The Best Private Schools in Houston, Delaware
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Houston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Andrew's School
Independent School
St. Andrew's School is a prestigious co-educational Episcopal boarding and day school serving the greater Delaware area, including Houston. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and beautiful 2,200-acre campus, the school offers small class sizes with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The comprehensive program includes 20+ AP courses, championship athletics, extensive arts programs, and community service opportunities. The school emphasizes character development and intellectual growth within a diverse, inclusive community.
Programs:
Holy Cross Elementary School
Diocese of Wilmington Catholic Schools
Holy Cross Elementary School provides a faith-based education serving families throughout Kent County, including Houston. The school offers a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, dedicated faculty, and a supportive community environment. Programs include comprehensive STEM education, fine arts, competitive sports, and religious formation. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with many graduates advancing to top regional high schools.
Programs:
Providence Creek Academy
Charter School of Wilmington Network
Providence Creek Academy is a highly-regarded charter school serving students from Houston and surrounding communities in central Delaware. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, featuring advanced science and mathematics programs. Students benefit from dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, comprehensive arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The school maintains high academic standards with dedicated faculty and modern facilities, preparing students for success in higher education.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Houston, Delaware
What are the primary private school options available for families in Houston, Delaware, and what educational philosophies do they represent?
Houston, Delaware, offers a small but distinct set of private schools, each with a different focus. The top options include St. Andrew's School, a prestigious Episcopal-affiliated college-preparatory boarding and day school known for its rigorous academics and global perspective. Holy Cross Elementary School provides a Catholic education rooted in faith-based values for younger students. Providence Creek Academy is a state charter school that functions like a private school, offering a STEM-focused curriculum. This mix means Houston-area parents can choose from religious, classical preparatory, or specialized charter models, all within a close-knit community setting in Kent County.
How does tuition for private schools in Houston, DE, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Houston varies significantly by institution. St. Andrew's School, as a top-tier boarding school, has a tuition and boarding fee that is considerably higher than the Delaware private school average, though it offers robust need-based financial aid, with over 30% of students receiving assistance. Holy Cross Elementary, as a parish school, has a more moderate tuition structure, often with reduced rates for parish members. Providence Creek Academy, as a public charter school, is tuition-free. Delaware also has the Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) scholarship for in-state public college/university attendance, which can be a future financial consideration for families investing in private K-12 education now.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Houston, Delaware's private schools offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in Houston leverage Delaware's unique position. St. Andrew's School utilizes its 2,200-acre campus for extensive environmental science programs and has partnerships with nearby Dover institutions like the Air Mobility Command Museum for history and engineering projects. Its location between Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia facilitates unique internship and cultural opportunities. Providence Creek Academy emphasizes STEM, potentially connecting with Delaware's strong corporate and agricultural sectors. Holy Cross integrates community service within the local Houston and greater Dover area. These schools use their Kent County setting to move learning beyond the classroom in ways specific to the Delmarva region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Houston, Delaware area, and are there key local deadlines?
Enrollment timelines in Houston are school-specific but generally align with a late fall/winter application cycle for the following academic year. St. Andrew's School has the most formalized process, with application deadlines typically in January or February for boarding students, requiring standardized testing (SSAT/ISEE) and interviews. Holy Cross Elementary may have a rolling admissions policy but encourages early application due to limited seats. Providence Creek Academy, as a charter, may hold a public lottery if applications exceed available spots, with a deadline usually in January. Given the limited number of options, parents in Houston are advised to begin inquiries and campus visits by the October prior to the desired enrollment year.
For families considering both, what are the notable differences between the public schools in the Caesar Rodney School District and the private schools in Houston, DE?
The key differences lie in class size, specialization, and cost. The Caesar Rodney School District provides a comprehensive, tuition-free education with a wide range of programs. In contrast, Houston's private options offer smaller class sizes and distinct identities: St. Andrew's provides a highly residential, globally-focused prep environment; Holy Cross offers a structured, faith-based foundation; and Providence Creek Academy delivers a targeted STEM curriculum in a charter setting. The private/charter options may offer more tailored approaches but often require tuition (except PCA) or a longer commute. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a specific religious, pedagogical, or preparatory focus not fully available in the district's offerings.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities