Barry PhilipsFinding the right boarding school can be an important decision for parents and students looking for a structured academic environment, residential life, leadership development and preparation for college. Texas has several boarding schools offering different educational experiences, including college-preparatory, Christian, military, international and specialized residential programs.
Unlike some states in the northeastern United States, Texas has a relatively small number of traditional boarding schools. However, families can still find a variety of boarding and residential education options across cities such as Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Bullard, San Marcos, Kingsville, Granbury and Harlingen.
This guide highlights 20 notable boarding schools and residential education options in Texas, together with the major admission requirements prospective students should expect.
Because admission requirements can change from one school year to another, families should always confirm the latest requirements directly with the school before applying.
Top 20 Boarding Schools in Texas
1. The Village School – Houston
The Village School is one of the most prominent boarding options in Texas and offers a large international school environment in Houston. It serves students from early childhood through high school, with boarding available for older students.
The school is particularly attractive to families looking for an international environment. Students can combine academics with athletics, extracurricular activities and a residential experience.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Online application
- Academic records
- Student information and family information
- Admission assessment or testing where applicable
- Interview or other admissions evaluation
- Required enrollment and health documentation
The Village School is particularly worth considering for families looking for an international boarding environment in a major Texas city.
2. St. Stephen’s Episcopal School – Austin
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School is a college-preparatory boarding and day school in Austin serving grades 6–12. It is one of the best-known traditional boarding schools in Texas.
The school has a strong academic and extracurricular program and attracts students from Texas, other parts of the United States and internationally.
For boarding applicants, the admission process includes an application, student questionnaire, essay, recommendations, report cards, standardized testing and an interview.
For the current admission cycle, St. Stephen’s says boarding applications are due January 20 for priority consideration. It accepts SSAT or ISEE scores, while students applying for grades 11 and 12 may submit PSAT, SAT or ACT results.
Key requirements include:
- Application
- Student questionnaire
- Student essay
- Three recommendations
- School report cards
- SSAT or ISEE for most applicants
- Interview
- Parent statement
3. TMI Episcopal – San Antonio
TMI Episcopal is a college-preparatory school in San Antonio offering both day and boarding opportunities. The school serves middle and high school students and combines academics with leadership development.
Its program also incorporates a Corps of Cadets, making it an interesting option for families seeking a structured environment without choosing a traditional military boarding academy.
Common requirements include:
- Online application
- Previous academic records
- Teacher recommendations
- Admission testing where required
- Student and/or parent interview
- Health and enrollment documents
- Financial-aid forms where applicable
Applicants should confirm the exact boarding requirements for their intended grade.
4. The Brook Hill School – Bullard
The Brook Hill School is a Christian college-preparatory school located in Bullard, East Texas. It provides both day and boarding education and serves students across multiple grade levels.
The school combines academics with Christian education, athletics, arts, leadership and extracurricular activities.
Applicants should generally prepare:
- Application
- Previous school records
- Recommendations
- Admission evaluation
- Interview where required
- Health documentation
- Enrollment forms
Brook Hill is especially relevant for families seeking a Christian boarding environment.
5. San Marcos Academy – San Marcos
San Marcos Academy is one of Texas’s oldest boarding-school institutions. It provides Christian education and has historically offered boarding alongside day-school education.
The academy serves students across multiple grade levels and provides a residential environment designed around academics, character development, athletics and community life.
Typical requirements include:
- Completed application
- Academic records
- Recommendations
- Admission assessment or interview
- Medical records
- Immunization information
- Enrollment documents
Families should contact the admissions office for grade-specific requirements.
6. Presbyterian Pan American School – Kingsville
Presbyterian Pan American School is a Christian college-preparatory boarding school in Kingsville, Texas. It has a particularly strong international dimension, with boarding students coming from different countries.
The school focuses on academics, Christian character, leadership, cultural understanding and preparation for higher education.
Potential admission requirements include:
- Application
- Academic transcripts
- Recommendations
- Personal information
- Interview
- English-language ability where applicable
- Financial and enrollment documentation
International applicants should expect additional documentation related to immigration and study authorization.
7. North Central Texas Academy – Granbury
North Central Texas Academy is a Christian boarding and day school in Granbury. It provides a residential learning environment for students and emphasizes academics, character, community and personal development.
