We have many excellent private schools in the Greater Houston area. What makes a great private school are challenging curricula, facility ratios, and a reputation as a good college preparatory. Once you have made the decision to send your child to a private school. Find the school which best accommodates the needs of your child. If you are unfamiliar with the many private schools in Houston consider hiring an educational consultant. A consultant will help guide you in planning for the academic success of your child. Finally you may consider a Boarding school or a Military school. In the end the choice comes down to the needs of your child, your budget, and what makes the school special. The following top Schools are all members of the Houston Area Independent Schools (HAIS) Listing.
The Awty International School
The Awty International School holds a unique and essential role as “An International School for an International City” and is certainly regarded as an invaluable asset within the greater Houston area. From simple beginnings, and with only a modicum of facilities, Awty has risen to become the second largest international school in the nation, and a benchmark leader for international academic excellence.
The Awty International School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school enrolling 1,270 students who represent more than 55 different countries, represented among the student body in preschool through 12th grade. Students come from every corner of the world such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. Awty promotes an understanding and respect for all cultures and emphasizes local and global community service. The Awty International School is among the top prep schools in the nation, known for both its internationally and domestically bound students.
Awty provides a challenging education, beginning with a preschool language immersion program and leading to either the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the French Baccalaureate at the completion of the final year in upper school, and offers an American diploma. At all levels there is a strong emphasis on the study of a second language to fluency — English, French or Spanish. There are native-language programs in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Norwegian, Chinese, and Dutch. Awty’s multi-nationaI student body and strong language programs provide a multicultural experience not available elsewhere.
Admissions:
713.580.0579
admissions@duchesne.org
Grades: Preschool —12th
Enrollment: 1270
Student/Faculty: 6:1
Tuition Cost: $14,373 —$19,684
7455 Awty School Lane, Houston, Texas 77055
713-686-4850
Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent Pre-K – 12, all girl school It is a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools and as such is committed to educate students to:
• A personal and active faith in God
• A deep respect for intellectual values
• A social awareness which impels to action
• The building of community as a Christian value
• Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom
Research shows many benefits to an all-girl education, including the following:
• Students who attend single gender schools earned higher SAT scores, outscoring their coed counterparts by 40 points
• Girls perform between 15-22 percentile points higher on standardized tests when they attend all-girls schools.
• Girls’ school graduates are 3 times more likely than their coed peers to consider pursuing a career in engineering.
• Girls’ school alumnae major in math and science at a higher rate —13%—than females and males nationally (compared to 2% for females and 10% for males).
• 48% of female graduates of independent schools rate their math ability ”above average.”
• 88% of girls’ school alumnae excel in leadership roles after high school.
• 33% of all female members of Fortune 100 boards graduated from all-women’s colleges.
Since its founding in 1960 Duchesne Academy has built a reputation as one of Houston’s strongest independent Catholic schools through its well-articulated Goals and Criteria, demanding academics, innovative laptop program, and a variety of extracurricular activities.
Admissions:
713.468.8211,ext 139
Grades:Pre-K through 12th
Enrollment:684
Student/Faculty:8:1
Tuition Cost:$11,700- $19,465
10202 Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77024
713.468.82111
www.duchesne.org
The Fay School
At The Fay School, our core values center on providing an educational experience that ensures our students are Prepared, Well-Rounded and Articulate — three essential cornerstones for success as they move forward in life.
Prepared – We prepare students for entrance into and success within Houston’s finest middle and upper schools. We believe our students are capable of reaching their full potential as we nurture each child and encourage individual success. As our students graduate, their exceptional experience at Fay serves as the foundation for their future success. Our students thrive in Middle School, and they do so with a strength of character and self-earnestness that serves them for a lifetime.
Well Rounded – Our students are grounded in an appreciation of community, family and nature to help build their emotional intelligence and establish their place in the world. At Fay, the voices and passions of teachers, students, parents and the community come together to support a child that understand his/her gift of making a positive contribution.
