Texas, the second largest state in the US, has a lot to offer. The various landscape mean that there is always something to do for people who enjoy the outdoors—trail biking, hiking, rowing, fishing, you name it. The state has been ranked as the third-best state in the country for college students due to its 12 top-tier colleges, low crime rates, and pleasant weather.
This article walks you through the best boarding schools in Texas that have received high marks for educational quality, athletics, arts, and more.
Top 10 Boarding Schools in Texas
1. The Village School
The Village School is a private preparatory school for pupils aged 2–18. The institution, which teaches the International Baccalaureate program, claimed an amazing average IB score of forty. The Nord Anglia Education School provides world-class education with diverse and experienced professors, preparing students for university and beyond. The Village School has excellent accommodations and cutting-edge sports facilities, ensuring the finest possible care for boarding students who live far from home.
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $80,540
2. St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin is the finest boarding school in Texas. St. Stephen’s 370-acre suburban campus is outfitted with cutting-edge technology in its classrooms, computer labs, arts studios, and performance venues.
The school’s pedagogy is based on the belief that critical thinking and autonomous learning promote intellectual and cultural progress. This is supported by a variety of athletic, outdoor learning, service learning, and fine arts activities that lay the groundwork for a well-rounded education.
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $68,500
3. TMI Episcopal
This co-educational college preparatory school for students in grades 6–12 has a long military history, dating back to 1893, when it was created by the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. Today, it is one of the state’s leading residential institutions. TMI is well-known for its Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program, which is an optional leadership program that combines military organization and independent school instruction.
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $58,490
4. The Brook Hill School
The Brook Hill School accepts students from pre-K to grade 12. This Christian day and boarding school is set on a 250-acre rural campus in Tyler, Texas. Brook Hill supports diversity and welcomes students of all nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and cultures. It is regarded as the top private school in East Texas, and its key to success is a demanding academic curriculum combined with fine arts education and a championship-level athletic program.
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $56,995
5. San Marcos Academy
San Marcos Academy, founded in 1907, is one of the state’s oldest boarding institutions, with an exceptional academic track record. San Marcos Academy is a coeducational Christian residential school for students in grades 6 through 12. The huge Texas Hill Country campus is well-equipped with high-quality athletic facilities. International students are not required to take entrance or language competency examinations.
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $47,600
6. Marine Military Academy
The Marine Military Academy (MMA) is a military boarding school distinguished by its commitment to the traditions and principles of the United States Marine Corps. MMA is located in subtropical Harlingen and accepts young men in grades 7–12. It offers a high-performing, enriching academic program with over 55 academic courses, 20 sports and activities, and an extraordinary flying training program that allows students to become licensed pilots.
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $46,650
7. North Central Texas Academy
The North Central Texas Academy (NCTA) is a Christian international residential school that serves students in kindergarten through grade 12.
NCTA, located on a vast 500-acre working farm, provides students with a one-of-a-kind experience through its comfortable boarding residences and an open campus in a rural setting. The school offers a well-rounded education that emphasizes not only academics and faith but also character development, health and fitness, and the arts.
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $49,000
8. Chinquapin Preparatory School
Chinquapin Preparatory School is a top-rated private boarding school in HIGHLANDS, Texas. It has 150 students in grades 6-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. After graduation, 90% of students at this institution attend a four-year college.
9. Presbyterian Pan American School
The Presbyterian Pan American School (PPAS), founded in 1911, is a Christian international boarding school located on a ranch near Kingsville. PPAS has created a challenging academic curriculum that not only prepares students for university or college but also nurtures their spirituality and character. The school has an excellent 100% college acceptance record.
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $23,000
10. Texas Christian School
Texas Christian School is an above-average, private, boarding Christian school in Houston, Texas. It has 290 students in grades PK, K-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. Tuition for the highest grade level is $30,000. After graduation, 20% of students at this institution attend a four-year college.
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $30,000
The Admissions Process for Boarding Schools in Texas
Admission to boarding schools in Texas consists of various processes aimed at determining a student’s suitability and prospective fit within the school community.
When it comes to applying to boarding schools, applicants must meet specific prerequisites. These guidelines are in place to help the school make an informed assessment about whether the student is a good match for their community.
The application procedure usually starts with the submission of a completed application form. This form requests vital information about the student, such as personal information, academic history, and extracurricular activities.
In addition to the application form, most boarding institutions require applicants to submit academic transcripts.
These transcripts contain a complete record of the student’s academic performance, including grades, courses taken, and any honors or awards obtained. By studying these transcripts, the school may analyze the student’s academic aptitude and determine whether they will prosper in their challenging academic environment.
Standardized exam results are another crucial part of the application process. Many boarding institutions require candidates to submit standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT. These scores provide an objective evaluation of the student’s intellectual aptitude and can assist the school in assessing their chances of success.
Boarding institutions typically seek letters of recommendation. These letters are often submitted by instructors, coaches, or other individuals who can attest to the student’s character, work ethic, and potential for advancement. They provide vital insights about the student’s talents and can assist the school in acquiring a more complete picture of the candidate.
The personal essay is an important part of the application process. This essay allows the student to highlight their individual characteristics, experiences, and goals. It allows the learner to express themselves and demonstrate their enthusiasm for studying and personal development. The essay is frequently an opportunity for students to stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.
FAQs
Does Texas have boarding schools?
Texas boarding schools are divided into two general categories: college preparatory (or prep) and therapeutic.
How much are boarding schools in Texas?
Texas boarding school tuition is $59,302 per year.
How much do top boarding schools cost?
- Phillips Exeter Academy (USA) Annual Tuition Fee (USD): $64,789.
- Phillips Academy Andover (USA) Annual Tuition Fee (USD): $69,600.
- The Lawrenceville School (USA) Annual Tuition Fee (USD): $76,080.
- The American School in Switzerland (TASIS)
- Shortridge Academy (USA)
What is the youngest boarding school?
Boarding spaces are available starting at the age of seven. However, the majority of boarders are senior high school students, with females starting at 11 and boys at 13. This is still largely true today, but as more schools become coeducational, an increasing number of females begin boarding at the age of 13.
What states are boarding Texas?
Texas borders New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Texas’s western boundary is with New Mexico, while its northern and northeast borders are with Oklahoma and Arkansas. Louisiana shares an eastern border with Texas.
How much is boarding school in the USA?
According to Boarding School Review, the average annual boarding school tuition for a US citizen is $56,875 (as of October 14, 2019). Tuition varies greatly, ranging from $9,600 to more than $90,000.
Conclusion
Finally, boarding schools in Texas provide students with a well-rounded educational experience that combines hard academics, personal development, and a supportive community. With their rich history and extensive offerings, these institutions continue to impact students’ lives and prepare them for successful careers.
Whether pursuing academic brilliance, personal development, or specialized training, boarding schools offer a one-of-a-kind and vital experience for students seeking a comprehensive education.
