2024 Best Private High Schools in Texas (2024)

#1 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Houston, TX•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •

  Rating 4.32 out of 5 116 reviews

Alum: St. John's is an incredible school with tons of opportunities for participation and excellence in and out of the classroom. Even though it is considered probably the "nerdiest" school in Houston, the people here excel in extracurricular activities as well, including sports theater, the arts, and so much more. I absolutely loved my time at St. John's and the class I graduated with, and I wouldn't trade it for anything!... Read 116 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 1,424

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

#2 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Dallas, TX•

• Private School•

• 1-12

• •

  Rating 4.64 out of 5 81 reviews

Senior: Although small, the St. Mark's community is great as there are a myriad of ways to connect with others. One example is how the Seniors get little buddies (1st through 3rd graders) that they interact with throughout the year, and at the all School Christmas party, bring their little buddy in on their shoulders and let them put an ornament on the Christmas Tree. This is only one of the many ways that St. Mark's brings everyone in the community together. Even if some of the courses are hard, the teachers are great and willing to meet outside of class to help students out. There are also many ways for parents to be involved in the St. Mark's community.... Read 81 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 911

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

#3 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• The Woodlands, TX•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 4.41 out of 5 189 reviews

Works Here: I've had the pleasure of teaching at Cooper for the past seven years. Ever since I've joined their faculty, I've learned that Cooper values all members of its community: the amount of care given to students as they navigate a challenging education is something I have not seen anywhere else. Cooper balances a healthy mixture of embracing exciting traditions while being trailblazers and innovators in education, advisory curriculum, and athletics. The faculty, staff, and parents are clearly all aligned under a common goal of doing what's best for our students. I can't imagine teaching anywhere else!... Read 189 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 1,343

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

#4 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Houston, TX•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 4.33 out of 5 177 reviews

Senior: Awty overall has been a really great experience for me academics wise. Although the IB is incredibly rigorous, it has taught me a great deal of writing skills, worldly perspective and given me an excellent foundation to go into college to. I appreciate Awty for truly committing to the full IB curriculum and offering classes many other partial IB schools don't.I think the support for students at the school, including the facilities, college councelors and teacher engagement, are nice. Coming from public school, I hadn't experienced very many teachers who loved their jobs and truly wanted to educate. While that's not to say the Awty teacher population is perfect, a majority of them are kind and helpful. Food is also pretty good.My one critic of Awty would be its extremely lackluster arts programs. I believe for the amount of funding the school gets, it should at least have some more competent arts with a selection wider than visual like many other private schools of the same caliber.... Read 177 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 1,754

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

#5 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Houston, TX•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 4.22 out of 5 242 reviews

Parent: My daughter attends the Village School PreK-4, and I can't express enough gratitude for the amazing support she has received there. When she first started in PK3, she experienced separation anxiety and cried throughout the entire day for the first month. However, the teachers at the Village School were incredibly understanding and patient. They possess a wealth of experience and knowledge in handling anxious children, employing effective techniques that are both technical and systematic. Their approach was instrumental in calming my daughter's anxiety.I am sincerely grateful to all the experienced teachers and staff at the Village School for their exceptional dedication. I wholeheartedly recommend this school, and I have decided to keep my daughter there for the remainder of her school years. It's a five-star recommendation from me!... Read 242 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 1,559

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

#7 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Austin, TX•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •

  Rating 3.97 out of 5 99 reviews

Senior: I’ve been given such a privilege to be part of the boarding community at St. Stephen’s. I’ve been surrounded by so many different cultures, and I have made friends from all around the world! Boarding has definitely given me confidence that I will succeed in college because I already have experience with a roommate, communal bathrooms, communal laundry machines, and communal kitchens. The academic load is challenging, but I have developed great time management skills. St. Stephen’s definitely teaches you the necessity of being able to communicate conflicts with teachers. The teachers are amazing!! The fine arts department is really good, especially the theater department! The food could be a better, especially because it is a boarding school. The school is also very white and liberal, and many of the day students are very entitled. However, the boarding community has been a wonderful community to be envolved with.... Read 99 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 707

