Welcome to Austin! As a new resident, you’re likely excited to explore everything this city has to offer, and a crucial part of settling in is finding the perfect school for your child. Austin boasts a wide range of excellent private college prep schools, each with its own unique philosophy and educational approach. This guide highlights the Top 10 college prep private schools in Austin, based on Niche‘s 2024 rankings, to help you navigate this diverse landscape and find the perfect fit for your new student. Remember, this is just a starting point, and the best school for your child will depend on their individual needs, learning style, and desired college trajectory.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

Consistently ranking high for its rigorous academics, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School offers a well-rounded college preparatory program from 6th grade to 12th grade. They provide a strong foundation in core subjects while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional development through dedicated programs and extracurricular activities.

Austin Peace Academy

This innovative school takes a progressive approach to education, emphasizing project-based learning and social justice throughout their K-12 program. Austin Peace Academy encourages students to become active participants in their own learning journey by tackling real-world problems and collaborating with their peers.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

Similar to St. Stephen’s, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School offers a top-tier college prep program alongside a well-rounded elementary curriculum. They emphasize core subjects, critical thinking, and social-emotional development throughout a student’s academic journey.

St. Michael’s Catholic Academy

This coeducational Catholic school boasts a rigorous college preparatory program from 6th through 12th grade. St. Michael’s Catholic Academy integrates faith-based teachings with a strong academic foundation, preparing students for success in college and beyond.

Headwaters School

Blending a Montessori foundation with a college preparatory curriculum in the upper grades, Headwaters School offers a unique program from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. The Montessori approach emphasizes hands-on learning and exploration, fostering a love of learning in young children. As students progress through the grades, the curriculum transitions to a more traditional college-prep style, ensuring a smooth transition to high school.

St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School

This coeducational Catholic high school offers a strong college preparatory program with a focus on faith and character development. St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School‘s dedicated faculty prepares students for academic success and responsible citizenship.

Griffin School

Griffin School takes a unique approach to college prep, emphasizing project-based learning and fostering intellectual curiosity. Their program spans from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade and encourages students to become active participants in their own education.

Brentwood Christian School

This Christ-centered school offers a college-preparatory curriculum from Pre-K4 through 12th grade. Brentwood Christian School integrates strong academics with spiritual growth, fostering a nurturing environment that prepares students for the challenges of college and beyond.

San Marcos Academy

Located just outside Austin in San Marcos, San Marcos Academy offers a coeducational college preparatory program from Kindergarten through 12th grade. They emphasize a challenging academic environment with a focus on intellectual curiosity and personal growth.

Regents School of Austin

This coeducational K-12 school offers a rigorous college preparatory program that fosters a love of learning and intellectual curiosity. Regents School of Austin emphasizes a strong sense of community, preparing students for academic success and responsible citizenship.

Remember, the most important factor is finding a school that aligns with your child’s personality, learning style, and college aspirations. Don’t hesitate to schedule school tours, talk to current parents, and consider your child’s individual needs to make the best decision for their journey towards a bright future at a top college.