Articulate – We believe communication is paramount to success, and we ensure our students can freely articulate their values and aspirations. At Fay, success is found in teaching our children to be discerning in their own communications and poised and comfortable interacting with others. It is the philosophy of The Fay School to enroll families, not just students. Parents, guardians, grandparents and all other family members play an integral role in every child’s education, and we welcome your opinion and involvement.
One of the most striking differences of The Fay School is our commitment to elementary education and the families we serve. In the rush of a modern and mature world, Fay remains absolutely committed to the young mind. Our exclusive commitment to elementary education allows us to inspire excellence in children every step of their journey.
Admissions:
Allison Teare, Director or Admissions
713-681-8300
ateare@thefayschool.org
Grades: 3 years —5th
Enrollment: 338
Student/Faculty 8:1
Tuition Cost $10,340 – $17,450
105 North Post Oak Lane Houston, Texas 77024
713.681.8300
First Baptist Academy
First Baptist Academy began the 201112 school year with note worthy accomplishments for our students and faculty. With the implementation of the renowned Harkness educational philosophy (www.harknesstable.com), new state-of-the-art classrooms, and updated computer labs, FBA students have available amazing tools to facilitate an exciting, creative, and college preparatory learning environment. Our use of formal and informal instruction encourages breadth and depth of knowledge and aims to ensure that students will leave our campus prepared to successfully meet the demands of high school curriculum. But more than that, FBA graduates are equipped to face challenges and embrace opportunities that come their way as they grow into young adults and lay the groundwork for the years ahead. Our ultimate goal is to inspire lifelong learning through dynamic instruction and interaction with students.
Furthermore, the completion of FBA’s Warrior Field Athletic Complex brings the middle school competitive athletic program to a brand new level. FBA students will experience the excitement of the game while learning deeper life lessons as they develop leadership and teamwork skills. Our outstanding slate of coaches is committed to seeing students reach their full potential in competition. We value the student’s participation in individual and team sports both of which are important aspects of a student’s physical, social, and emotional growth.
FBA also celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of its excellent fine arts programs. Our award-winning visual and performing arts opportunities allow our K-8 students to excel n their God-given talents. Students of all levels have the opportunity to participate in Christmas and Spring performing arts programs.
Most significantly, in June 2011, FBA received accreditation by the prestigious Independent School’s Association of the Southwest (www.isasw.org) and joins other member schools with the highest of professional and ethical standards of educational excellence for independent schools in the region.
Our Mission: To equip students with the Truth of God’s Word while developing their character, intellect,
and potential to explore, create, challenge, and lead.
Admissions:
713-290-2522
admissions@hfba.org
Grades: Early Childhood – 8th
Enrollment: 452
Student/Faculty: 13:1 (K-8 ave)
Tuition Cost: $11,425- $13,810 (K-8th)
7450 Memorial Woods Drive, Houston, Texas 77024
Grace School
Founded in 1975, Grace School is a Christian, independent school serving students from 20 months through eighth grade. Located on a 13-acre campus in Houston’s Westchase District, the school provides a challenging academic program to a diverse, coed student population.
Grace School is deeply committed to equipping every one of its students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in their future educational endeavors and in the workplace. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the school emphasizes a strong educational program built around core courses in English, Math, Science and History. Grace School provides a safe, structured community that engages students in positive social situations and provide opportunities for character and spiritual development through service learning.
The school has three divisions: Primary School (two’s through prekindergarten), Lower School (kindergarten through fifth grade) and Middle School (sixth through eighth grade). Each division has its own individualized plan for developing life-long learners but works collectively to uphold the same ideals and educational integrity. A Grace School education is known for its continuity, which links and builds upon concepts in each area of study from year to year, for its strong focus on service and for the insightful and purposeful teachers that shape the classroom experience.
At the heart of the community are the faculty and students who engage in learning experiences fostered by the freedom to investigate, connect and express ideas. At the heart of academics is a commitment to enriching students through an articulate and intentional curriculum. Children learn in a warm and caring atmosphere, where each person is known and respected as an individual.
