St. Mark's School of Texas
The Institution
Widely regarded as the academic crown jewel of Texas, St. Mark's School of Texas offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that rivals the best prep schools in the Northeast. Located in North Dallas, this all-boys school is known for its intense focus on character education, leadership, and scholarly achievement. The campus features state-of-the-art science centers, a planetarium, and extensive athletic facilities.
Academic Excellence
Graduates regularly matriculate to Ivy League universities, Stanford, and MIT at rates that are the envy of other schools. The school's "Path to Manhood" program integrates emotional intelligence and ethical decision-making into the daily life of students.
2025-26 Tuition
Grades 9–12 tuition is listed between approximately $38,995 and $41,554. A typical upper-school year will cost roughly $40,000 before extras like books, trips, and technology fees.
The Hockaday School
The Institution
The Hockaday School is the premier all-girls school in the Southwest and one of the largest independent girls' schools in the country. With a massive 100-acre campus in North Dallas, Hockaday offers a unique blend of rigorous academics and a supportive, empowering environment for young women. The school's boarding program attracts students from around the world, adding a global perspective to the classroom.
Academic Excellence
Its STEM program is particularly renowned, encouraging girls to excel in fields traditionally dominated by men. The "Four Cornerstones" of Character, Courtesy, Scholarship, and Athletics guide every aspect of student life.
2025-26 Tuition
For the 2025–26 academic year, middle and upper school (grades 5–Form IV) tuition is $39,510 for day students. Additional fees apply for technology and laptops in certain grades.
St. John's School
The Institution
Modeled after the rigorous academic standards of New England prep schools, St. John's School in Houston is a powerhouse of intellectual achievement. Located in the wealthy River Oaks neighborhood, "The School" (as it's known locally) is famous for its demanding curriculum and high expectations. It consistently ranks as the top private school in Houston and one of the best in the nation.
Academic Excellence
The admissions process is notoriously competitive, and for good reason—St. John's graduates are heavily recruited by top-tier universities. The school emphasizes a classical education with a modern twist, fostering critical thinking and articulate expression.
2025-26 Tuition
The 2025–26 upper-school tuition is $37,050. Lower divisions range down to about $30,890, making it a significant investment from kindergarten through graduation.
The Kinkaid School
The Institution
Just a few miles from St. John's, The Kinkaid School offers a slightly more balanced approach to the high-pressure prep school experience. While still academically elite, Kinkaid places a strong emphasis on the "whole child," with outstanding arts and athletics programs complementing the classroom work. It is the oldest independent co-educational school in Houston.
Academic Excellence
The school's campus feels like a small liberal arts college, and its alumni network is deeply embedded in Houston's business and social elite. Kinkaid is known for its strong sense of community and school spirit.
2025-26 Tuition
The 2025–26 schedule lists upper-school (grades 9–12) tuition at $37,105. Lower grades range from $30,580 to $35,830.
Greenhill School
The Institution
Greenhill School stands out for its progressive educational philosophy and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Unlike the more traditional single-sex schools in Dallas, Greenhill is co-ed and non-sectarian, fostering a campus culture that values open debate and creative thinking.
Academic Excellence
The school's debate team is legendary, frequently winning national championships. Academically, it is a heavy hitter, sending graduates to top colleges across the country. The campus features open-plan classrooms and collaborative spaces designed to mimic modern workplaces.
2025-26 Tuition
2025–26 tuition is $41,120 for grades 9–11 and $41,620 for grade 12. This fee includes lunch and classroom technology, simplifying the billing for parents.
Cistercian Preparatory School
The Institution
Run by Cistercian monks from the Abbey of Our Lady of Dallas, Cistercian Preparatory School offers a unique classical education rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. The "Form Master" system, where a single teacher guides a class through their entire middle and upper school journey, creates unparalleled mentorship and bonds.
Academic Excellence
Despite its relatively lower tuition compared to Dallas counterparts, Cistercian's academic outcomes are stellar. The curriculum emphasizes Latin, theology, and the humanities alongside rigorous math and science. It is a place for serious students who value deep learning over flashiness.
2025-26 Tuition
Recent DFW private-school cost roundups place Cistercian in the "upper 20s to low 30s" range. Families are told to expect high-school tuition around $25,000–$30,000 plus fees.
Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
The Institution
Jesuit Dallas is a household name, known as much for its spirited brotherhood and athletic prowess as for its solid academics. As a Jesuit institution, it emphasizes the formation of "Men for Others," integrating community service and social justice into the curriculum.
Academic Excellence
The campus is home to the Jesuit Dallas Museum, with an impressive collection of art displayed throughout the hallways. It offers a large, vibrant community that prepares boys well for leadership roles in business and civic life. The alumni network is one of the strongest in the state.
2025-26 Tuition
The official 2025–26 schedule shows $26,300 in base tuition per grade. Private School Review lists "approximately $25,000" as the current high-school tuition figure.
Trinity Valley School
The Institution
Trinity Valley School (TVS) is Fort Worth's answer to the elite prep schools of Dallas and Houston. It prides itself on a "scholar-athlete-artist" model, encouraging students to participate fully in all aspects of school life.
Academic Excellence
The academic environment is challenging but supportive, with a strong focus on writing and critical thinking. TVS offers a Global Education program that includes travel and exchange opportunities, preparing students to be citizens of the world.
2025-26 Tuition
The school's 2025–26 schedule lists upper-school (9–12) tuition at $29,810. Older public references show upper-school tuition in the high-20s as well.
Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
The Institution
Strake Jesuit is the largest Catholic high school in Houston and offers a comprehensive college preparatory education in the Jesuit tradition. Like its Dallas counterpart, it focuses on the development of the whole person—intellectually, spiritually, and physically.
Academic Excellence
The school has a massive alumni base in Houston and is known for its strong sense of community. Its STEM facilities and programs are particularly strong, and it draws students from all over the Greater Houston area.
2025-26 Tuition
2025–26 tuition is $28,270. This fee includes most textbooks, AP exam fees, a school-issued iPad, and many activity costs, providing good value for the level of education offered.
St. Agnes Academy
The Institution
Often considered the sister school to Strake Jesuit, St. Agnes Academy is a top-tier Catholic college prep school for girls. It is known for its rigorous academics and empowering all-girls environment.
Academic Excellence
The school places a heavy emphasis on social justice and theology, alongside a robust AP curriculum. St. Agnes graduates are known for their confidence and leadership skills, and the school has a strong track record of placing students in excellent universities.
2025-26 Tuition
For 2025–26, St. Agnes lists total tuition at $26,900, which includes a $26,400 base tuition plus a $500 non-refundable tuition deposit.