By Eddie Franklin Finding the right private school is an important step in securing a child’s educational future. For parents in Austin, Texas, the good news is that the city and its surrounding communities offer a variety of private educational institutions with different teaching philosophies, academic programmes, extracurricular activities, and learning environments.
Whether you are searching for a Christian school, a classical education programme, an international school, a girls’ school, or an institution that provides more personalised instruction, Austin has several options worth exploring.
However, choosing a school involves more than comparing names. Parents must also consider admission requirements, tuition fees, grade availability, location, curriculum, student support, and the school’s overall approach to education.
In this article, we explore 20 private schools in Austin, Texas, and their admission requirements, providing families with a useful starting point for researching their options.
Top Private Schools In Austin And Requirements
1. St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is an independent Episcopal school in Austin that provides students with an academically focused education within a faith-based community.
The school may appeal to families seeking a combination of academic learning, character development, extracurricular activities, and spiritual formation. Parents should explore its curriculum, student support services, and opportunities for participation in arts, athletics, and other activities.
Admission Requirements
Families interested in St. Andrew’s Episcopal School should investigate the following:
- Completion of the school’s application form.
- Submission of previous academic records and report cards.
- Student assessments or entrance testing, where applicable.
- Teacher recommendations and supporting documents, if required.
- Parent and student interviews or meetings, where applicable.
- Payment of applicable application and enrollment fees.
Requirements may differ between divisions and grade levels. Parents should obtain the appropriate admissions checklist before applying.
2. Hill Country Christian School of Austin
Hill Country Christian School of Austin is a Christian educational institution serving families who want their children to receive an education that incorporates biblical principles.
The school combines academic instruction with a Christian educational environment. Parents considering this institution should investigate its curriculum, spiritual development activities, extracurricular programmes, and expectations for students and families.
Admission Requirements
Prospective families should contact the admissions office to confirm:
- The completed application form and required family information.
- Previous school records and academic reports.
- Any required student assessment or academic evaluation.
- Parent meetings or interviews.
- Grade-level eligibility and available places.
- Any school-specific Christian education expectations.
Parents should also ask about the school’s current grade offerings and the process for transferring students from other schools.
3. Hyde Park Schools
Hyde Park Schools is a Christian school community in Austin offering education across multiple school divisions.
The institution may interest families seeking a combination of academic instruction, Christian formation, and extracurricular opportunities. Parents should explore its curriculum, student development programmes, and approach to preparing learners for further education.
Admission Requirements
Hyde Park Schools publishes specific admissions procedures. Its stated assessment requirements include:
- Applicants in grades 4K–5 complete skills-based assessments.
- Applicants in grades 6–12 take the ISEE or SSAT.
- Academic records and other supporting documents are considered.
- Additional admissions steps may include recommendations, interviews, and school-specific requirements.
Families should review the current admissions information to determine which requirements apply to their child’s intended grade.
4. Brentwood Christian School
Brentwood Christian School is a private Christian school in Austin. It provides an educational environment for families interested in combining academic development with Christian values.
Parents considering Brentwood Christian School should explore its academic curriculum, spiritual activities, extracurricular opportunities, and student support services.
Admission Requirements
The following are important items to investigate:
- A completed school application.
- Previous academic records and report cards.
- Age eligibility and grade placement.
- Student assessment or interview, if applicable.
- Parent meeting or other admissions activities.
- Required enrollment and health documentation.
Contact the school directly to confirm its current admission requirements, tuition, and application deadlines.
5. Austin Classical School
Austin Classical School offers a classical Christian educational approach. Classical education generally emphasises the development of language, reasoning, communication, and a strong foundation of knowledge.
Families interested in this approach should explore how the school’s curriculum incorporates classical learning and Christian formation.
Admission Requirements
Parents should ask the school about:
- Application procedures and family information forms.
- Previous school records, where applicable.
- Student assessment and grade placement.
- Parent meetings or admissions interviews.
- Age requirements for the intended grade.
- Any additional school-specific expectations.
Understanding the school’s educational philosophy before applying can help families determine whether its learning environment aligns with their expectations.
6. Kirby Hall School
Kirby Hall School is a private educational institution in Austin. Families researching the school should investigate its curriculum, teaching approach, class structure, and student development opportunities.
When evaluating Kirby Hall, parents should consider their child’s academic interests, learning preferences, and need for individual attention.
Admission Requirements
Prospective applicants should confirm whether they need to provide:
- A completed application form.
- Previous academic transcripts or report cards.
