The Best Private Schools in Carrollton, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Carrollton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Cambridge School of Dallas
Independent
Located directly in Carrollton, The Cambridge School of Dallas offers a rigorous classical education model that has earned exceptional parent satisfaction ratings. The school emphasizes critical thinking, rhetoric, and traditional liberal arts education within a Christian worldview. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention and develop strong academic foundations. The curriculum includes Latin instruction, comprehensive literature studies, and advanced mathematics. The school's beautiful campus features dedicated art studios, science laboratories, and outdoor learning spaces.
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Prestonwood Christian Academy
Prestonwood Baptist Church
Prestonwood Christian Academy is a premier private Christian school serving the Carrollton area with exceptional academic programs and comprehensive extracurricular offerings. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a strong college preparatory curriculum and a 100% college acceptance rate, PCA emphasizes both academic excellence and spiritual development. The school offers extensive AP course options, competitive athletics, and robust fine arts programs including theater, music, and visual arts.
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Coram Deo Academy
Coram Deo Academy
Coram Deo Academy operates a Carrollton campus as part of its multi-campus classical Christian school network. The school combines classical education methods with Christian principles, offering a comprehensive K-12 program with strong emphasis on rhetoric, logic, and classical languages. The Carrollton campus features modern facilities including dedicated science labs, music rooms, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and offers extensive extracurricular activities including competitive sports teams, debate programs, and performing arts opportunities. Graduates consistently achieve high college acceptance rates at selective universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Carrollton, Texas
What are the primary types of private schools available to families in Carrollton, Texas, and how do they differ?
Carrollton, TX, offers a diverse range of private school options catering to different educational philosophies. The most prominent types include faith-based institutions like Prestonwood Christian Academy, which provides a comprehensive college-preparatory education integrated with Christian teachings. There are also classical Christian schools such as Coram Deo Academy, which follows the classical trivium model (grammar, logic, rhetoric) from a Christian worldview. Additionally, while not located directly in Carrollton, schools like The Cambridge School of Dallas (in nearby North Dallas) offer a British-style curriculum and are accessible to Carrollton residents. This variety allows parents to choose based on pedagogical approach, religious affiliation, and academic rigor specific to the North Texas context.
How does tuition for top private schools in the Carrollton, TX, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Carrollton area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, annual tuition at schools like Prestonwood Christian Academy can range from approximately $15,000 to $25,000. Coram Deo Academy, with multiple campuses including one in nearby Flower Mound serving Carrollton families, often has a slightly lower tuition range, typically between $10,000 and $18,000. Most top private schools in Texas, including these, offer need-based financial aid, merit scholarships, and sibling discounts. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions. Additionally, Texas does not have a state-sponsored voucher program, but some schools accept funds from the state's Tax Credit Scholarship program for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Carrollton students that leverage the local Texas environment?
Private schools in the Carrollton area often design programs that take advantage of Texas's economic and cultural landscape. For instance, several schools have robust STEM and engineering programs that partner with local Texas-based corporations in the Telecom Corridor and Dallas business community. Prestonwood Christian Academy offers extensive fine arts and athletics programs competing in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS). Furthermore, schools like Coram Deo Academy emphasize rhetoric and debate, skills honed in competitions across Texas. Many also incorporate Texas history and ecology into their curricula more deeply than standard national programs, and some offer unique electives related to energy, aviation, or entrepreneurship reflective of the North Texas economy.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Carrollton, Texas?
The enrollment process for sought-after private schools in the Carrollton area is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. Most schools, including Prestonwood Christian Academy and Coram Deo Academy, open applications in August or September for the following fall. Key steps include: attending an open house (typically held in the fall), submitting an application by January or February, completing standardized assessments (like the ISEE), and participating in family and student interviews. Admission decisions are usually communicated in March, with enrollment contracts due shortly after. Due to competitive seats, especially in entry grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, starting the process early is critical for Carrollton families. Many schools also have waitlists, so prompt action on offers is advised.
For families residing in Carrollton, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school districts (Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD and Lewisville ISD) with private school options?
Carrollton is served by two main public school districts: Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD (CFBISD) and Lewisville ISD (LISD), both of which have highly rated schools. Key considerations when comparing them to private options include: **Class Size** (private schools often have smaller ratios, typically 12:1 to 18:1 vs. public averages of 22:1+), **Curriculum Flexibility** (private schools can offer specialized religious or classical curricula not available in public districts), **Transportation** (most Carrollton private schools do not provide bus service, whereas public districts do), and **Extracurricular Scope** (large public high schools in LISD or CFBISD may offer more niche sports or clubs). Academically, both public and private options are strong, but private schools often provide a more tailored, mission-driven environment. The decision often hinges on a family's values, desired educational approach, and budget, weighing the cost of private tuition against the property taxes funding the local public districts.