Top Boarding Schools In Texas (Updated 2024)
Looking to study in a boarding school in Texas? Texas, the second largest state in the US, has plenty to offer. The wide variety of landscape here means that there’s always something to do for those who are outdoors-inclined – trail biking, hiking, rowing, fishing, you name it. The state has been rated as the third-best state in the country for college students as it has 12 high ranking colleges, low crime rates, and warm weather.
Our article Top 10 Boarding Schools in Texas takes you through the top boarding schools in TX that have outstanding ratings for education quality, sports, arts, and more.
List of Top Texas Boarding Schools
Note: * Asterisks denote an average of students’ self-reported scores on Niche.
All fees shown above are for the academic year of 2023/24. These fees are not inclusive of deposits, miscellaneous fees, and some schools have not included boarding fees in these figures. Fees may vary depending on the student’s grade and boarding status.
1. The Village School
The Village School is a private preparatory school for children between the ages of 2-18. The school, which teaches the International Baccalaureate program, reported an impressive average IB score of 40. The Nord Anglia Education school delivers world-class education with diverse and experienced teachers that aims to prepare students for university and beyond. The Village School has top-notch accommodation and state-of-the-art sports facilities, providing the best care for its boarding students who are far from home.
Mean SAT Score: 1360 (2023)*
Mean ACT Score: 30 (2023)*
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $80,540
2. St. Stephen's Episcopal School
Based in Austin, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School has been rated as the best boarding school in Texas by Niche. St. Stephen’s 370-acre suburban campus is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment in its classrooms, computer labs, arts studios, and performance spaces. The school’s concept of pedagogy is that critical thinking and independent learning nurtures intellectual and cultural growth. This is supplemented by its myriad of athletics, outdoors learning, service learning, and fine arts programs which build its foundations for an all-rounded education.
Mean SAT Score: 1400 (2023)*
Mean ACT Score: 32 (2023)*
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $68,500
3. TMI Episcopal
This co-educational college preparatory school for students in grades 6-12 has a rich military tradition that dates back to 1893, when it was founded by the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. Today, it has grown to become one of the top boarding schools in the state. TMI is known for its Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program, which is an optional leadership program that blends a military structure with independent school education.
Mean SAT Score: 1320 (2023)*
Mean ACT Score: 30 (2023)*
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $58,490
4. The Brook Hill School
The Brook Hill School takes in students from Pre-K to grade 12. This Christian day and boarding school is located in Tyler, Texas, on a rural 250-acre campus. Brook Hill is a community that values diversity and welcomes students from different ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and cultures. It is said to be the best private school in East Texas and its secret to success is a rigorous academic curriculum balanced with fine arts education and a championship-level athletics program.
Mean SAT Score: 1290 (2023)*
Mean ACT Score: 27 (2023)*
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $56,995
5. San Marcos Academy
Founded in 1907, San Marcos Academy is one of the oldest boarding schools in the state with an excellent track record in academics. San Marcos Academy is a co-educational Christian boarding school for students in grades 6-12. The vast Texas Hill Country campus is well-equipped with quality sports facilities. The school does not require any admissions or language proficiency tests for international students.
Mean SAT Score: 1210 (2023)*
Mean ACT Score: 26 (2023)*
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $47,600
6. Marine Military Academy
The Marine Military Academy (MMA) is a military boarding school that stands out for being founded on the traditions and values of the U.S. Marine Corps. MMA is located in the sub-tropical Harlingen and takes in young men from grades 7-12. It has a high-performing, enriching academic program, with over 55 academic courses, 20 sports and activities, and an exceptional flight training program where students can become a licensed pilot.
Mean SAT Score: 1210 (2023)*
Mean ACT Score: 23 (2023)*
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $46,650
7. North Central Texas Academy
The North Central Texas Academy (NCTA) is a Christian international boarding school that takes in students from kindergarten through grade 12. Based on a vast 500-acre working farm, NCTA offers students a unique experience with its homey residences for boarding students and an open campus in a rural setting. The school provides an all-rounded education which not only stresses the importance of academics and spirituality but also character development, health and exercise, and the arts.
Mean SAT Score: 1140 (2023)*
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $49,000
8. Chinquapin Preparatory School
Chinquapin Preparatory School is a highly rated, private, boarding school located in HIGHLANDS, TX. It has 150 students in grades 6-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 8 to 1. After graduation, 90% of students from this school go on to attend a 4-year college.
Mean SAT Score: 1180 (2023)*
Mean ACT Score: 25 (2023)*
9. Presbyterian Pan American School
Established in 1911, the Presbyterian Pan American School (PPAS) is a Christian international boarding school that is based on a ranch in Kingsville. PPAS has developed a rigorous academic curriculum that not only prepares its students for university or college, but also develops their spirituality and character. The school boasts an outstanding 100% college acceptance rate.
Mean SAT Score: 1140 (2023)*
Mean ACT Score: 21 (2023)*
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $23,000
10. Texas Christian School
Texas Christian School is an above average, private, boarding, Christian school located in HOUSTON, TX. It has 290 students in grades PK, K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 8 to 1. Tuition is $30,000 for the highest grade offered. After graduation, 20% of students from this school go on to attend a 4-year college.
Mean SAT Score: 1220 (2023)*
Annual Boarding Tuition Fees: $30,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the top boarding school in Texas?
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School tops our list of the top boarding schools in Texas.
How do I pick boarding schools in the US?
We recommend looking at rankings and average SAT/ACT scores as a gauge of academic performance. Other important factors include athletics, arts programs, and extracurricular activities.
Is Texas a good place to study?
Yes. Texas is rated the third-best state in the US for college students as it has many high-ranking colleges, low crime rates, and warm weather.
How do I send my child to a US boarding school?
First, gather all the necessary documents (ie. transcripts, test scores, recommendation letter). Then, apply to a school and pay application fees. By March, you should receive an acceptance letter with joining instructions and info about the student visa.
Summary
In summary, there are many choices for private boarding schools in Texas. Besides high SAT and ACT results, each school also stands out with their unique education motto and teaching method. When browsing through the high schools in Texas, it is highly advised that parents check through the schools’ approaches to best match the needs and conditions of each child. Should you need further assistance, please contact us.
Apply For A Boarding School - Contact Us
Join our UK Study newsletter and get helpful articles on UK study, admission tips, courses and more delivered to your inbox.
Apply To A Boarding School
We provide free boarding school application assistance and advice. Speak to one of our consultants now!