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

#8 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Austin, TX•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 4.36 out of 5 119 reviews

Alum: My high school experience was a journey of growth, self-discovery, and unforgettable memories. It shaped me into the person I am today, and I will always cherish the relationships , knowledge, and experiences gained during our Camp Retreats and MIST regional along with national competition. These were the best time of my life at Austin Peace Academy. Go Alpha!... Read 119 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 730

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

#9 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• San Antonio, TX•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 4.25 out of 5 73 reviews

Alum: I was a Keystone Lifer and experienced many of the changes that Keystone went through from the turn of the millennium through graduation. For a long time, I had a pretty negative perspective of Keystone. There was some notable bullying from peers and the occasional teacher/staff member. As a student who did not academically fit in the mold Keystone pushed for at the time (STEM-focused), I constantly felt not smart enough and was made fun of by others. Some teachers were extremely kind and wanted me to succeed, others simply did not understand how to teach someone not already brilliant. I truly hope Keystone has made improvements to helping students with college applications. Those who weren't academic stars were told to not apply to schools or that there was no way they would get in.Now, I look back at my time at Keystone and am appreciative. I made incredible friends and memories over the 13 years I was there. Plus I was MORE than ready for college and any degrees pursued later.... Read 73 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 500

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

#10 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Dallas, TX•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 4.33 out of 5 175 reviews

Other: As an educator that has been around schools and students for a very long time, Hockaday is an impressive school. As educators, we understand that there is no difference in what boys and girls can learn, but there many differences in how they learn. Hockaday's curriculum is rich and intentionally designed for girls. It offers an environment that fosters curiosity and challenges girls to safely take risks. Every girl is prepared to be a lifelong learner and is empowered to find and use her voice. Through the innovated Institute for Social Impact, Hockaday provides their students with diverse experiences and engagement with people from the greater Dallas community who foster connection and individual growth. Hockaday provides a powerful and transformative experience for their students. Wow!!... Read 175 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 1,110

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

#11 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• San Antonio, TX•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 4.28 out of 5 83 reviews

Senior: The most beautiful part about Saint Mary's Hall is its community. I initially thought that it would be too tight knit because it is a smaller private school but as time passed I realized the benefits of the smaller Baron community. Everyone knows everyone. If you need help with something, all teachers, all students, all administration are willing and excited to help you! I absolutely love this place and it has certainly shaped me and made me into a better human. I have been given the tools to take on anything that I put my mind to, so yeah I think Saint Mary's Hall is a pretty cool place.... Read 83 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 727

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

#12 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Waco, TX•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •

  Rating 4.64 out of 5 213 reviews

Senior: I believe that Vanguard is the best private school in the Central Texas area for academically-strong students and those who feel they cannot find their place in a public school. The environment around Vanguard is extremely welcoming to students, faculty, and prospective students and families. Combined with many traditions and a sense of freedom, students at Vanguard are full of spirit and rigor. The sports at Vanguard are extremely inclusive, as well as clubs and extracurriculars. Additionally, students and staff are championed for their strengths and personal qualities, which contributes to the spirited feeling of the campus. Academic-wise, Vanguard is ranked high for STEM courses, and many of the teachers are more than required to teach their subjects. Students are very likely to understand and comprehend what they are learning, as well as gain a preparatory insight for college applications and the transition into university.... Read 213 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 300

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

#14 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Houston, TX•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.54 out of 5 147 reviews