The academy is particularly suited to families looking for a smaller boarding-school setting.
Applicants should expect requirements such as:
- Application
- Previous academic records
- Recommendations
- Student interview
- Admission assessment where applicable
- Medical documentation
- Enrollment and financial forms
8. Chinquapin Preparatory School – Highlands
Chinquapin Preparatory School serves students in grades 6–12 and is located near Houston in Highlands, Texas.
Its admissions model is particularly important for families to understand because the school looks beyond simply collecting an application.
For the current application cycle, Chinquapin requires an application, recent income-tax return or W-2, two years of standardized test scores, two years of report cards and a recommendation from a core academic teacher. Students who progress in the process complete an admissions assessment and teacher-student interview.
Important requirements include:
- Online application
- Family financial documentation
- Two years of report cards
- Two years of standardized test results
- Core teacher recommendation
- Admissions assessment
- Teacher-student interview
9. Marine Military Academy – Harlingen
Marine Military Academy is an all-male college-preparatory boarding school in Harlingen serving grades 7–12, with an optional postgraduate year.
It is designed around military-style structure, leadership, discipline, academics and character development.
The school requires an application and supporting documentation. Its published admissions materials include transcripts, school evaluations, birth-certificate documentation, medical records and other health-related forms.
Major requirements include:
- Completed application
- School transcripts/report cards
- School evaluations
- Math and English teacher evaluations
- Birth certificate
- Passport for international applicants
- Immunization records
- Medical examination
- Medical history
- Insurance and consent forms
Marine Military Academy also evaluates academic achievement, citizenship, testing, interviews, recommendations and extracurricular interests.
10. Texas Christian School – Houston
Texas Christian School is a Christian school in Houston that appears in current Texas boarding-school listings and provides residential education alongside its broader K–12 program.
Families interested in this option should pay particular attention to the school’s current residential availability because boarding arrangements and grade eligibility can differ.
Typical requirements may include:
- Application
- Academic records
- Recommendation forms
- Interview
- Health records
- Birth certificate
- Enrollment documentation
11. Knowledge-First Empowerment Academy – Houston
Knowledge-First Empowerment Academy is included in current Texas boarding-school listings and serves students across a broad grade range.
The school emphasizes academic preparation and individualized support.
Families considering it should verify whether boarding is available for the specific grade and school year because residential availability can differ from ordinary day-school enrollment.
Prospective applicants should generally prepare:
- Application
- Academic records
- Admission assessment
- Student information
- Parent/guardian information
- Enrollment documentation
12. International Leadership of Texas – Residential/Boarding Option
International Leadership of Texas, commonly known as ILTexas, is a free public charter-school network with campuses throughout Texas. It is particularly notable for its international leadership, language and character-development focus.
However, families should be careful when researching it as a “boarding school.” ILTexas is primarily a public charter-school network, and not every campus provides residential boarding. Therefore, parents must confirm whether a particular campus and grade offers the residential arrangement they are seeking.
Admission to ILTexas is based on open-enrollment eligibility and, where applications exceed available places, a lottery.
For the 2026–2027 school year, the school states that students generally must be five years old by September 1, while enrollment documentation includes birth certificate, immunization records, previous academic records, parent identification and proof of residency.
13. Christian Life Center Academy – Kingwood
Christian Life Center Academy in Kingwood is another Texas school appearing in boarding-school directories.
The school provides a Christian educational environment and offers a broad K–12 program.
Because boarding availability can change by grade and school year, parents should verify the residential program before beginning the application.
Potential requirements include:
- Application form
- Academic records
- Student interview
- Recommendations
- Health documentation
- Enrollment forms
14. Devereux School Texas – League City Campus
Devereux School Texas in League City is a specialized educational environment and appears in current boarding-school listings.
Unlike a traditional college-preparatory boarding school, specialized residential schools can have different admission criteria based on the student’s educational and support needs.
Families should therefore expect a more detailed admissions and assessment process.
Possible requirements include:
- Application
- Educational records
- Psychological or educational assessments where applicable
- Interviews
- Family information
- Medical documentation
- Individualized admissions evaluation
Parents should make sure they understand the school’s educational model before applying.
