The Top 5 Private Schools in Houston

Awty International School is very high up on a lot of ranking lists in Texas. According to Niche’s Best Schools for 2023, it’s ranked second for private schools in the entire state.

We love this because it means it’s very respected in the academic world. They have a great reputation in the local community, and people hold them in high regard.

Their average graduation rate is 100%, which we think is obviously stellar. Their average SAT score is 1380 out of 1600, and their average ACT score is 31 out of 36.

The students and parents there agree that there are a lot of clubs and activities to participate in. We think this is really important for a child to grow mentally and socially.

They also have a high rate of athletic participation from both girls and boys. We like this because it means they get to grow physically and learn to work with a team as well.

Their annual tuition is around $32,230, which is definitely on the pricier side. Only about 8% of students receive financial age, which we think could be a little better.

Still, Awty International School is full of students and employees of diverse backgrounds. A good majority of them truly love the school’s community, which is really important to us.

Becker School stands out as a premier private institution dedicated to providing a high-quality education grounded in early childhood development principles. With a comprehensive and evolving curriculum, the school employs best practices in early education, including Reggio-inspired learning, differentiated instruction, and play-based exploration. Becker School’s commitment to nurturing confident, curious, and happy citizens ensures that each child not only excels academically but also develops a lifelong love of learning.

As a licensed and accredited private school, Becker School offers specialized programs for various age groups, beginning with its Young Toddler program. This foundational stage fosters intellectual stimulation and independence in a loving environment. Small class sizes ensure that toddlers receive personalized attention, allowing them to thrive while being introduced to Jewish values and culture through engaging, hands-on activities.

In the Twos program, children transition from parallel play to more interactive social experiences. This program focuses on developing expressive language skills and promoting autonomy through integrated, child-directed play. With attentive teachers guiding their journey, students gain confidence and essential self-reliant skills, further enriching their experience within the nurturing framework of this private school.

The Threes and Pre-K programs continue to build upon these skills with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning across literacy, math, and science. The school’s collaboration with Rice University’s Center of Education equips teachers to provide a dynamic learning environment where children can engage in meaningful projects and explore their interests. This child-centered approach fosters social interactions and critical thinking, preparing students for future academic success.

Finally, Becker’s Kindergarten program encapsulates the school’s mission by integrating Jewish values into a well-rounded curriculum. Students are encouraged to explore their world, take intellectual risks, and develop foundational skills in a safe and supportive atmosphere. As a private institution, Becker School is committed to meeting each child’s unique academic, social, and emotional needs, making it an excellent choice for families seeking an enriching educational experience.

The Village School is ranked first in Niche’s list of most diverse private schools in Texas. We think this is really important for students to be exposed to different worldviews.

They’re also ranked second in the best boarding schools in Texas. This could be really great for students living a little farther out or those who just want to experience that kind of life.

Their yearly tuition is around $30,700, which is definitely a little expensive. With boarding, it’s closer to $69,550.

There are definitely more affordable schools out there, but there are more expensive ones too. We think they’re still priced  fairly for their quality.

Their average graduation rate is 100%, which of course we love. Their average composite score for SAT is 1350 and for ACT is 30, both of which are pretty high.

They have a good range of clubs and activities for the students to participate in, which we always love. Their sports participation from the boys is high, but it’s just alright for the girls.

Some parents and students in the community do wish there was more funding for the clubs, though. We think this is really important for students’ holistic growth.

The Kinkaid School is ranked number 10 in Niche’s best schools for 2023. They have a really great academic program, which we absolutely love.

Their average SAT composite score is 1400 out of 1600. For ACT the average composite score is 32 out of 36. 

These are really great scores, so the school is a top pick for students looking to really succeed academically. We think parents would love to hear about this.

Their annual tuition is $25,000, which we think is pretty great. Compared to other private high schools in the area, it’s more affordable for the high quality education you get.

They have a good spread of clubs and activities to choose from, which is essential. This means that students get to explore other avenues of growth and learning.

They aren’t as diverse as other schools on this list, but it isn’t unreasonable. If that’s a big priority for you though, there may be better options on this list.

Still, the Kinkaid School has a great reputation, and a good number of their students love being there. 

St. Agnes Academy is ranked the second best all-girls private school in Houston by Niche. If that’s an experience you or your child wants, their school is a good bet.

Their tuition by the year is $24,000, which we think is great especially in comparison to others in the area. They also provide financial aid for a good 11% of their students.

The average rate of students who graduate is 100%, which is awesome. They do really well academically as well, which we know parents would care a lot about.

St, Agnes Academy’s average composite score for the SATs is 1330 out of 1600. For the ACTs, it is 30 out of 36.

One thing they’re known for is their sports program as well. They have really successful athletics teams, which we think is great for an all-girls school.

If you or your daughter want to pursue sports more seriously, St. Agnes Academy is a pretty good choice.

They’re also fairly diverse, with a good number of their students being Hispanic. They also have students who are Asian, Black, and from Pacific Islander backgrounds.

Niche ranked St. John’s School third in the best prep private high schools in the state of Texas. If university is something you’re focused on, this school will have you ready.

They’re also ranked number four out of over 900 high schools for STEM in Texas, which we love. If you or your child is focused on this field of study, this one’s a good bet.

They have a great reputation in terms of academics. Their average SAT composite score is 1480 out of 1600, and for ACT it’s 33 out of 36.

Their yearly tuition is $30,515, which is a little up there. It isn’t unreasonably high, but there are more affordable options as well.

St. John’s School is unfortunately not very racially diverse. We wish this were different, because it’s important for students to feel welcome and grow holistically.

They have a good range of extra-curricular clubs and activities to choose from. Again, we think this is so important for students to grow socially and emotionally.

St. John’s School is a great choice on the whole, especially if you want to focus on academics, particularly in the fields of STEM.