Dallas-Fort Worth has dozens of quality private school options. Honestly, the sheer number can make choosing the right fit feel overwhelming for families.
To select the right private school in DFW, you’ll need to figure out your child’s needs, research available options, check out academic programs, visit campuses, and handle applications strategically.
Try to get a sense of what makes each school unique before you make this big decision. The private school admission process has several steps, and you’ll need to plan ahead and pay attention to details.
This guide covers every phase of picking a private school that fits your family’s values and matches your child’s learning style. There’s no perfect formula, but a little structure helps.
Finding the best educational environment for your student isn’t simple, but it’s doable.
What Are Your Teens Academic and Extracurricular Needs?
When you understand what your child needs from school, you can focus on schools that match their goals and interests. Your child’s learning style, academic strengths, and favorite activities should guide your search.
Determine Educational Goals
Start by looking at your child’s current academic performance. Where do they shine, and where do they struggle?
If your child loves math and science, you’ll want schools with strong STEM programs. Got a budding artist? Look for schools with real music, theater, or visual arts spaces.
Some Dallas-Fort Worth private high schools offer Advanced Placement courses, so students can earn college credits early.
Take a look at class sizes too—smaller classes usually mean teachers can give more individual attention.
Assess Extracurricular Priorities
Extracurricular activities build skills you just can’t get in a textbook. Jot down your child’s current interests and activities they’re curious about trying.
Is your kid into sports, music, debate, or aviation? Their passions should help shape your school search.
Consider Learning Styles and Support Needs
Every kid learns differently. Some thrive with hands-on projects, while others prefer traditional lectures and textbooks.
During campus visits, watch how teachers interact with students. You’ll pick up on a lot just by observing.
Schools should explain how they support your child’s specific needs. Ask if teachers have training to work with learning differences, and see what accommodations they offer—like extra time on tests or note-taking help.
Student-teacher ratios matter. Smaller ratios usually mean teachers can tailor their instruction to fit your child’s style.
Ask about academic support like tutoring, study skills programs, or enrichment for advanced learners. You never know what might make a difference.
How to Research Dallas-Fort Worth Private School Options
Dallas-Fort Worth has 127 private schools serving over 32,000 students. That’s a lot of choices, covering a wide range of educational styles and tuition costs.
You’ll need to compare academic programs, see what sets each school apart, and use the right tools to narrow your list.
Explore Top-Ranked Schools
Start by checking out schools with a track record for academic excellence. St. Mark’s School of Texas usually lands at the top of the best private schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for its tough college prep curriculum.
The Hockaday School focuses on all-girls education, leadership, and academic achievement. It’s a special environment for sure.
Greenhill School offers a co-ed setting with strong arts and science programs. Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas combines spiritual formation with academic rigor for young men.
Fort Worth Country Day School covers pre-kindergarten through grade 12 and puts a big emphasis on individualized learning. Parish Episcopal School mixes college prep with Episcopal values and character education.
Trinity Valley School gives both day and boarding options, plus competitive athletics and arts. There’s a lot to consider even just among the top-tier schools.
Review School Types and Philosophies
You need to get a sense of the different educational approaches in Dallas private schools. Religious schools like Jesuit College Prep weave faith-based values into daily learning.
Single-gender schools like Hockaday and St. Mark’s focus on teaching methods tailored to boys or girls. That’s not for everyone, but some families love it.
Common School Types:
- College preparatory schools
- Religious-affiliated schools
- Single-gender academies
- International Baccalaureate programs
- Montessori and progressive education models
Dallas International School offers language immersion if you want your child to become bilingual. Alcuin School uses a progressive approach that emphasizes critical thinking and creativity.
Fort Worth Country Day School sticks to a traditional college prep model with advanced placement courses. The variety is kind of amazing, honestly.
Utilize Online Directories and Resources
You can compare schools quickly with online directories that rank private schools by test scores and ratings.
These sites show tuition, student-teacher ratios, and admission requirements side by side. Super helpful if you’re trying to narrow things down.
Look for directories that include parent reviews and detailed profiles. Always double-check each school’s website for the latest info on programs and costs.
Many DFW private schools now offer virtual tours and online info sessions, which can save you a lot of time.
Filter your search by location, grade levels, and special programs. Pay attention to accreditation and college placement rates too. Not every school is created equal.
Looking at Rising Aviation High School
Rising Aviation High School gives students interested in aerospace careers a unique option. This school blends standard academics with hands-on aviation training and certification programs.
They have flight simulators, partnerships with aviation companies, and opportunities to earn pilot licenses while in high school. That’s not something you see every day.
The curriculum covers aerospace engineering, aviation maintenance, and drone tech courses. Your child can graduate with a high school diploma and industry certifications that lead straight to jobs or college programs in aviation.
Visit Schools and Attend Events
Honestly, seeing a school in person gives you insights you just can’t get from websites or brochures. This is easily the most important part of your private school search
Go check out the campus environment, meet teachers and staff, and get a gut feeling about whether the place fits your family’s needs.
Schedule Campus Tours
Campus tours let you walk through the facilities and get a sense of daily life at each school. Most private schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area offer guided tours—usually led by admissions staff or current students.
When booking your tour, ask to see the areas that matter most to your family. Request to drop by classrooms, science labs, art studios, athletic spaces, and those random spots where students hang out.
Watch how students and teachers interact during your visit. Notice if the hallways feel welcoming and if student work pops up around the building.
Ask your tour guide about class sizes, teacher backgrounds, and daily schedules. It’s okay to get specific.
Participate in Open Houses
Open houses let you meet lots of faculty, current parents, and administrators all at once. These events usually have presentations about the school’s philosophy, curriculum, and admission process.
Take the chance to ask teachers in your child’s prospective grade level real questions. Current parents at open houses will usually share honest takes about their experiences.
Navigate the Application Process
The application process for Dallas-Fort Worth private schools can get overwhelming if you’re not organized. You’ll need to gather documents any required documents the school needs and prepare for an interview with the school.
Gather Application Materials
Most Dallas private schools ask for several key documents with their applications. You’ll submit your child’s transcripts and report cards from their current school.
Some schools may also request teacher recommendations from some of their current or former teachers.
Your child might need to write a personal statement, depending on the school and grade. Include documentation of extracurriculars, awards, and community service.
Prepare for Interviews and Assessments
Some Dallas private schools require the ISEE or SSAT entrance exam. At Rising Aviation we don’t require these tests as part of our admissions process.
Register for testing early so your child has time for a retake if needed. Student interviews gauge personality, curiosity, and school fit.
Assess Fit and Make a Final Decision
After you’ve toured schools and gathered info, it’s time to figure out which Dallas-Fort Worth private school fits your child and your family best. This step means reviewing your notes, having honest conversations, and thinking about how each school will support your child’s future.
Ultimately, this decision matters most to your child.
As a private high school we want to make sure our students truly want to be here, it isn’t something their parents are pushing them into. So we recommend ensuring your teen is truly interested and committed to their school choice.
Sit down and talk with your child about how they felt at each school. Ask what stood out and what made them comfortable—or uncomfortable.
Your child’s enthusiasm counts. Even the best academics won’t help if your child feels anxious or unwelcome.
If you’re looking for a leading STEM and aviation school please reach out to our admissions team so you can learn more about attending Rising Aviation High School.
