Last Updated on: 13th October 2023, 01:25 am
There are more than 50 Dallas private schools in the city proper and many more in the greater DFW area. With so many options, it can be hard to choose the right school for your family. It may help to first narrow down your options to a nonsectarian or sectarian private school if you want a learning environment that fosters your child’s faith before considering learning styles, opportunities, and extracurriculars available.
No matter which of these private schools in Dallas you ultimately decide on, make sure you familiarize yourself with the private school admissions process and tuition. Dallas private schools’ tuition may range from about $20,000 to $40,000, but many scholarship opportunities are available. Most schools have a strict admissions process that usually involves a student interview, meeting academic performance criteria, and completing a test like the Independent School Entrance Exam.
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ToggleNon-Religious Private Schools in Dallas
There are several large non-sectarian Dallas private schools that offer a non-religious environment or are not affiliated with any particular religion but still support each student’s faith.
St. Mark’s School of Texas – One of Highest Rated Boys’ Prep Schools in Dallas
- Grades: 1-12
- Enrollment: 900
- Address: 10600 Preston Rd, Dallas, TX 75230
- Phone: (214) 346-8000
- St. Mark’s School of Texas tuition: Average tuition is $32,328 including books and fees
St. Mark’s School of Texas is in Preston Hollow, one of the most desirable neighborhoods in North Dallas. This nonsectarian boys’ college preparatory school was founded in 1906 to provide students with a well-rounded education and prepare young men to assume responsibility and leadership. The school is located on a 42-acre campus with two libraries, a science center, and a fine arts building.
Students have a mean 780 SAT Math score with 730 AP tests taken in the most recent year and 22 AP courses available. 61% of the last graduating class earned National Merit recognition. About 85% of upper school students play sports, with 16 sports and 46 teams. There are also 56 fine arts courses for students.
As one of the highest rated Texas private schools, it’s no surprise that St. Mark’s has a fairly low acceptance rate of just 15.5%. The application process involves taking the timed Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE).
St. Mark’s School of Texas is nonsectarian, but religion is part of campus life. It has a non-sectarian chapel program that respects many religious traditions and teachings, with religious leaders from many faiths invited to participate in services.
Alcuin School – Private School in Dallas with Montessori & International Baccalaureate Programs
- Grades: PK-12
- Enrollment: 575
- Address: 6144 Churchill Way, Dallas, TX 75230
- Phone: (972) 239-1745
- Alcuin School tuition: $32,965 to $33,485 for upper school (plus $3,626 in optional and mandatory fees)
Alcuin School is one of North America’s largest and oldest Montessori schools and an IB World School. There are less than ten schools in the world offering both Montessori and IB programs. Of the 6,000 Montessori schools in the country, Alcuin School is one of just 5 in Dallas, 10 in Texas, and about 220 in the country accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale. Alcuin is also just one of three Texas private schools to offer both the IB Diploma Programme and IB Middle Years Programme.
This unique education is just one of the reasons Alcuin School has been one of the top Dallas private schools for a century.
Students benefit from the International Baccalaureate program’s rigorous academic curriculum designed to develop social, emotional, personal, and intellectual skills. It’s been named one of the best IB schools in the United States by Newsweek.
Along with its unique combination of academic programs, Alcuin School offers a new, high-tech Innovation Studio, a creative space for students of all ages to stimulate their creativity, imagination, and exploration. Students receive many opportunities to experience powerful outdoor education with interstate and countrywide travel.
The Hockaday School – Dallas Preparatory School & Boarding School for Girls
- Grades: PK-12
- Enrollment: 1,100
- Address: 11600 Welch Rd, Dallas, TX 75229
- Phone: (214) 363-6311
- Hockaday School tuition: $35,465 for upper school day students (not including books, uniforms, and optional activities)
The Hockaday School is one of the best private schools in Dallas for girls, with day and boarding school options and a non-sectarian education that still fosters and respects a child’s faith. It’s the only all-girls college preparatory boarding school in Dallas, TX, and it boasts a nationally acclaimed curriculum.