15. Texas Torah Institute – Dallas
Texas Torah Institute in Dallas is another school listed among Texas boarding options. It serves high-school-aged students and provides a religious educational environment.
Admission requirements can include academic records, application materials, interviews and documentation related to the student’s previous education.
Families should confirm current boarding availability and grade eligibility before applying.
16. Giammalva Prep – Spring
Giammalva Prep in Spring is a small specialized school serving high-school grades and is included in current Texas boarding-school listings.
Because it is considerably smaller than schools such as The Village School or San Marcos Academy, families should speak directly with admissions about available residential places.
Likely requirements include:
- Application
- Previous school records
- Student interview
- Parent/guardian information
- Enrollment documents
- Health records
17. Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science – Denton
The Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, commonly called TAMS, is a very different type of residential educational option.
It is located at the University of North Texas and is designed for academically advanced Texas high-school students. Rather than functioning like a traditional private boarding school, TAMS provides a residential university-based academic experience.
Admission is therefore highly specialized and academically competitive.
Students should generally expect:
- Texas residency requirements
- Strong academic record
- Specific grade-level eligibility
- Application
- Academic testing or qualifying academic evidence
- Recommendations
- Essays or personal responses
- Other program-specific documentation
TAMS is particularly relevant to academically advanced students interested in mathematics, science and university-level coursework.
18. Still Creek Ranch – Bryan
Still Creek Ranch in Bryan is a residential Christian program that appears in Texas boarding-school directories.
It is different from conventional college-preparatory boarding schools because its residential model incorporates a broader residential and character-development environment.
Families considering it should carefully review the program’s current admissions criteria, age requirements and residential structure.
Potential requirements can include:
- Application
- Interviews
- Student records
- Parent/guardian information
- Medical documentation
- Program suitability assessment
19. Thrive Girls Ranch & Home – Texas
Thrive Girls Ranch & Home is a residential Christian program for girls and is included in Texas boarding-school directories.
It should not be confused with an ordinary college-preparatory boarding school. Residential programs of this type may have specialized admission criteria and are intended for a particular student population.
Parents should therefore investigate the program structure, educational accreditation, residential arrangements, safeguarding policies and admissions criteria before applying.
20. Amerigo Houston
Amerigo Houston is another residential education option associated with international students studying in Houston.
Amerigo programs generally focus on helping international students attend U.S. schools while providing residential support.
For international families, requirements may include:
- Application
- Academic transcripts
- Passport
- English-language information or testing
- School admission documentation
- Financial documentation
- Visa-related documents
- Medical and immunization records
Families should distinguish between the residential provider and the specific Houston school in which the student will be enrolled.
What Are the Requirements for Boarding Schools in Texas?
Although every school has its own admission process, most Texas boarding schools ask applicants to provide some combination of:
- Completed application form
- Application fee
- Previous school report cards or transcripts
- Teacher recommendations
- Standardized test results
- Student essay or personal statement
- Parent statement
- Student interview
- Birth certificate
- Immunization records
- Medical or physical examination
- Passport and immigration documents for international students
- Proof of financial ability or financial-aid documentation where applicable
Some schools have additional requirements based on their educational model. Military schools, for example, may have medical and physical requirements, while highly selective college-preparatory schools may place greater emphasis on academic testing and interviews.
General Boarding School Admission Requirements in Texas
Academic Records
Most boarding schools want to see how the student has performed academically before admission. Parents should prepare recent report cards, transcripts and, where requested, standardized test results.
Strong academic performance can be particularly important at selective college-preparatory schools.
Teacher Recommendations
Teacher recommendations help admission committees understand a student’s classroom behavior, academic potential, work ethic and character.
Some schools request recommendations specifically from English, mathematics or other core-subject teachers.
Standardized Tests
Standardized testing varies considerably.
For example, St. Stephen’s currently accepts SSAT and ISEE scores for most applicants, while other schools may use their own admissions assessments.
Parents should therefore avoid assuming that one test is required by every Texas boarding school.
Student Interview
Interviews are common at boarding schools because schools want to understand the student beyond grades and test scores.
Students may be asked about:
- Why they want boarding school
- Their academic interests
- Extracurricular activities
- Leadership experiences
- Personal goals
- How they handle challenges
- Why they selected the particular school
Parent Statement
Some schools ask parents to explain their child’s personality, strengths, interests, educational needs and family expectations.