“Our mission is to provide a rigorous educational
program that embraces the teachings of Jesus Christ in a safe and inclusive environment.”
Admissions:
713-267-8705
kmcmordie@graceschooL orc
Grade: 20 months —8t1
Enrollment: 47
Student/Faculty: 13:
Tuition Cost: $7,800 – $14,000
10219 Ella Lee Lane, Houston, Texas 77O42
713-267-8705
The Regis School of the Sacred Heart
The Regis School of the Sacred Heart was founded in 1990 by a group of families whose daughters attended our sister school, The Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart. These families wanted to give their sons the same advantage and opportunity of a Sacred Heart education which, at that time, was available only to their daughters. Today, the Regis facility is spread over seven acres with more than 250 boys enrolled and more than 50 faculty and staff members. Our school has grown to be the only independent all boys’ Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to offer early childhood, lower school and middle school educational programs. Our alumni attend Houston’s finest secondary schools.
Regis continues to evolve and develop methodologies to educate boys in the ways they learn best to reach their full potential. To inspire a life-long enthusiasm for learning, a challenging core curriculum is combined with athletic, spiritual, character and leadership development. Regis is accredited by Independent Schools Association of the Southwest and Texas Catholic Conference Education Department.
As a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, Regis is committed to establishing an educational community in the Sacred Heart
tradition. At Regis, the pattern of life is the delicate balance of educating the Regis family in the integration of Christian values, intellectual development and a social awareness which impels to action. Headmistress Dr. Nancy Taylor remarks, It is refreshing to realize that our faculty really prefers teaching boys by offering them the intellectual freedoms to explore and learn in the ways that boys perform best. The eyes twinkle with enthusiasm, the fingers itch to get moving, and the questions both amuse and invigorate. We enjoy living in a boys’ world and seeing it through their eyes.”
“20 Years of Educating Boys as Scholars and Gentlemen in the Sacred Heart Tradition”
Admissions:
Jennifer Glover-Director of Admission
713-682-8383 ext 5117
jglover@theregisschool.org
Grades: 3 Pre K – 8th
Enrollment: 255
Student/Faculty: 6:1
Tuition Cost: $12,915 – $17,955
7330 Westview Drive, Houston, Texas 77055
713.682.8383
River Oaks Baptist School
For almost 60 years, River Oaks Baptist School has been providing students a firm foundation for life—academically, morally, spiritually, physically, and socially. Begun as a ministry of River Oaks Baptist Church, the School has grown into one of the premier independent schools in the Houston area.
Walk through our halls, and you’ll find respectful children, dedicated faculty, and involved parents. Students are challenged intellectually through an academic program that is rigorous, research-based, experiential, varied, and fun.
We balance high academic expectations with a warm and nurturing environment. Many families are drawn to R.O.B.S. by our strong commitment to character and spiritual education. Students participate regularly in chapel services, Bible classes, and service learning. In 2004, ROBS. was one of only ten schools to be named a National School of Character.
Our teachers are an immeasurable factor in our students’ success. The fine educators at R.O.B.S.—39% of whom hold advanced degrees—share a passion for helping all our students maximize their unique, God-given potential.
After-school activities are important to many families, and our extended-day programs appeal to students with wide-ranging interests. Classes such as chess, Chinese, dance, golf, music, science, and technology broaden students’ learning beyond the classroom. After-school activities and study hall are available to children from age three to eighth grade.
We view parents as integral partners in the life of the School. At ROBS., you’ll have many opportunities to participate fully in your child’s education, something we believe is a key ingredient in our students’ success.
Your child’s gifts, talents, and interests will blossom at ROBS. Our graduates are welcomed at the top secondary schools in Houston and beyond because they can think critically, choose wisely, and act compassionately.
Visit us soon, and discover a special community of caring at River Oaks Baptist School.