Students receive a French and Spanish introduction starting in pre-kindergarten with the option to choose which language to study in first grade. Students start Latin studies in 7th grade and Mandarin in 9th grade.
Applicants must take the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) as part of the admission process. The acceptance rate for 2022/2023 was 17%. You can see the Hockaday School Dallas profile here, which lists available courses and education options.
The 2022 graduating class had 16 National Merit Scholar finalists, 17 semifinalists, and 27 commendees. 100% of Hockaday School graduates attend a post-graduate institution.
Dallas International School – Only International Private School in Dallas with Bilingual French Immersion and IB Program
- Grades: PK-12
- Enrollment: 550
- Address: 6039 Churchill Way, Dallas, TX 75230
- Phone: (972) 991-6379
- Dallas International School tuition: $20,100 to $25,300 early tuition rate based on grade (includes exam fees, books, lunch, and field trips)
The Dallas International School helps children learn through a unique multicultural and multilingual academic approach. Students and faculty alike come from many nationalities and cultures so students learn early to work with and relate to people from many backgrounds.
It’s not just one of the top private schools in Dallas: the Dallas International School has been ranked as one of “America’s Most Challenging Private High Schools” by Washington Post.
Students benefit from a unique academic curriculum that combines French language immersion and the International Baccalaureate Program. French immersion begins in first grade. Starting in high school, students can choose between the international or French baccalaureate program for their final two years. Students also receive college counseling starting in 9th grade to develop a four-year plan.
Fusion Academy Dallas – One of the Best DFW Private Schools for a Non-Traditional, One-on-One Education
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 25
- Address: 8128 Park Ln Suite 125, Dallas, TX 75231
- Phone: (214) 363-4615
- Fusion Academy tuition: $3,790 or $4,395 per class per term for full-time students
Fusion Academy Dallas is a unique Dallas County private school that opened in 2014 as the 20th Fusion campus in the United States. Students benefit from one-on-one instruction with just one teacher and one student per class. Families can develop a customized part-time or full-time program for middle school and high school students.
Teachers personalize the curriculum to the unique interests, strengths, and learning style of the student with classes for credit as well as tutoring and post-secondary counseling. The Homework Café offers a social hub on campus for students to hang out, work on projects together, and complete their homework.
Sectarian & Catholic Schools in Dallas TX
Most private schools in Dallas are sectarian schools. While Dallas Catholic high schools account for most of the private school options in the area, you’ll find many DFW private schools affiliated with other religions including Jewish, non-denominational Christian, Episcopalian, and Baptist schools. Here are some of the best religious private schools in Dallas across many faiths.
Ursuline Academy of Dallas – One of the Best North Dallas Private Schools for Girls
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 850
- Address: 4900 Walnut Hl Ln, Dallas, TX 75229
- Phone: (469) 232-1800
- Ursuline Academy tuition: $25,900 plus variable costs for books, parking, and summer school
Founded in 1874, Ursuline Academy of Dallas is one of the oldest private schools in DFW. This independent, Catholic college preparatory school for girls is a highly rated Catholic high school in Dallas’ North Dallas area close to Preston Hollow. Numerous studies have found girls who learn in an all-girls environment achieve greater self-confidence and academic success and are more likely to major in STEM subjects and hold leadership positions than girls at co-ed facilities.
At Ursuline Academy, education goes beyond a traditional curriculum and Catholic education to include lessons on humanitarianism, literature, languages, religions, cultures, economics, and politics. Ursuline Academy offers an innovative approach to learning that includes collaborative teaching plus college counseling and a challenging college prep curriculum with many choices in electives.
The Episcopal School of Dallas – Co-Ed Dallas Preparatory School Embracing Diversity
- Grades: PK-12
- Enrollment: 1,150
- Address: 4100 Merrell Rd, Dallas, TX 75229
- Phone: (214) 358-4368
- Tuition: $27,980 to $35,410 for K-12
The Episcopal School of Dallas is one of the largest private schools in Dallas. Located in Northwest Dallas, this co-ed college preparatory school offers a diverse and robust curriculum with a focus on the arts, religion, community service, character development, and athletics. As the ESD Manifesto summarizes: “I am a school – but so much more. I am a family, a sanctuary, a catalyst.”