- Student assessment or placement information.
- Teacher recommendations.
- Parent and student interviews.
- Additional documents required for the intended grade.
The admissions office can explain the application process and clarify whether particular assessments or prerequisites apply.
7. Headwaters School
Headwaters School is an independent school in Austin known for its distinctive educational approach. Families interested in student-centred education may wish to explore its teaching philosophy and learning environment.
Parents should investigate how the school approaches academic development, student independence, collaboration, and individual learning needs.
Admission Requirements
Families should confirm the following requirements:
- Submission of an application.
- Previous school records, where applicable.
- Student visits, observations, or assessments, if required.
- Parent and student conversations.
- Grade-specific application materials.
- Enrollment documentation and applicable fees.
Parents should also confirm which campus and programme are appropriate for their child’s age and educational needs.
8. Magellan International School
Magellan International School is an international school in Austin serving families interested in a globally oriented educational environment.
Its international focus may appeal to parents seeking opportunities for multilingual learning and exposure to different cultures and perspectives.
Families should investigate the curriculum, language instruction, academic expectations, and transition support available to students entering from different educational systems.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should ask about:
- The school’s application form and supporting documents.
- Previous academic records.
- Language background information, where relevant.
- Academic assessment or grade placement.
- Parent and student meetings.
- Additional documentation for international transfers.
Parents should clarify whether their child needs to demonstrate proficiency in a particular language before entering a specific grade.
9. Austin International School
Austin International School is an international educational institution in Austin. It may be worth exploring for families interested in multilingual education and an international learning environment.
Parents should examine its curriculum, language model, grade offerings, and approach to supporting students from different educational backgrounds.
Admission Requirements
Families should confirm whether the application process includes:
- A completed application form.
- Previous academic reports and transcripts.
- Information about the child’s language background.
- Student assessments or placement evaluations.
- Parent interviews or admissions meetings.
- Additional documents for transferring students.
It is particularly important for families relocating from abroad to ask how the school evaluates international academic records.
10. The Girls’ School of Austin
The Girls’ School of Austin is an independent school focused on girls’ education.
Parents researching the school should investigate its academic curriculum, teaching methods, extracurricular activities, and approach to developing students’ confidence, leadership, and intellectual interests.
Families should also consider whether the school’s grade offerings and educational environment meet their daughter’s needs.
Admission Requirements
Prospective families should ask about:
- Application forms and required documents.
- Previous academic records.
- Student assessments or school visits.
- Parent and student interviews, where applicable.
- Age and grade-level eligibility.
- Enrollment procedures and fees.
Contact the school to confirm its current admissions process and whether places are available in the intended grade.
11. Griffin School
Griffin School is a private school in Austin serving high school students.
Families considering Griffin School should explore its academic programmes, learning environment, course options, and preparation for postsecondary education.
Parents of students transferring from another high school should pay particular attention to course requirements and the transfer of academic credits.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should investigate:
- Completion of the application.
- Submission of academic transcripts.
- Student interview or assessment, if required.
- Review of grade placement and previous coursework.
- Recommendations or other supporting documents.
- Enrollment forms and applicable fees.
Parents should contact the school to confirm its current grade availability and any prerequisites for particular courses.
12. Fusion Academy Austin
Fusion Academy Austin is a private educational option for families interested in a more individualised approach to learning.
Parents considering Fusion Academy should investigate its instructional model, scheduling options, course offerings, and support for students with different academic needs.
Families should discuss their child’s educational goals with the school to understand how a suitable programme would be developed.
Admission Requirements
The admissions process may involve:
- An initial family consultation.
- Review of the student’s academic history.
- Discussion of educational needs and goals.
- Assessment or course-placement procedures, where applicable.
- Review of scheduling and programme options.
- Completion of enrollment documentation.
Ask the admissions team about tuition, available courses, and the process for determining an appropriate learning plan.
13. Paragon Prep Private School of Austin
Paragon Prep is a private school in Austin. Families should investigate its curriculum, grade offerings, educational philosophy, and approach to student development.
When considering this school, parents may wish to explore its academic expectations, extracurricular activities, teaching methods, and support services.
Admission Requirements
Parents should confirm:
- Application and family information requirements.
- Previous academic records.
- Student assessments or placement procedures.
- Parent and student meetings, where applicable.
- Age and grade eligibility.
- Enrollment documents and associated fees.
Contact the school for current information about its admissions process and available spaces.
14. Huntington-Surrey School
Huntington-Surrey School is a private educational institution in Austin.
