Barry PhilipsTexas is home to some of the most prestigious and expensive private schools in the United States. From elite college-preparatory academies in Dallas and Houston to residential boarding schools in Austin, San Antonio and other parts of the state, families have access to schools offering highly developed academic, athletic, artistic and extracurricular programmes.
The cost of attending a private school in Texas can vary considerably. Some schools charge more than $30,000 per year for day students, while boarding institutions can exceed $60,000 annually when accommodation, meals and other residential services are included.
For parents searching for the most expensive schools in Texas, tuition is only one part of the equation. Admission fees, technology costs, uniforms, transportation, meals, extracurricular activities, boarding and other expenses may increase the total cost of attendance.
This article examines 25 of the most expensive private schools in Texas and highlights their approximate tuition levels and major admission requirements.
Top 25 Most Expensive Schools in Texas
1. The Village School – Houston
The Village School in Houston is one of the Texas private schools where costs can become particularly high for students enrolled in residential programmes.
The school provides an international-oriented education from early childhood through high school. Its programme combines academics with athletics, arts, technology and extracurricular opportunities.
For students living on campus, the annual cost can exceed $70,000, making it one of the state’s most expensive school options when boarding is included.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Completed application form
- Application fee
- Previous academic records
- Student assessment
- Teacher recommendations where applicable
- Parent or student interview
- Additional documentation for international students
Families should also budget for expenses that may not be included in basic tuition.
2. St. Stephen’s Episcopal School – Austin
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School is a private college-preparatory school in Austin serving middle and upper-school students.
The school is particularly notable because it offers boarding alongside its academic programme. Consequently, the total cost for a residential student can be substantially higher than the day-school tuition.
Its curriculum focuses on academic preparation, leadership, community involvement and personal development.
Admission requirements may include:
- Online application
- Application fee
- Previous school transcripts
- Admission testing
- Teacher recommendations
- Interview
- Student and family information
- Health and enrollment documentation
Students applying for boarding may have additional residential requirements.
3. The Brook Hill School – Bullard
The Brook Hill School is a private Christian school located in Bullard, Texas. It provides both day and boarding education.
Its boarding programme significantly increases the total annual cost because students receive accommodation and other residential services alongside their education.
The school combines college preparation with Christian education and offers students opportunities in academics, athletics, arts and leadership.
Common admission requirements include:
- Completed application
- Application fee
- Previous school records
- Student interview
- Teacher recommendations
- Admission assessment where applicable
- Health and enrollment forms
International boarding applicants may need to provide additional documents.
4. TMI Episcopal – San Antonio
TMI Episcopal is a college-preparatory Episcopal school in San Antonio offering both day and residential education.
The school serves middle and high-school students and combines academic preparation with leadership, athletics, arts and spiritual development.
Residential students pay substantially more than day students because accommodation and related services are included.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Online application
- Academic transcripts
- Admission assessment
- Student interview
- Recommendations
- Health records
- Enrollment documents
Families interested in boarding should also review the school’s residential requirements.
5. San Marcos Academy – San Marcos
San Marcos Academy is a Christian college-preparatory school offering both day and boarding programmes.
The school serves students from younger grades through high school, with residential education available to eligible students.
Boarding and international programmes can push the annual cost considerably higher than ordinary day-school tuition.
Admission requirements may include:
- Completed application
- Academic records
- Admission assessment
- Interview
- Teacher recommendations
- Medical forms
- Enrollment documentation
- Additional international-student documentation where applicable
6. Greenhill School – Addison
Greenhill School is a highly regarded independent school in the Dallas area serving students from early childhood through Grade 12.
The school provides a college-preparatory education with opportunities in academics, athletics, arts and extracurricular activities.
Upper-school tuition can exceed $40,000 per year, placing Greenhill among Texas’s higher-cost private schools.
Admission requirements generally include:
- Online application
- Application fee
- Academic records
- Admission assessment
- Teacher recommendations
- Interview or school visit where applicable
- Enrollment documents
7. St. Mark’s School of Texas – Dallas
St. Mark’s School of Texas is an independent college-preparatory school for boys in Dallas.