As an Episcopal institution, ESD embraces diversity in all forms and helps students explore Christianity and other religions of the world to develop respect and understanding. Students participate in community service to develop empathy, compassion, and an open heart.
There are many unique aspects of an Episcopal School of Dallas education:
- Outdoor Education program with access to Wolf Run Ranch, a 112-acre outdoor education center
- 60 athletic teams in 19 sports
- Small classes with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio
- Age-appropriate community service learning with service requirements
- Daily Worship
Levine Academy – Jewish Private Middle School in Dallas with Rigorous Academics & Diverse Opportunities for Students
- Grades: PK-8
- Enrollment: 300
- Address: 18011 Hillcrest Rd, Dallas, TX 75252
- Phone: (972) 248-3032
- Levine Academy tuition: $22,280 to $30,430 for K-8 with needs-based financial aid with a FACTS application
The Ann & Nate Levin Academy, located in Far North Dallas, is one of the best private middle schools in Dallas with a college prep curriculum. Located near Torah Day School and Congregation Toras Chaim, a small Orthodox community, Levine Academy offers an inclusive atmosphere that fosters critical thinking, creativity, leadership, and Jewish values. Instruction is tailored to every child’s own strengths and needs to give them the self-confidence and skills they need to be a great mensch in the community.
The Levine Academy middle school program helps prepare students for the most challenging high schools in Dallas. Students can participate in Gabbai Club, National Junior Honor Society, Student Ambassador Program, and Student Congress with opportunities to compete in regional, national, and global competitions and travel throughout the state and to Israel, New York, and DC.
Along with a challenging academic curriculum, Levine Academy students study Jewish and Hebrew studies, including Jewish History, Tefilah, Torah, Tanach, Talmud, and Mishna.
Bishop Dunne Catholic School – Catholic Prep School in Dallas Awarded a National Blue Ribbon School Lighthouse Award
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 600
- Address: 3900 Rugged Dr, Dallas, TX 75224
- Phone: (214) 339-6561
- Bishop Dunne tuition: personalized family tuition based on FACTS application plus $1,470 in fees
Bishop Dunne Catholic School is one of the most prestigious Dallas Catholic high schools with numerous awards. Located in the Oak Cliff area of southern Dallas, Bishop Dunne is a co-ed college prep school affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas. It’s been awarded a National Blue Ribbon School Lighthouse Award for academic excellence and it’s the only Catholic school in Dallas serving grades 6 to 12 with an exemplary accreditation rating from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Texas Catholic Conference Education.
Bishop Dunne offers a challenging college prep curriculum that features:
- AP Capstone, a diploma program based on AP Research and AP Seminar courses plus Advanced Placement courses
- Dual credit program (the Collegiate Institute) in conjunction with Dallas College allows students to graduate with an Associate Degree of Science
- College prep and guidance
- Diverse world languages and elective classes
Many students attend Bishop Dunne after attending the nearby St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School in elementary school.
First Baptist Academy – Bible-Integrated College Preparatory School with Well-Rounded Curriculum
- Grades: PK-12
- Enrollment: 250
- Address: 7898 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75228
- Phone: (972) 453-1321
- Tuition: $10,650 to $14,650 for PK-12 plus an $850 annual enrollment fee
A Southern Baptist Convention-affiliated school, First Baptist Academy offers a well-rounded curriculum that includes required personal finance education, Bible courses, Spanish and American Sign Language, and 18 athletic programs. A ministry of First Baptist Church, the school is dedicated to developing Christian scholars and with a philosophy built around family, prayer, fellowship, evangelism, and stewardship.
Dallas Private Schools Map
Does one of these excellent Dallas schools seem like a good fit for your family? If your decision will have you moving within the city or your student will be living on campus, Brothers Moving & Storage can help. Give our friendly team of Dallas movers a call today for a free, personalized moving estimate.