Senior: My experience at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory has been great! The environment is perfect for any parent that wants their son to evolve into a goal-oriented young man. Strake Jesuit supplies students with all the tools needed to excel, such as: College and personal counselors, free periods and "community time" (An hour long period from 9am-10am everyday in which students can socialize, meet with teachers, go to club or athletic meetings, play sports, study, or more), the perfect balance of freedom and structure, and state of the art conditions.Strake Jesuit's faculty is another upside to the school, as all members are kind hearted, smart individuals who strive to build good teacher-student relationships.The community of Strake Jesuit is a unique one, bonding students from all paths of life. Through advisory periods and the general openness of the campus, new friendships (no matter how surprising) are made every day.... Read 147 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 1,396

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

#15 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Houston, TX•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •

  Rating 4.44 out of 5 88 reviews

Parent: Our children love Emery. The academic programming allows students to choose whether to take on-level or advanced classes. That type of flexibility allows the students to challenge themselves in areas where they have the most strength. The class sizes are small, and faculty take a sincere interest in the students’ success. Teachers are available to meet with students for 30 minutes prior to the start of the school day, which gives added support. The college counselors take their jobs seriously and are organized and informed about the college process. They are a significant support mechanic for the students. The sports and arts programs are well developed. The online Blackbaud portal allows students to track their assignments and learn personal responsibility for managing their work loads. We’ve been a part of the Emery community for 6 years, and our children love it there!... Read 88 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 604

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

#16 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Dallas, TX•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 4.95 out of 5 19 reviews

Parent: The teachers are skilled in dealing with multiple styles of learning (kinesthetic, verbal, and visual) often integrating all three styles seamlessly throughout the day during any given lesson, based on the needs of the child.I am not worried that my youngest child with a summer birthday should be held back a year. Every student receives individualized plans, adjustments are made to assist the child where areas of growth are accelerating them in subjects where they show strength. All of the teachers receive training in the grades above them and they introduce advanced work if it is needed.As evidenced by the many accolades, Alcuin teachers are clearly in the top of their field. Many are not only internationally certified but also continue to receive training from top educators and thinkers of our generation. The faculty are passionate in their own work and I want my children to be surrounded by adults who model the values of compassion and a thoughtful understanding of the world.... Read 19 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 587

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

#17 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Dallas, TX•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 4.7 out of 5 137 reviews

Senior: I have been going to ESD since 8th grade and love it! I would suggest this superb school to any and all students who are outgoing and hardworking. While I looked at other great schools like St. Marks and Greenhill, ESD fit my personality and interests the best and I've never looked back. ESD does an excellent job of preparing its students for college and providing an amazing environment for students to thrive.... Read 137 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 1,189

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

#18 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Irving, TX•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •

  Rating 4.6 out of 5 50 reviews

Parent: We have two boys currently at Cistercian and are so thankful that this is their home. Every Cistercian student has the opportunity to be exactly who they are, without having to put up a false front for their peers. If you're a Lego-loving thespian who just happens to be a great athlete or a robotics wizard who plays the piano and is an all-conference soccer player, this is the place for you. It's not easy, by any stretch of the imagination. The coursework is rigorous and they expect a great deal from the students. Rest assured though, when you are up studying late at night for tomorrow's exams, you are not alone and you are in it with your classmates, your brothers. The Monks and teachers truly care for the students and are top-notch educators. Is Cistercian for everyone? No. There are other prestigious schools in the Dallas area that are much easier. If you want to be at Cistercian and are willing to put in the work, it is truly an amazing place to learn and mature.... Read 50 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 357

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

#19 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Fort Worth, TX•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 4.48 out of 5 77 reviews

Senior: You hear a lot of schools using crappy idioms like "we're a family here," but for TVS it's actually true. Not everyone gets along on campus, but there's never any real fights, no bullying, and no real safety issues. The worst thing about it is that we're a microcosm, with little idea of how harsh the outside world can be, but we learn so much more than other schools, even other private schools! We're learning Latin in middle school, calculus by sophom*ore year, and preforming Shakespeare for fun. If you're academically gifted in any way, come to TVS. They'll foster it, and the family part will kick in because every administration secretary will know you, and have a cousin whose roommate works your dream job. If you can afford TVS, send your kids here. The education will prepare them for life better than most colleges, but also help with social skills, outside activities, and genuine empathy. If I could go back again, even all the times I cursed the workload, I would still choose TVS.... Read 77 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 1,037