The school offers a rigorous academic programme alongside athletics, arts, leadership and extracurricular activities.
Its upper-grade tuition is among the highest charged by traditional day schools in Texas.
Typical requirements include:
- Application
- Academic transcripts
- Admission testing
- Teacher recommendations
- Student interview
- Parent information
- Enrollment documentation
Admission can vary depending on the grade for which a student is applying.
8. The Hockaday School – Dallas
The Hockaday School is an independent school for girls in Dallas serving students from early childhood through Grade 12.
It offers a college-preparatory education with programmes covering academics, athletics, arts, leadership and community engagement.
Upper-school tuition is around the $40,000 level, although actual costs vary by grade.
Admission requirements commonly include:
- Online application
- Application fee
- Previous school records
- Admission assessment
- Teacher evaluations
- Interview or student visit
- Enrollment documentation
Financial aid may also be available to eligible families.
9. Parish Episcopal School – Dallas
Parish Episcopal School is a private college-preparatory school serving students from early childhood through Grade 12.
Located in the Dallas area, the school combines academics with athletics, fine arts, leadership development and community activities.
Its upper-school tuition places it among the more expensive private day schools in Texas.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Completed application
- Application fee
- Academic records
- Admissions assessment
- Teacher recommendations
- Interview or student visit
- Enrollment forms
10. St. Andrew’s Episcopal School – Austin
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Austin provides education from elementary school through Grade 12.
The school combines college preparation with athletics, arts, leadership development and community service.
Upper-school tuition is above $40,000, although the exact amount depends on the student’s grade.
Admission requirements may include:
- Application
- Academic records
- Admissions assessment
- Recommendations
- Interview
- Student information
- Health and enrollment forms
11. Shelton School – Dallas
Shelton School is different from many of the other schools on this list because it focuses on students with particular learning differences and educational needs.
The school provides specialized instruction designed to help students develop academically while building confidence and independent learning skills.
Because of its specialized model, the admission process can involve more educational documentation than a conventional private school.
Requirements may include:
- Application
- Previous school records
- Educational evaluations
- Relevant assessment reports
- Student assessment
- Parent interview
- Student interview or observation
- Teacher recommendations
Parents should make sure that their child’s educational records are complete before beginning the application.
12. Alcuin School – Dallas
Alcuin School is a private Montessori and college-preparatory school in Dallas.
Its educational approach combines Montessori principles with preparation for later academic stages.
Tuition can exceed $40,000 depending on grade and programme, making it one of the higher-cost private schools in the Dallas area.
Admission requirements generally include:
- Completed application
- Application fee
- Student records
- Age and grade eligibility
- Student observation or assessment
- Parent interview
- Enrollment documentation
13. The Episcopal School of Dallas – Dallas
The Episcopal School of Dallas, commonly known as ESD, provides an independent college-preparatory education in the Dallas area.
The school offers academic programmes alongside athletics, fine arts, leadership opportunities and community service.
Its upper-grade tuition is around the $40,000 range.
Common admission requirements include:
- Application
- Previous school reports
- Admissions assessment
- Teacher recommendations
- Interview or school visit
- Enrollment forms
14. The Kinkaid School – Houston
The Kinkaid School is one of Houston’s prominent independent schools and serves students from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12.
The school offers a broad academic programme with opportunities in athletics, arts, leadership and extracurricular activities.
Upper-school tuition is close to $40,000 annually.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Online application
- Application fee
- Academic records
- Admission testing
- Teacher recommendations
- Interview where applicable
- Enrollment documentation
15. The John Cooper School – The Woodlands
The John Cooper School is a college-preparatory day school in The Woodlands.
It serves students from early childhood through Grade 12 and offers academic, athletic, artistic and extracurricular programmes.
Tuition increases as students move into higher grades, with upper-school costs reaching the mid-$30,000 range.
Admission requirements generally include:
- Application
- Application fee
- Previous school records
- Admission assessment
- Teacher recommendations
- Student visit or interview
- Enrollment forms
16. The Emery/Weiner School – Houston
The Emery/Weiner School is a private school in Houston serving students in middle and high school.
Its programme combines college preparation with Jewish education and a strong focus on student development.