Parents should answer honestly rather than attempting to create an unrealistic picture of the student.
Medical and Immunization Records
Residential schools need to maintain student health records because students live on campus.
Medical documentation can include immunization records, physical examinations, health-history forms and insurance information.
Military boarding schools may have additional physical and medical requirements.
Passport and Visa Documents for International Students
International applicants normally need additional documentation.
Depending on the school, this may include:
- Passport
- Previous academic records
- English-language testing
- Financial documentation
- Immigration forms
- Visa-related documents
- Medical records
Parents should begin this process early because international enrollment involves more paperwork than domestic admission.
How Much Do Boarding Schools in Texas Cost?
The cost varies considerably depending on the institution.
Private boarding schools can cost tens of thousands of dollars annually when tuition, housing, meals and other fees are combined. Current 2026 listings show substantial variation among Texas boarding schools.
Families should not look only at the advertised tuition. Additional expenses may include:
- Application fees
- Enrollment deposits
- Books
- Uniforms
- Technology
- Transportation
- Medical insurance
- Sports fees
- Trips
- Personal expenses
- International student services
Some schools offer financial aid or scholarships, so families should ask about financial assistance before assuming that the published tuition is the final amount they would pay.
Boarding Schools in Texas for International Students
Texas can be attractive to international families because several boarding schools have experience serving students from outside the United States.
Schools with international communities can provide opportunities for students to experience American education while interacting with classmates from different cultural backgrounds.
International applicants should pay particular attention to:
- English-language requirements
- Visa eligibility
- Passport requirements
- Academic equivalency
- Medical documentation
- Financial requirements
- Airport transportation
- Residential supervision
- Holiday arrangements
Presbyterian Pan American School, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, The Village School and Marine Military Academy are examples of Texas boarding institutions with international student experience.
How to Choose a Boarding School in Texas
Consider the Academic Program
Parents should examine the curriculum rather than relying only on a school’s reputation.
Look for AP, honors, advanced mathematics, science, arts, technology and college-preparation opportunities that match the student’s goals.
Consider the Boarding Model
Not all boarding schools operate in the same way.
Some provide five-day boarding, while others operate seven-day residential programs. Some students may return home during weekends or holidays.
Ask exactly how many nights students are expected to remain on campus.
Consider School Culture
A student may spend much of the year living at school, so school culture is extremely important.
Families should consider whether the environment is:
- Religious or secular
- Military or non-military
- Highly structured or flexible
- Large or small
- International or primarily local
- Coeducational or single-sex
Consider Location
Texas is enormous, so location matters.
A school in Austin is a very different logistical proposition from one in Harlingen, Kingsville, Houston or North Texas.
International families should also consider airport access and transportation.
Consider Financial Aid
Do not automatically eliminate a school because of its published tuition.
Ask whether the school provides:
- Need-based financial aid
- Merit scholarships
- International scholarships
- Sibling discounts
- Payment plans
- Other financial assistance
Comparison Table: Boarding Schools in Texas
| School | Location | Main Grades/Level | Type | Boarding/Residential | Key Admission Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Village School | Houston | K–12 | International/College Prep | Yes | Application, records, assessment, enrollment documents |
| St. Stephen’s Episcopal School | Austin | 6–12 | Episcopal/College Prep | Yes | Application, essay, recommendations, SSAT/ISEE, interview |
| TMI Episcopal | San Antonio | 6–12 | Episcopal/College Prep | Yes | Application, records, recommendations, interview |
| The Brook Hill School | Bullard | K–12 | Christian | Yes | Application, records, recommendations, evaluation |
| San Marcos Academy | San Marcos | K–12 | Christian | Yes | Application, records, recommendations, health documents |
| Presbyterian Pan American School | Kingsville | 9–12 | Christian/International | Yes | Application, academic records, recommendations, interview |
| North Central Texas Academy | Granbury | K–12 | Christian | Yes | Application, records, recommendations, interview |
| Chinquapin Preparatory School | Highlands | 6–12 | College Prep | Residential/boarding | Tax/W-2, records, test scores, recommendation, assessment |
| Marine Military Academy | Harlingen | 7–12 + PG | Military | Yes | Application, transcripts, evaluations, testing, medical documents |