Families researching the school should explore its academic programmes, learning environment, teaching approach, and student support services.
Parents should also discuss their child’s educational background and learning needs with the school to determine whether the available programmes are appropriate.
Admission Requirements
Prospective families should investigate:
- A completed application form.
- Previous school records and transcripts.
- Student assessment or interview, if required.
- Parent consultation.
- Grade placement and eligibility.
- Any additional enrollment documentation.
The admissions office can provide details about the school’s current programmes and application procedures.
15. AHB Community School
AHB Community School is a private school in Austin. Parents considering the institution should learn about its educational philosophy, curriculum, student activities, and approach to supporting academic development.
Families should investigate how the school structures learning and whether its educational environment aligns with their child’s needs.
Admission Requirements
Parents should ask about:
- The application process.
- Previous academic records.
- Student visits, assessments, or interviews, if applicable.
- Parent meetings.
- Grade-level eligibility.
- Required enrollment and health documents.
Confirm the school’s current grade range and whether it is accepting applications for the intended entry year.
16. Acton Academy – Main Campus
Acton Academy’s Austin main campus is an educational option for families interested in learner-centred education.
Parents should investigate its approach to independent learning, projects, collaboration, and student responsibility.
It is important to understand how the school’s educational philosophy differs from more traditional classroom-based approaches before making an application.
Admission Requirements
Families should confirm:
- Application and family information requirements.
- Parent and student conversations.
- Student visits or assessments, where applicable.
- Review of the child’s educational background.
- Grade placement.
- Enrollment forms and fees.
Ask the admissions team how it determines whether a student is ready for its particular learning model.
17. Acton Academy Northwest Austin
Acton Academy Northwest Austin provides another campus option for families exploring learner-centred education in the Austin area.
Parents should investigate the campus’s curriculum, learning environment, student activities, and approach to developing independence and responsibility.
Families comparing the two Acton campuses should confirm their respective grade offerings, schedules, and admissions policies rather than assuming that every detail is identical.
Admission Requirements
Prospective families should ask about:
- The application form.
- Student and parent discussions.
- School visits or assessments, if applicable.
- Academic background and grade placement.
- Enrollment documentation.
- Tuition and payment arrangements.
Contact the campus directly for its current admissions checklist.
18. The International School of Texas
The International School of Texas, commonly known as IST, is an international educational institution serving the Austin area.
Families interested in an international learning environment should investigate its curriculum, language opportunities, educational philosophy, and support for students transferring from other countries.
Parents should also consider how the school’s programme fits their child’s future educational plans.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should confirm:
- Completion of the application.
- Previous academic records.
- Language background information, where relevant.
- Student assessments or placement evaluations.
- Parent interviews or admissions meetings.
- Additional documentation for international applicants.
Ask the admissions office how it evaluates transcripts from other countries and determines the appropriate grade placement.
19. Alpha High
Alpha High is a private high school in Austin. Families researching the institution should investigate its academic model, teaching approach, course offerings, and preparation for university or other postsecondary pathways.
Parents should also ask about student support, scheduling, academic expectations, and opportunities for students to pursue their interests.
Admission Requirements
Prospective applicants should confirm:
- The application form and supporting materials.
- Previous school transcripts.
- Academic placement or assessment procedures.
- Student and parent meetings, where required.
- Grade eligibility and course prerequisites.
- Enrollment documentation and fees.
Students transferring from another high school should ask how previously completed courses and credits will be evaluated.
20. Regents School of Austin
Regents School of Austin is a classical Christian school offering education from kindergarten through grade 12.
Its educational approach draws on the classical trivium, which traditionally emphasises grammar, logic, and rhetoric as students progress through different stages of learning.
Families interested in classical Christian education should explore its curriculum, biblical instruction, academic expectations, extracurricular programmes, and approach to student formation.
Admission Requirements
Regents School of Austin publishes a structured admissions process. Its stated requirements include:
- Submitting an inquiry and application.
- Completing the required academic assessment.
- Taking the ISEE for applicants entering grades 5–12.
- Participating in a family interview if invited following assessment review.
- Completing the applicable admissions procedures and deadlines.
Parents should consult the school’s current admissions information to confirm the complete requirements for their child’s grade.
For the 2026–2027 school year, the published tuition figures provided for this guide are:
| Grade level | Annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | $14,928 |
| Grades 1–4 | $19,853 |
| Grades 5–8 | $22,258 |
| Grades 9–12 | $23,822 |
These figures are provided for budgeting purposes and should be verified with the school before making financial decisions.