Admissions:
713.623.6938
ncain@robs.org
Grades: Preschool — Eighth
Enrollment: 852
Student/Faculty: 9:1
Tuition Cost: $3,800 —$19,335
2300 Willowick, Houston, Texas 77027
713-623-6938
St. Mark’s Episcopal School
St. Mark’s is an accredited Episcopal School characterized by its commitment to excellence in teaching and belief in the values of respect, responsibility, leadership and service toward others. Established in 1960, the School offers educational programs for children ages two years through 8th grade. St. Mark’s maintains an enrollment of 380 students and a 14:1 student to teacher ratio, and this caring community supports a diverse population where each child is known.
In this engaging, lively environment, classes are kept small, and earning opportunities are concrete and experiential. Lessons are presented through differentiated instruction which seeks to engage and excite students with high expectations and creative learning opportunities. Strong basic skills lay the foundation for challenging activities designed to allow students to apply and stretch their knowledge, develop critical thinking skills and strengthen their independence as learners. The School’s enrichment program indudes Art, Music, Foreign Language, and Athletics.
St. Mark’s places great emphasis on the development of moral and spiritual character across all grade levels. Throughout the School community, honesty, integrity, acceptance of others, humor, warmth and friendship are celebrated each day.
Teachers are one of St. Mark’s most empowering strengths. Their tenure at the School demonstrates their dedication to the students, the profession and the development of self-esteem and confidence within each child. On average, St. Marks teachers have 19 years of teaching experience.
St. Marks boasts vibrant facilities including large, bright classrooms; a fully networked campus; three computer labs; two libraries; two playgrounds; a peaceful picnic area, plaza and prayer garden; a complete gym for our athletic program; and two science labs. Located in the heart of West University, the School is just minutes from the Galleria, Medical Center, and Bellaire.
St. Mark’s graduates are well prepared for high school and beyond, matriculating on to many of the top private and public schools locally and nationally.
“Not every school provides the kind of education that keeps
serving its students welI into their adult lives. St. Mark’s is truly a special place.” — Jessica Roberts, St. Mark’s alum and graduate of the University of Southern California and Yale Law School
Admissions:
713-667-7030
admissions@stmes.org
Grades: Preschool 2’s — Eighth
Enrollment: 380
Student/Faculty: 14:1
Tuition Cost: $4,150 —$14,998
3816 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77025
713-667-7030
St. Pius X High School
Founded in 1956 by the Dominican Sisters of Houston, St. Pius ~ X High School is a coeducational, Catholic college preparatory school serving students from 129 zip codes throughout metropolitan Houston and reflecting diversity, not only of the city but the globe, as students from more than a dozen nations seek a high school education at St. Pius X.
A St. Pius X, education is distinguished by its grounding in the Four Pillars of the Dominican Charism — prayer, study, community and preaching its commitment to creating students of good character and its dedication to academic excellence.
The development of the individual person — spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional and social — is fostered in a nurturing atmosphere. At St. Pius X High School, the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching are central to decision making in all areas: academic, disciplinary, financial, social and spiritual. The school offers a diverse curriculum of required courses in traditional academic subjects, as well as in theology, fine arts and technology.
St. Pius X High School seeks to employ only knowledgeable, skilled and qualified faculty and staff who are not only committed to education but also to the cultivation of Christian character. Faculty and staff serve as role models for students, and in terms of their own intellectual endeavors, their behavior and their treatment of others actively witness Christian values. They partner with parents and guardians in the formation of students to become productive citizens of good character.
Each person is unique and valuable, gifted with God-given talents. Each member of the community is challenged to acknowledge the responsibility to use his or her talents and knowledge in the service of God and others and to embody gospel values in daily life.
Character: Every Day, Every Way
Admissions:
713-579-7507
kramers@stpiusx.org
Grades:Ninth – 12th
Enrollment:675
Student/Faculty:14:1
Tutuion Cost:$10,800
811 W. Donovan Street, Houston, TX 77091
713-692-3581
Source: Houston Chronicle, HAIS
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