Upper-school tuition is in the high-$30,000 range.
Typical requirements include:
- Completed application
- Academic records
- Admission assessment
- Student interview
- Teacher recommendations
- Family information
- Enrollment documentation
17. Saint Mary’s Hall – San Antonio
Saint Mary’s Hall is an independent college-preparatory school in San Antonio.
The school serves students from early childhood through Grade 12 and provides programmes in academics, athletics, arts and extracurricular activities.
Tuition is among the higher rates charged by private schools in San Antonio.
Admission requirements may include:
- Application
- Application fee
- Academic records
- Admissions assessment
- Recommendations
- Interview
- Health and enrollment forms
18. The Winston School – Dallas
The Winston School is a specialized private school in Dallas designed to support students with different learning profiles.
Its educational approach emphasizes personalized learning and helping students develop strategies that support academic success.
Because of its specialized nature, families may need to provide additional educational evaluations during admission.
Typical requirements include:
- Application
- Previous school records
- Educational evaluations
- Student assessment
- Parent interview
- Student interview or observation
- Teacher recommendations
19. The Awty International School – Houston
The Awty International School is one of Houston’s leading international schools.
It provides an international curriculum for students from early childhood through Grade 12 and has a diverse student population.
Tuition varies substantially by grade and programme, with upper-grade fees reaching the mid-$30,000 range.
Admission requirements generally include:
- Application
- Academic records
- Student assessment
- Language assessment where applicable
- Parent/student interview
- Teacher recommendations
- International documentation where required
20. Trinity Valley School – Fort Worth
Trinity Valley School is an independent college-preparatory school in Fort Worth.
The school provides education from early childhood through Grade 12 and combines academics with athletics, arts, leadership and extracurricular activities.
Its upper-grade tuition is around the $30,000 level.
Common admission requirements include:
- Application
- Application fee
- Previous school records
- Admission assessment
- Recommendations
- Interview where applicable
- Enrollment documents
21. Fort Worth Country Day – Fort Worth
Fort Worth Country Day is a private school serving students from kindergarten through Grade 12.
The school focuses on college preparation while providing opportunities in athletics, arts, leadership and extracurricular activities.
Its tuition is around the $30,000 range for older students.
Admission requirements may include:
- Completed application
- Application fee
- Academic records
- Admissions testing
- Teacher recommendations
- Student interview or visit
- Enrollment documentation
22. The Oakridge School – Arlington
The Oakridge School is a private college-preparatory school in Arlington serving students from early childhood through Grade 12.
The school offers academic programmes alongside athletics, arts and leadership opportunities.
Its annual tuition places it among the more expensive private schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Application
- Academic records
- Admission assessment
- Teacher recommendations
- Student/family interview
- Enrollment forms
23. All Saints’ Episcopal School – Fort Worth
All Saints’ Episcopal School is a private Episcopal school serving students from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12.
The school combines academic preparation with athletics, fine arts, leadership and Christian education.
Tuition varies according to grade, with the highest levels approaching or exceeding $30,000.
Admission requirements commonly include:
- Application
- Previous school records
- Admissions assessment
- Teacher recommendations
- Interview
- Health records
- Enrollment documentation
24. The Cambridge School of Dallas – Dallas
The Cambridge School of Dallas provides a classical Christian education to students in the Dallas area.
Its curriculum emphasizes traditional academic disciplines, critical thinking, character development and preparation for higher education.
Annual tuition is around the high-$20,000 range, depending on grade and programme.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Completed application
- Academic records
- Admissions assessment
- Family/student interview
- Teacher recommendations
- Enrollment documentation
25. St. Thomas’ Episcopal School – Houston
St. Thomas’ Episcopal School is a private Christian school in Houston offering education from early childhood through high school.
The school combines college-preparatory academics with Christian education, athletics, fine arts and extracurricular activities.
Its tuition and associated costs place it among the higher-cost private-school choices available to Texas families.
Admission requirements generally include:
- Application
- Application fee
- Previous school records
- Admissions assessment
- Recommendations where applicable
- Interview
- Health and enrollment documents
General Admission Requirements for Expensive Private Schools in Texas
Although each school has its own admissions process, parents should expect several requirements to appear repeatedly.
