The Best Private Schools in Armstrong, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Armstrong. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ascension Academy
Ascension Academy
Ascension Academy is an independent, non-denominational college preparatory school serving students from Armstrong and surrounding communities. Founded in 1999, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 100% college acceptance rate. The curriculum includes extensive Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. The campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, and modern athletic facilities. Known for its academic excellence and supportive community, Ascension Academy emphasizes critical thinking, character development, and leadership skills while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention.
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San Jacinto Christian Academy
San Jacinto Christian Academy
San Jacinto Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Armstrong area and greater Amarillo region. Established in 1980, the school offers comprehensive education from pre-K through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Academic programs emphasize rigorous coursework with advanced placement options, complemented by extensive extracurricular activities including competitive sports, fine arts, and community service programs. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for strong teacher-student relationships and high parent satisfaction.
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Westover Park Christian School
Westover Park Christian School
Westover Park Christian School provides comprehensive private Christian education serving the Armstrong area and greater Amarillo region. Established in 1996, the school offers programs from pre-K through 12th grade with a balanced approach to academic excellence and spiritual development. The curriculum integrates technology throughout all grade levels while maintaining strong emphasis on core academic subjects. The school features modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, gymnasium, and dedicated arts spaces. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, music, drama, and various clubs. Parent reviews consistently highlight the school's caring environment, strong academics, and commitment to character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Armstrong, Texas
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Armstrong, Texas?
Armstrong itself is a very small community, so most private school options are located in nearby Amarillo, which serves the broader region. The schools you've listed—San Jacinto Christian Academy, Ascension Academy, and Westover Park Christian School—are all situated in Amarillo, approximately a 15-20 minute drive from Armstrong. These represent the core options, with San Jacinto and Westover Park offering faith-based education (Baptist and non-denominational Christian, respectively), while Ascension Academy is a secular, college-preparatory school. For Armstrong residents, commuting to Amarillo for private education is the standard expectation.
How does tuition at Amarillo-area private schools compare to the Texas average, and what financial aid options are available for Armstrong families?
Tuition for the top private schools near Armstrong, TX, is generally below the state average for major metropolitan areas but is a significant consideration for local families. For the 2024-2025 school year, annual tuition ranges from approximately $7,000 to $12,000 for K-12, with Ascension Academy at the higher end due to its secular college-prep focus. Texas offers limited state-level assistance for private education, but each school provides its own need-based financial aid and scholarship programs. Additionally, many families in the Texas Panhandle utilize 529 plan funds (following the 2017 federal tax changes) to pay for K-12 private school tuition, which can provide a state tax benefit.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Armstrong, Texas, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Amarillo/Armstrong area often provide specialized programs that leverage their smaller size and specific missions. Ascension Academy is renowned for its robust Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-credit offerings through nearby universities, strong in robotics and science competitions. San Jacinto Christian Academy emphasizes biblical integration across all subjects and offers extensive athletics and fine arts. Westover Park Christian School focuses on a classical Christian education model, incorporating Latin and logic into its curriculum. These specialized approaches provide alternatives to the comprehensive but larger-scale programs offered by the public school districts serving Armstrong.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Armstrong, Texas, families?
The enrollment process for schools like Ascension Academy, San Jacinto, and Westover Park typically begins in January or February for the following fall semester. It's crucial for Armstrong residents to apply early, as spaces, particularly in lower grades, can be limited. The process usually involves an application form, submission of past academic records, standardized testing (for some grades), a family interview, and often a student visitation day. Many schools host open houses in the fall. Given the commute from Armstrong, discussing transportation options and potential carpool networks with the school's admissions office during the process is highly advisable.
For a family in Armstrong, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (likely River Road ISD) and a private school in Amarillo?
The decision hinges on several Armstrong-specific factors. The primary consideration is the daily commute to Amarillo, which adds time and transportation logistics. Academically, private schools offer smaller class sizes, religious education (if desired), and specific pedagogical models (like classical). Public schools in River Road ISD provide proximity, no tuition, and often strong agricultural/vocational programs reflective of the region. Culturally, some Armstrong families value the close-knit community of the local public school, while others seek the broader network and college-prep focus of Amarillo's private institutions. We recommend visiting both your zoned public school and your top private choices to assess the environment firsthand.