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

#20 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Katy, TX•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 3.73 out of 5 83 reviews

Parent: I am an expat with family in Houston, coming from overseas. Expat life has a lot of elements to adjust to: new job, colleagues, house, community, school, and many more. This school was by far the BEST thing that happened to us during our expat assignment. I truly cannot say enough about how much my kids enjoyed the school, loved their new friends and teachers, and how it made all of us feel welcome here! This goes for my wife as well, who made a lot of new connections in the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) team and had an opportunity to be an active member of the community, which she very much enjoyed.The facilities are superb, the people (faculty, students and community) are all great!... Read 83 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 950

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

#21 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Dallas, TX•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 4.23 out of 5 69 reviews

Freshman: From the very beginning, the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the school has made a significant impact on our family.The international curriculum has provided a well-rounded education, fostering cultural awareness and global perspectives. The language immersion programs have proven to be instrumental in developing strong language skills, and we are delighted to see our child embracing multiple languages with confidence.The school's commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and a sense of community is truly noteworthy.The extracurricular activities and enrichment programs offered have added tremendous value to our child's overall educational experience.In conclusion, our family is immensely grateful for the positive impact Dallas International School has had on our child's academic and personal development. We look forward to continued collaboration and success as our child progresses through their educational journey at your esteemed institution.... Read 69 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 570

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

#22 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Houston, TX•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.4 out of 5 327 reviews

Alum: St. Agnes is wonderful. It’s hard, and gossip runs thick in every student’s blood, but the bonds made and the lessons learned are invaluable. I would recommend this school to you/your child only if you/they are not physically disabled. Unfortunately, St. Agnes has a track record of treating their disabled students very poorly. It’s quite a shame. It’s important to keep your head above the water at St. Agnes. Falling behind is lethal. For some, that may encourage hard work and discipline, but for others with ADHD or autism and the like, it may cause severe executive dysfunction. I would know, because it happened to me. I barely crawled my way out. BUT! The good far outweighs the bad. Please know that self-discipline is something you must learn, lest you sink further and further down the depths of your own procrastination. The silver lining, however, is that St. Agnes offers so many extracurriculars that you can channel your passions through, and they’re all fantastic. Solid 7.5/10.... Read 327 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 935

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

#23 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• San Antonio, TX•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •

  Rating 4.45 out of 5 89 reviews

Parent: As a TMI alumni, I was looking forward to my children attending TMI for years. We transferred from a small private school in Boerne and instantly my children were welcomed into groups, the corps, sports, and home away from home. They are happy and thriving, in a challenging but loving environment. I didn't think that TMI could get any better from the school I had in my memories, but they have! I see them working to constantly improve and support these young people, academically, spiritually, and emotionally. We couldn't be happier!... Read 89 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 580

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

#24 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Fort Worth, TX•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 4.19 out of 5 96 reviews

Senior: The school has a very good academic program, but the administration makes very questionable decisions sometimes. The higher ups also are not very in touch the needs and wants of the student population. The school also doesn't promote or fund the arts programs, as much as they should. Instead relying on donations to fund those programs past the limited money they put into it themselves. The athletics program is pretty good. Some of the coaches are hired/kept because of how much the heads like them, not their qualifications... Read 96 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 1,097

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

#25 Best Private High Schools in Texas

• Bellaire, TX•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.5 out of 5 175 reviews

Senior: My experience with Episcopal has been amazing. Coming from a class size of 75 and knowing everyone's first and last names, I was nervous about coming to a school with a class size of around 200. However, the transition was smooth, and I couldn't have made a better decision. Episcopal has provided me with so many unique opportunities, ultimately preparing me for my future!... Read 175 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 824

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1