Completed Application Form
The first step is usually an online application containing information about the student and family.
Application Fee
Most private schools charge an application fee. This fee is often non-refundable and must be paid before the application can be processed.
Previous Academic Records
Schools typically request report cards, transcripts or other records from the student’s current or previous school.
Entrance Examination or Assessment
Some schools require standardized assessments or their own admission tests. The test may vary according to the student’s age and grade.
Teacher Recommendations
Applicants may be asked to provide recommendations from current teachers, particularly when applying to middle or upper school.
Interview
An interview allows the school to learn more about the student beyond academic records. Some schools interview parents as well.
Student Evaluation
Younger students may participate in an observation or classroom evaluation instead of taking a conventional entrance examination.
Financial Aid Documents
Families seeking financial assistance may need to provide tax returns, income information and other financial documents.
Medical and Health Records
After admission, schools generally require health records and other medical documentation before the student begins classes.
International Student Documentation
International applicants may need additional documents such as passports, proof of English proficiency, immigration information and financial documentation.
What Should Parents Consider Besides Tuition?
Choosing an expensive private school involves more than looking at the largest tuition figure.
Parents should consider class size, curriculum, location, transportation, academic support, extracurricular activities, college counselling, boarding options and financial aid.
It is also important to determine whether tuition covers meals, technology, books, transportation and activities. At boarding schools, parents should establish exactly what accommodation and residential services are included.
A school charging $40,000 in tuition may ultimately cost considerably more after additional fees are included.
Comparison Table of Expensive Private Schools in Texas
| School | City | School Type | Approx. Highest Annual Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Village School | Houston | Day & Boarding | $76,850 |
| St. Stephen’s Episcopal School | Austin | Day & Boarding | $70,000+ with boarding |
| The Brook Hill School | Bullard | Day & Boarding | $61,835 |
| TMI Episcopal | San Antonio | Day & Boarding | $65,480 |
| San Marcos Academy | San Marcos | Day & Boarding | $63,240 |
| Greenhill School | Addison | Day | $43,450 |
| St. Mark’s School of Texas | Dallas | Day | $42,697 |
| Alcuin School | Dallas | Day | $42,148 |
| Shelton School | Dallas | Specialized Day | $41,700 |
| St. Andrew’s Episcopal School | Austin | Day | $41,300 |
| The Hockaday School | Dallas | Day | $40,894 |
| Parish Episcopal School | Dallas | Day | $40,745 |
| Episcopal School of Dallas | Dallas | Day | $40,000+ |
| The Kinkaid School | Houston | Day | $38,960 |
| Emery/Weiner School | Houston | Day | $37,639 |
| John Cooper School | The Woodlands | Day | $36,240 |
| Saint Mary’s Hall | San Antonio | Day | ~$35,574 |
| Winston School | Dallas | Specialized Day | ~$35,277 |
| Awty International School | Houston | International Day | ~$36,610 |
| Trinity Valley School | Fort Worth | Day | ~$29,810 |
| Fort Worth Country Day | Fort Worth | Day | ~$30,620 |
| Oakridge School | Arlington | Day | ~$30,250 |
| All Saints’ Episcopal School | Fort Worth | Day | ~$29,930 |
| Cambridge School of Dallas | Dallas | Day | ~$29,400 |
| St. Thomas’ Episcopal School | Houston | Day | Varies by grade |
*Figures are approximate and can vary by grade, programme and whether boarding is included. Additional fees may apply.
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Conclusion
Texas has a wide range of private schools for families seeking premium educational experiences. The most expensive schools in Texas include prestigious independent schools, specialized institutions, international schools and boarding academies.
The cost can range from roughly $30,000 for some high-end day schools to more than $60,000 for certain residential programmes. However, a school’s tuition alone does not tell the complete story.
Parents should carefully examine the full cost of attendance, admission requirements, curriculum, class size, student support, extracurricular opportunities and financial-aid options before making a decision.
Most importantly, families should contact their preferred schools for the latest tuition schedule because fees and admission requirements can change from one academic year to another.