| Texas Christian School | Houston | K–12 | Christian | Boarding listed | Application, records, interview, enrollment documents |
| Knowledge-First Empowerment Academy | Houston | 3–12 | Private | Boarding listed | Application, academic records, assessment |
| International Leadership of Texas | Multiple cities | K–12 | Public Charter | Verify campus | Application/lottery, age and enrollment documents |
| Christian Life Center Academy | Kingwood | K–12 | Christian | Boarding listed | Application, records, interview, health documents |
| Devereux School Texas | League City | 3–12 | Specialized | Residential | Application, records, assessments, interviews |
| Texas Torah Institute | Dallas | 9–12 | Religious | Boarding listed | Application, academic records, interview |
| Giammalva Prep | Spring | 8–12 | Specialized | Boarding listed | Application, records, interview |
| Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science | Denton | 11–12 | Advanced Academic | Residential | Academic eligibility, application, testing, recommendations |
| Still Creek Ranch | Bryan | K–12 | Christian Residential | Yes/Residential | Application, interview, records, suitability assessment |
| Thrive Girls Ranch & Home | Texas | 6–12 | Residential Christian | Yes | Program-specific application and suitability requirements |
| Amerigo Houston | Houston | High School | International Residential | Residential | Application, school admission, passport, financial/visa documents |
Frequently Asked Questions About Boarding Schools in Texas
Are there boarding schools in Texas?
Yes. Texas has several established boarding schools, including St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, The Village School, TMI Episcopal, The Brook Hill School, San Marcos Academy, Presbyterian Pan American School, North Central Texas Academy and Marine Military Academy. Current directories, however, show that the number of traditional college-preparatory boarding schools in Texas is relatively small.
What is the minimum age for boarding school in Texas?
There is no single minimum age for every school. Some schools offer boarding from middle school, while others concentrate on high-school students.
Parents should check the boarding eligibility for the specific grade they are applying for.
Do boarding schools in Texas accept international students?
Yes. Several Texas boarding schools have international students. However, international applicants normally have additional documentation requirements, including passports, academic records and immigration-related paperwork.
Do Texas boarding schools offer scholarships?
Some schools offer financial aid, scholarships or other tuition assistance. Availability, eligibility and application procedures vary considerably.
Do boarding schools require entrance exams?
Some do, while others use school-specific assessments. St. Stephen’s, for example, requires standardized testing for its admission process, while Chinquapin uses its own admissions assessment after reviewing the initial application materials.
Is a military boarding school different from a regular boarding school?
Yes. Military boarding schools generally have a more structured daily routine and may emphasize leadership, discipline, physical training and military-style organization.
Marine Military Academy is an example of this model in Texas.
What documents should parents prepare before applying?
A good starting document checklist includes:
- Student birth certificate
- Passport for international students
- Recent report cards
- Official transcripts where required
- Teacher recommendations
- Standardized test results where required
- Student essay
- Parent statement
- Medical records
- Immunization records
- Financial-aid documents where applicable
- Application fee
Related
Conclusion
Texas offers a surprisingly diverse range of boarding and residential education opportunities. Families can choose from traditional college-preparatory schools, Christian boarding schools, international programs, military academies and specialized residential environments.
Among the established boarding schools frequently appearing in current Texas boarding-school listings are The Village School, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, TMI Episcopal, The Brook Hill School, San Marcos Academy, Presbyterian Pan American School, North Central Texas Academy, Chinquapin Preparatory School and Marine Military Academy.
The most important thing to remember is that there is no single set of Texas boarding school requirements. Each school determines its own admissions process, and requirements can vary according to the student’s grade, nationality and intended program.
Parents should therefore prepare academic records, recommendations, identification documents, health records and financial information early. International applicants should begin even earlier because passport, visa and immigration requirements can add additional processing time.
Finally, choosing a boarding school should involve more than looking at rankings. Families should consider the school’s academic program, boarding structure, culture, location, student support, cost, financial aid and suitability for the individual student’s goals.
With careful research and early preparation, families can identify a Texas boarding-school environment that provides the academic, residential and personal-development experience they are looking for.