The Best Private Schools in Amherst, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Amherst. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
All Saints Episcopal School
All Saints Episcopal School
All Saints Episcopal School is a highly-regarded private school serving the West Texas region, including Amherst families. Founded in 1969, this accredited institution offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a robust curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and championship athletics. The 40-acre campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. All Saints emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Holy Spirit Elementary School
Catholic Diocese of Lubbock
Holy Spirit Elementary School provides a strong Catholic education serving families throughout the South Plains region, including Amherst. Established in 1989, the school offers pre-K through 8th grade with a focus on faith formation and academic rigor. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science enrichment programs, comprehensive language arts, and religious education. The school features modern classrooms, technology integration, music and art programs, and competitive sports. Parent satisfaction is high due to the school's nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and strong community involvement.
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Southcrest Christian School
Southcrest Christian School
Southcrest Christian School is a well-established private Christian school serving the broader Lubbock area, including Amherst residents. Founded in 1999, the school offers education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a Christ-centered approach to learning. The comprehensive academic program includes college preparatory courses, Advanced Placement options, and dual credit opportunities. The school features modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, art studios, and athletic fields. Extracurricular activities include competitive sports, fine arts programs, and community service opportunities. The school is known for its strong parent-teacher partnerships and commitment to developing students academically and spiritually.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Amherst, Texas
What are the main private school options available for families in Amherst, Texas, and what are their core educational philosophies?
In Amherst, Texas, and the broader Lubbock County area, families have several established private school options. The notable institutions include All Saints Episcopal School (a Pre-K through 12th grade college-preparatory school with an Episcopal tradition), Holy Spirit Elementary School (a Catholic school typically serving younger grades with faith-based education), and Southcrest Christian School (a non-denominational Christian school). Given Amherst's smaller size, these schools are located in nearby Lubbock, making a commute part of the consideration. Their philosophies range from rigorous college-prep with chapel services to more focused elementary faith formation, offering distinct choices for parents in the South Plains region.
How does tuition at private schools in the Amherst, Texas, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools serving the Amherst community, located in Lubbock, is generally below the average for major metropolitan areas in Texas but aligns with regional costs for the Panhandle/South Plains. For the 2023-2024 academic year, elementary tuition often ranges from $6,000 to $9,000 annually, while high school at a school like All Saints can approach $12,000. Texas has limited state-funded voucher programs, so aid primarily comes from institutional scholarships, need-based financial assistance, and diocesan support for Catholic schools. Many schools also offer multi-child discounts. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and application deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Amherst, Texas, offer that leverage the local environment or community?
Private schools in the Lubbock/Amherst area often incorporate the region's agricultural, technological, and cultural assets into their programs. For example, schools may have strong agriscience programs or partnerships with Texas Tech University for advanced STEM courses or dual-credit opportunities. Extracurriculars frequently emphasize values-based athletics, fine arts with local performance opportunities, and community service projects tied to the tight-knit South Plains communities. All Saints Episcopal, as the only area private school with a full K-12 continuum, offers distinctive programs like comprehensive college counseling and advanced placement tracks that prepare students for both Texas universities and competitive colleges nationwide.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Amherst, Texas, families, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Lubbock area (which Amherst families rely on) typically begins in January or February for the following fall. Key steps include: attending an open house, submitting an application (often with a fee), providing academic records, and scheduling a student assessment or shadow day. Some schools, particularly those with smaller class sizes like Holy Spirit Elementary, may have waitlists for certain grades due to high demand in a region with limited private options. Siblings of current students and parish members (for faith-based schools) often receive priority. We recommend initiating inquiries by November to ensure you meet all deadlines.
For Amherst residents, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local Amherst Independent School District public schools and private schools in Lubbock?
The primary consideration for Amherst families is the trade-off between proximity and educational model. Amherst ISD offers the convenience of a local, community-centered public education without a commute. Choosing a private school in Lubbock involves a daily drive (approximately 30-45 minutes) for access to a specific religious foundation, often smaller class sizes, and different curricular approaches (e.g., classical education or intensive college prep). Parents must weigh the value of the private school's environment and mission against the time and financial investment required. Additionally, private schools may offer more consistent extracurricular opportunities in certain areas, like theater or specific sports, compared to a smaller rural district.