The Best Private Schools in Calliham, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Calliham. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Academy
Catholic Diocese of Victoria
St. Mary's Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located just 15 miles from Calliham in Three Rivers. Serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features modern STEM labs, comprehensive athletic facilities, and a strong fine arts program. With a focus on character development and academic excellence, the school maintains high parent satisfaction ratings and strong college acceptance records.
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St. Philip's College Preparatory School
Private Independent School
Located approximately 30 miles from Calliham in Beeville, St. Philip's College Preparatory School serves students in grades 6-12 with a comprehensive academic program. The school emphasizes critical thinking and leadership development through its advanced placement and dual credit opportunities with local colleges. The campus includes state-of-the-art science laboratories, a performing arts center, and competitive athletic programs. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty and strong community atmosphere.
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St. Mary's School
Catholic Parish School
St. Mary's School in George West, located about 25 miles from Calliham, provides private education for students from Pre-K through 8th grade. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum that balances academic rigor with faith formation and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, a library, and playground areas. The school is known for its strong parent-teacher partnerships and community involvement, with many families commuting from surrounding rural areas including Calliham.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Calliham, Texas
What are the private school options specifically within the town of Calliham, Texas, and are they all religiously affiliated?
Within the town limits of Calliham, Texas, the primary private school options are St. Mary's School and St. Mary's Academy, both of which are Catholic institutions. St. Philip's College Preparatory School, while often listed for the broader area, is located in nearby Beeville, about a 30-minute drive from Calliham. This means families in Calliham have very localized, faith-based options or must consider commuting to neighboring communities for private education. The prevalence of Catholic schools reflects the historical and cultural demographics of the region.
How does the tuition for private schools in rural Calliham, TX, compare to urban areas in Texas, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition at private schools in rural Calliham and the surrounding area is typically lower than in major Texas metropolitan areas like Houston or Dallas, often ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 annually for elementary grades. However, family incomes in the region may also be lower. Texas does not have state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs for private K-12 education. Financial aid is primarily offered directly by the schools themselves, such as St. Mary's, based on need, and some families may qualify for parish subsidies if they are active members of the affiliated church.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Calliham-area private schools offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Calliham area, such as St. Mary's, often integrate the rural and natural surroundings into their programs. This can include environmental science projects focused on the nearby Choke Canyon Reservoir and the South Texas ecosystem, agricultural science components, and strong community service programs tied to local needs. Their small size allows for personalized attention but may limit the breadth of specialized extracurriculars (like extensive robotics or debate teams) found in larger urban private schools, often emphasizing athletics, music, and faith-based activities instead.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for a school like St. Mary's in Calliham, and how important is early application?
For St. Mary's in Calliham, the enrollment process usually begins in the early spring (January-March) for the following academic year. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastoral reference (for Catholic families), and a family interview. Due to the school's small size and limited seats per grade, early application is highly recommended to secure a spot. Unlike in competitive urban markets, there may not be a formal waiting list, but spaces can fill quickly, especially in early elementary grades. It's advisable to contact the school office directly by January.
For a family in Calliham, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (Three Rivers ISD) and a private school like St. Mary's?
The key considerations for Calliham families include: **1. Commute:** St. Mary's is in Calliham itself, while public school students are bused to Three Rivers, a 15-20 minute drive. **2. Class Size:** St. Mary's offers very small class sizes (often 10-15 students) for intensive attention, whereas public school classes may be larger. **3. Curriculum & Culture:** St. Mary's provides a faith-based education with Catholic values integrated throughout the day, which is a primary draw. The public school offers a broader range of state-funded programs and potentially more diverse extracurriculars. **4. Cost:** Public school is free, while private school requires tuition—a significant financial factor in this rural community. The decision often hinges on the value a family places on religious education and small-scale environment versus the no-cost, comprehensive offerings of the public district.