The Best Private Schools in Dallas, North Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dallas. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Michael's Catholic School
Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools
St. Michael's Catholic School serves students from Dallas and surrounding communities with a faith-based education from pre-K through 8th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a Catholic values framework, featuring a strong STEM program, comprehensive fine arts education, and Spanish language instruction beginning in preschool. The campus includes modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, chapel, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its nurturing environment, strong academic foundation, and dedicated teachers who provide individualized attention to students.
Programs:
Highland School of Technology
Gaston County Schools (Magnet Program)
While technically a public magnet school, Highland School of Technology serves as a premier private-like educational option for Dallas area students through its competitive admissions process. This nationally recognized STEM magnet school offers specialized programs in biotechnology, engineering, health sciences, and computer science. Students benefit from partnerships with local industries and universities, state-of-the-art laboratories, and opportunities for professional certifications. The school consistently ranks among the top in North Carolina for academic performance and college readiness, with graduates regularly accepted to prestigious universities and receiving significant scholarship offers.
Programs:
Gaston Day School
Independent School
Gaston Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the greater Gaston County area, including Dallas. Founded in 1967, it offers a comprehensive college preparatory education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features small class sizes, rigorous academic programs including 18 AP courses, and extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and community service. The campus includes modern facilities with science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and excellent college placement record.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dallas, North Carolina
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Dallas, North Carolina, and what are their key characteristics?
Dallas, NC, is served by a few notable private institutions, each with a distinct focus. Gaston Day School, located just minutes from Dallas in Gastonia, is a prominent independent Pre-K through 12 school known for its rigorous college-prep curriculum, small class sizes, and strong arts and athletics programs. St. Michael's Catholic School in Gastonia offers a faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade, integrating Catholic values with a solid academic foundation. While not a traditional private school, Highland School of Technology is a highly competitive public magnet school in Gastonia focusing on STEM, which is often considered alongside private options due to its specialized application process. For broader private choices, many Dallas families also look at schools in the greater Gaston County and Charlotte metro areas.
How does tuition for private schools in the Dallas, NC, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to North Carolina?
Tuition in the Dallas area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Gaston Day School's tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 for lower school to over $20,000 for upper school. St. Michael's Catholic School is generally more affordable, with tuition around $7,000-$9,000 annually. It's crucial to factor in additional costs like fees, uniforms, and transportation. Both schools offer need-based financial aid. Additionally, North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship Program is a vital resource for eligible families, providing state-funded vouchers that can be used at participating private schools, potentially covering a significant portion of tuition regardless of religious affiliation, provided income guidelines are met.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by private schools accessible to Dallas, NC, residents?
Schools serving Dallas offer specialized tracks that differentiate them from standard public school curricula. Gaston Day School provides advanced placement (AP) courses, a renowned robotics program, and global studies initiatives, including study abroad opportunities. St. Michael's Catholic School emphasizes character education and faith integration across all subjects, with specialized programs in Spanish and technology. While not private, the nearby Highland School of Technology (a public magnet) is a major draw for its deep specialization in areas like engineering, biotechnology, and computer science, requiring a separate application. This mix allows Dallas parents to choose between a comprehensive college-prep environment, a values-based education, or a focused STEM pathway.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Dallas, NC, area?
The enrollment process for Dallas-area private schools often begins a full year in advance. Gaston Day School and St. Michael's Catholic School typically open applications in the early fall (September-October) for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application, providing academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student assessment or shadow day. Many schools have priority deadlines in January or February, with decisions communicated in March. For Highland School of Technology, the application window for Gaston County students usually opens in the fall with a strict deadline, followed by a competitive selection process based on grades, test scores, and essays. We recommend contacting schools directly in the summer or early fall to get exact dates and attend open houses.
For a family living in Dallas, NC, what are the main considerations when choosing between a local public school, a private school, or a magnet school like Highland?
The decision hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and specialization. Dallas's public schools (Gaston County Schools) offer a no-tuition, neighborhood-based education with standard curricula. Private options like Gaston Day or St. Michael's provide smaller classes, distinct values (secular independence or Catholic faith), and often more individualized attention, but at a significant cost. Highland School of Technology offers a tuition-free, intensive STEM education but is highly competitive and requires a separate application, with no guarantee of admission. A key consideration for Dallas families is commute time, as most private/magnet options are in Gastonia. Parents must weigh the importance of religious education, specific academic tracks, class size, and budget, while also exploring North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship to make private school more financially accessible.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities