12
Average Annual Fees: $35,000–$40,000

St. Mark’s School of Texas is often ranked as one of the best private schools in the nation. It is dedicated to shaping young men into well-rounded individuals through a balanced mix of academics, athletics, and character education.

Admission Procedure

• Application Deadline: December (for fall enrollment)
• Application Process:
  • Submit online application
  • Provide transcripts, teacher recommendations, and essays
  • Standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT)
  • Family interview
• Selection Basis: Academic performance, personal interview, and extracurricular interests

Curriculum & Programs

St. Mark’s offers an Advanced College Preparatory Curriculum, with strong programs in Science, Math, Literature, Robotics, and Foreign Languages. It also provides advanced placement (AP) courses and independent study options for motivated students.

Why Choose St. Mark’s

The school’s graduates are consistently accepted into Ivy League universities and top national colleges. Its 40-acre Dallas campus includes modern science labs, sports facilities, and arts studios.

2. The Hockaday School – Empowering Young Women

Location: Dallas, Texas
School Type: Private (All-Girls)
Grades: PK–12
Average Annual Fees: $35,000–$45,000

Founded in 1913, The Hockaday School is one of the top all-girls schools in the U.S., combining academic rigor with leadership and service. It offers both day and boarding facilities.

Admission Procedure

• Application Process:
  • Online application through the school portal
  • Academic records and recommendation letters
  • Admission testing (ISEE)
  • On-campus interview or virtual meeting
• Deadlines: Typically in January for fall admission

Main Courses

Students can pursue STEM, Humanities, Arts, and Global Studies, alongside extensive extracurricular options like music, theatre, debate, and athletics.

Highlight

Hockaday’s boarding community attracts students from around the world. Its leadership programs encourage girls to become confident, compassionate changemakers.

3. Greenhill School – Coeducational & Progressive

Location: Addison, Texas (North Dallas)
School Type: Private
Grades: PK–12
Average Annual Fees: $32,000–$42,000

Greenhill is a leading coeducational private school in Texas known for diversity, innovation, and a strong academic foundation.

Admission Procedure

• Application Portal: Available on the school’s official website
• Requirements:
  • Application form and fee
  • ISEE test scores
  • Teacher recommendations
  • Student essays and interviews

Curriculum

Greenhill offers Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors courses, alongside specialized programs in visual and performing arts, robotics, and environmental studies.

Why Greenhill

Its inclusive environment promotes critical thinking and creativity. Students consistently achieve high SAT/ACT scores and gain admission to prestigious universities.

4. Carroll Senior High School – Excellence in Public Education

Location: Southlake, Texas
School Type: Public
Grades: 11–12
Average Fees: Free for Texas residents (nominal activity fees apply)

Carroll Senior High School, part of the Carroll Independent School District, is consistently rated among the best public high schools in the state.

Admission Procedure

• Eligibility: Based on residential zoning within the district
• Documents Required:
  • Proof of residence
  • Previous school transcripts
  • Immunization and identification records

Academics

The school offers over 20 AP courses, a renowned STEM curriculum, and competitive athletic and fine arts programs.

Highlight

Carroll’s academic results and athletics — especially its football and swimming teams — are nationally recognized. It provides a balance of academics, sports, and leadership.

5. The Awty International School – Global Education in Texas

Location: Houston, Texas
School Type: Private International School
Grades: PK–12
Average Annual Fees: $35,000–$40,000

The Awty International School is Texas’s largest international school, offering a bilingual education (English and French) and a multicultural environment.

Admission Procedure

• Application Portal: Awty online system
• Requirements:
  • Previous academic records
  • Teacher recommendations
  • Language proficiency assessment
  • Interview (for higher grades)

Curriculum

Awty offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and a French Baccalaureate track, making it ideal for globally mobile families.

Why Awty

The school’s international faculty, strong STEM labs, and multicultural setting prepare students to become global citizens.

6. St. Stephen’s Episcopal School – Austin’s Boarding Excellence

Location: Austin, Texas
School Type: Private Boarding & Day School
Grades: 6–12
Average Annual Fees: $35,000 (day) / $60,000 (boarding)

Founded in 1950, St. Stephen’s is known for its academic excellence and commitment to diversity and service.

Admission Procedure

• Application Process:
  • Online form with fee
  • Student essays
  • ISEE test results
  • Teacher recommendations
  • Campus interview or virtual meeting

Curriculum

St. Stephen’s offers a college preparatory curriculum, AP courses, and an Outdoor Education Program promoting teamwork and leadership.

Highlight

The school’s beautiful hilltop campus in Austin provides a perfect learning atmosphere with modern classrooms, art studios, and sports fields.

7. The Kinkaid School – Houston’s Elite Institution

Location: Houston, Texas
School Type: Private
Grades: PK–12
Average Annual Fees: $34,000–$45,000

The Kinkaid School is one of Houston’s most prestigious independent schools, focusing on scholarship, leadership, and integrity.

Admission Procedure

• Applications Open: September
• Process:
  • Online application and fee
  • Admission tests (ISEE)
  • Teacher references
  • Family interview

Curriculum

Kinkaid offers strong programs in Sciences, Humanities, and Fine Arts, with over 20 AP courses. Students also participate in athletics, theatre, and community projects.

Why Kinkaid

The school’s alumni include prominent business and civic leaders. Kinkaid balances tradition with innovation, providing a holistic education experience.

8. Westlake High School – Public Powerhouse

Location: Austin, Texas
School Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Average Fees: Free (with district residence)

Part of the Eanes Independent School District, Westlake High School consistently ranks among the top public schools in Texas for academics and extracurricular success.

Admission Procedure

• Eligibility: Must reside within district boundaries
• Documents: Proof of residence, prior records, and medical forms

Curriculum

Westlake offers 27 AP courses, advanced career pathways, and strong STEM and business programs.

Highlight

Westlake’s academic record and athletic championships make it one of Texas’s most sought-after public schools. Its graduates often attend top universities like UT Austin and Stanford.

9. Parish Episcopal School

Location: Dallas, Texas
School Type: Private
Grades: PK–12
Average Annual Fees: $30,000–$40,000

Parish Episcopal School focuses on innovative learning, integrating academics, faith, and leadership development.

Admission Procedure

• Application Steps:
  • Online form and fee
  • Student evaluation
  • Recommendations and transcript
  • Interview

Curriculum

It emphasizes project-based learning, entrepreneurship, and STEAM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).

Why Parish Episcopal

The school’s commitment to modern education and leadership development prepares students for college and real-world challenges.

10. St. John’s School – Houston’s Academic Leader

Location: Houston, Texas
School Type: Private
Grades: K–12
Average Annual Fees: $35,000–$45,000

St. John’s School offers one of the most rigorous college preparatory curriculums in the U.S. Its academic environment encourages critical thinking, integrity, and service.

Admission Procedure

• Application Requirements:
  • Online form with fee
  • ISEE scores
  • Teacher and counselor recommendations
  • Writing samples and interview

Courses Offered

Comprehensive college prep curriculum with Humanities, Advanced Mathematics, Computer Science, and Fine Arts.

Why Choose St. John’s

Small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and impressive college placements make it one of Texas’s premier institutions.

11. The Episcopal School of Dallas (ESD)

Location: Dallas, Texas
School Type: Private
Grades: PK–12
Average Annual Fees: $32,000–$42,000

Founded in 1974, ESD integrates faith, academics, and community service. It emphasizes leadership, global awareness, and creativity.

Admission Procedure

• Application: Online submission
• Requirements:
  • Transcripts
  • Recommendations
  • ISEE results
  • Family interview

Courses

Strong offerings in Humanities, STEM, Arts, and Theology with a focus on experiential learning.

Highlight

ESD’s unique outdoor learning programs and ethical leadership initiatives distinguish it from traditional private schools.

12. Highland Park High School

Location: Dallas, Texas
School Type: Public
Grades: 9–12
Average Fees: Free (for residents)

Highland Park High School is known for academic excellence and community pride. It consistently earns “A” ratings from the Texas Education Agency.

Admission Procedure

• Eligibility: Residence within Highland Park ISD
• Documents: Proof of address, academic history, immunizations

Curriculum

Offers 30 AP courses, honors programs, and dual-credit college opportunities.

Why Highland Park

The school excels in academics, sports, and arts. Its alumni include Rhodes Scholars, athletes, and entrepreneurs.

13. Trinity Valley School

Location: Fort Worth, Texas
School Type: Private
Grades: K–12
Average Annual Fees: $30,000–$40,000

Trinity Valley School is a top independent school dedicated to academic and personal excellence.

Admission Procedure

• Steps:
  • Application submission
  • Entrance assessment
  • Essays and recommendations
  • Interview

Courses

Comprehensive academic curriculum with Global Studies, Technology Integration, and Advanced Humanities.

Why Trinity Valley

It provides personalized education with emphasis on ethics, service, and leadership — key traits for success beyond school.

14. Keystone School

Location: San Antonio, Texas
School Type: Private
Grades: PK–12
Average Annual Fees: $25,000–$35,000

Keystone School is known for academic rigor and small class sizes. It encourages intellectual curiosity and creativity.

Admission Procedure

• Process:
  • Online application
  • Assessment test
  • Recommendations and transcripts
  • Family interview

Courses

Strong focus on STEM, Humanities, Languages, and Fine Arts.

Highlight

Keystone students regularly score among the top percentiles in national exams and go on to top-tier universities.

Conclusion

Texas is home to a rich variety of schools — from elite private academies and international institutions to nationally acclaimed public high schools. Each offers something special: rigorous academics, global exposure, strong values, and diverse extracurricular opportunities.

When choosing the right school, consider your child’s personality, learning style, and long-term goals. Whether it’s the tradition of St. Mark’s, the empowerment at Hockaday, or the innovation of Greenhill, Texas schools ensure that every student receives a world-class education grounded in excellence and character.

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