Private Schools in Austin: Comparison Table
The following table provides a quick comparison of the 20 institutions discussed in this guide.
| No. | Private school | Educational focus | Admission requirements to investigate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. Andrew’s Episcopal School | Episcopal education | Application, academic records, assessments, interviews |
| 2 | Hill Country Christian School of Austin | Christian education | Application, records, assessment, family meeting |
| 3 | Hyde Park Schools | Christian education | Application, records, age eligibility, grade-specific assessment |
| 4 | Brentwood Christian School | Christian education | Application, academic records, assessment, grade eligibility |
| 5 | Austin Classical School | Classical Christian education | Application, records, placement assessment, family meeting |
| 6 | Kirby Hall School | Private independent education | Application, academic records, assessment, interviews |
| 7 | Headwaters School | Independent, student-centred education | Application, records, student visit, family meetings |
| 8 | Magellan International School | International education | Application, records, language information, assessment |
| 9 | Austin International School | International education | Application, records, language background, placement |
| 10 | The Girls’ School of Austin | Girls’ education | Application, academic records, assessment, interviews |
| 11 | Griffin School | Private high school education | Application, transcripts, assessment, grade placement |
| 12 | Fusion Academy Austin | Individualised learning | Consultation, academic history, programme assessment |
| 13 | Paragon Prep Private School of Austin | Private school education | Application, academic records, placement, grade eligibility |
| 14 | Huntington-Surrey School | Private education | Application, transcripts, assessment, parent consultation |
| 15 | AHB Community School | Private school education | Application, records, assessment, school-specific forms |
| 16 | Acton Academy – Main Campus | Learner-centred education | Application, family conversations, student visit, enrollment |
| 17 | Acton Academy Northwest Austin | Learner-centred education | Application, family discussions, assessment, grade placement |
| 18 | The International School of Texas | International education | Application, records, language information, assessment |
| 19 | Alpha High | Private high school education | Application, transcripts, placement, enrollment documents |
| 20 | Regents School of Austin | Classical Christian education | Application, assessment, ISEE for grades 5–12, possible interview |
This comparison is a starting point for research, not a definitive statement that every listed requirement applies to every applicant.
How to Choose the Right Private School in Austin
With several educational options available, parents should consider the following factors when narrowing down their choices.
1. Consider Your Child’s Educational Needs
Every child has different interests, abilities, and learning preferences. Some students may enjoy a traditional academic environment, while others may benefit from a more individualised or learner-centred approach.
Consider your child’s strengths, challenges, interests, and long-term educational goals.
2. Compare Curricula and Teaching Approaches
Investigate the curriculum, teaching methods, class structure, assessment practices, and extracurricular activities offered by each school.
Families considering international education should also examine language instruction and curriculum recognition. Parents interested in Christian education may wish to understand how faith and academic instruction are integrated.
3. Understand Tuition and Additional Costs
Private school expenses can extend beyond tuition. Ask about application fees, enrollment deposits, books, uniforms, transportation, meals, technology, extracurricular activities, and other charges.
If affordability is a concern, investigate whether the school offers financial assistance, scholarships, or payment plans.
4. Visit the Campus
A school visit can provide valuable insight into the learning environment. Parents may be able to meet teachers, explore facilities, observe activities, and ask questions about student support.
Where possible, arrange a visit that allows your child to experience the school environment.
5. Confirm Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Some schools require entrance examinations, interviews, academic assessments, or recommendations. Others may use different procedures depending on the applicant’s grade.
Begin researching early, prepare the necessary documents, and confirm application deadlines with each admissions office.
Related
Conclusion
Austin, Texas, offers a diverse selection of private educational institutions for families seeking different academic experiences and learning environments.
The 20 schools covered in this guide include Christian schools, classical education institutions, international schools, independent schools, and schools offering specialised or individualised learning approaches.
When comparing these options, parents should consider educational philosophy, curriculum, admission requirements, tuition, location, extracurricular activities, and the support available to students.
Ultimately, the right school for your family is one whose educational approach, expectations, and environment align with your child’s needs and your family’s priorities.
Use this guide as a starting point, research the schools that interest you, and contact their admissions offices for current information before submitting an application.
Join EdubaseNG WhatsApp Channel to get the latest education & student loan tips
Join our Telegram Channel to get the latest news about Student Loans & Education News.
Are you a stakeholder in education? You can become our guest writer. Write to us using our our email address here