Top 25 Largest Private Schools in Austin

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Published on: February 21, 2018

For families relocating to Austin, finding the right educational environment for their children is crucial, and the largest private schools in Austin offer a wealth of options. These schools provide a variety of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and values-based education, ensuring that newcomers can find a school that fits their family’s needs.

According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Education, private schools have continued to grow in popularity, reflecting a national trend. Around 11% of American students currently attend private schools, and Austin mirrors this statistic with its rich variety of options. Parents moving to Austin can choose from elite preparatory academies, faith-based institutions, and innovative Montessori schools.

Why Choose Private Schools in Austin?

Families relocating to Austin often look for smaller class sizes, specialized curricula, and a strong sense of community that private schools offer. Many of Austin’s largest private schools emphasize not just academic excellence but also character development, leadership, and service. This holistic approach to education is a significant draw for parents considering private options.

Largest Private Schools in Austin

Ensuring that newcomers moving to Austin have access to the most current information about enrollment, locations, and educational offerings, here’s an updated list of Austin’s 25 largest private schools:

1. Regents School of Austin

Grades: K-12
Enrollment: Approximately 1,000+
Focus: Classical, Christian education emphasizing faith, academics, and service. Known for its rigorous curriculum and character development.
Website: Regents School of Austin

2. St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

Grades: K-12
Enrollment: ~970
Focus: Episcopal education emphasizing community service, academic excellence, and holistic student development.
Website: St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

3. St. Michael’s Catholic Academy

Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 600+
Focus: College-preparatory curriculum blending academics, faith formation, and leadership training.
Website: St. Michael’s Catholic Academy

4. Hyde Park Schools

Grades: K-12
Enrollment: ~900
Focus: Christ-centered education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and extracurricular involvement.
Website: Hyde Park Schools

5. St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

Grades: 6-12
Enrollment: 700+
Focus: Boarding and day school known for its rigorous academics, fine arts, and athletic programs.
Website: St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

6. Round Rock Christian Academy

Grades: PreK-12
Enrollment: ~750
Focus: Comprehensive education with a Christian foundation, including arts, athletics, and technology.
Website: RRCA

7. Hill Country Christian School of Austin

Grades: K-12
Enrollment: 500+
Focus: Classical education emphasizing Christian values and college preparation.
Website: Hill Country Christian School

8. Brentwood Christian School

Grades: PreK-12
Enrollment: 700+
Focus: Church of Christ-affiliated, offering a Christ-centered education with strong academics.
Website: Brentwood Christian School

9. Veritas Academy

Grades: K-12
Enrollment: ~600
Focus: Classical, Christian, and collaborative model emphasizing academics and family involvement.
Website: Veritas Academy

10. Holy Family Catholic School

Grades: PreK-8
Enrollment: ~650
Focus: Catholic education fostering intellectual and spiritual growth.
Website: Holy Family Catholic School

11. Trinity Episcopal School of Austin

Grades: K-8
Enrollment: 600+
Focus: Focuses on intellectual, physical, and spiritual engagement with daily chapel services.
Website: Trinity Episcopal School

12. Headwaters School

Grades: PreK-12
Enrollment: ~500
Focus: Montessori and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs with an emphasis on social justice and critical thinking.
Website: Headwaters School

13. Magellan International School

Grades: PreK-8
Enrollment: ~500
Focus: Bilingual education with an emphasis on global citizenship and an IB curriculum.
Website: Magellan International School

14. St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School

Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: ~400
Focus: College preparatory Catholic school focusing on academics, spiritual formation, and community service.
Website: St. Dominic Savio

15. St. Francis School

Grades: K-8
Enrollment: ~400
Focus: Progressive curriculum with a strong emphasis on arts, creativity, and individualized learning.
Website: St. Francis School

16. Redeemer Lutheran School

Grades: K-8
Enrollment: 350+
Focus: Christ-centered education with strong academic and extracurricular offerings.
Website: Redeemer Lutheran School

17. Grace Academy

Grades: K-12
Enrollment: ~350
Focus: Classical Christian education, small class sizes, and rigorous academics.
Website: Grace Academy

18. St. Theresa’s Catholic School

Grades: PreK-8
Enrollment: ~400
Focus: Academic excellence within a Catholic environment emphasizing service and faith.
Website: St. Theresa’s Catholic School

19. Austin Waldorf School

Grades: PreK-12
Enrollment: ~400
Focus: Waldorf education focusing on holistic development, arts, and practical skills.
Website: Austin Waldorf School

20. San Marcos Academy

Grades: K-12
Enrollment: ~350
Focus: Christian boarding and day school known for its military history and strong academics.
Website: San Marcos Academy

21. Summit Christian Academy

Grades: PreK-12
Enrollment: ~300
Focus: Rigorous academics with a strong foundation in biblical principles.
Website: Summit Christian Academy

22. St. Louis Catholic School

Grades: PreK-8
Enrollment: ~300
Focus: Catholic education emphasizing faith, service, and academics.
Website: St. Louis Catholic School

23. Austin International School

Grades: PreK-5
Enrollment: ~250
Focus: Multilingual education focusing on French, Spanish, and English immersion.
Website: Austin International School

24. Rawson Saunders School

Grades: 1-12
Enrollment: ~200
Focus: Specializes in educating students with dyslexia through individualized instruction.
Website: Rawson Saunders School

25. International School of Texas

Grades: PreK-8
Enrollment: ~200
Focus: IB curriculum emphasizing global awareness, languages, and critical thinking.
Website: International School of Texas

Benefits of Attending Private Schools in Austin

Academic Excellence and College Preparation
Austin’s largest private schools boast high college acceptance rates, with many students attending prestigious universities nationwide. Rigorous academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, provide a strong foundation for future success.

Focus on Character and Values
Many private schools in Austin integrate character education and community service into their curricula, fostering well-rounded students who contribute positively to society.

Specialized Programs and Extracurriculars
From arts and athletics to STEM initiatives, private schools offer diverse programs that cater to students’ interests and talents. This focus on extracurricular enrichment is a key draw for families relocating to Austin.

Tips for Newcomers Relocating to Austin

Visit Schools
Arrange tours and attend open houses to get a feel for each school’s environment.

Consider Commute Times
Traffic in Austin can be challenging, so consider proximity when selecting a school.

Explore Financial Aid
Many private schools offer scholarships and tuition assistance.

Educational Excellence Awaits

For families moving to Austin, the city’s largest private schools provide exceptional educational opportunities that cater to diverse needs and interests. With their strong academic programs, commitment to character development, and wide array of extracurricular activities, these schools ensure that newcomers to Austin can find a perfect fit for their children’s education.