The Best Private Schools in Cleburne, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cleburne. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Trinity Valley School
Independent
Trinity Valley School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving the greater Fort Worth area, including Cleburne families. Established in 1982, TVS offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The school features comprehensive Advanced Placement course offerings, extensive arts programs including theater and visual arts, and competitive athletic teams. The 75-acre campus includes state-of-the-art facilities, science labs, and athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on character development and community service, TVS consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities nationwide.
Programs:
Fort Worth Country Day School
Independent
Fort Worth Country Day School is a premier independent school serving students from Cleburne and surrounding communities. Founded in 1963, FWCD offers a comprehensive JK-12 educational experience with exceptional college preparatory academics. The school emphasizes balanced excellence across academics, arts, and athletics. Notable programs include advanced STEM laboratories, renowned performing arts departments, and extensive athletic facilities. The 100-acre campus features modern classrooms, science centers, art studios, and athletic complexes. FWCD maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, ensuring personalized attention and academic excellence.
Programs:
All Saints' Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese
All Saints' Episcopal School provides an outstanding private education option for Cleburne area families, offering both International Baccalaureate and traditional college preparatory tracks. Established in 1951, the school combines academic rigor with character development through its Episcopal foundation. The campus features advanced STEM laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. All Saints' offers unique programs including global studies, entrepreneurship, and comprehensive arts education. With a diverse student body and dedicated faculty, the school prepares students for success in college and beyond while maintaining strong community values and service-oriented education.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cleburne, Texas
What are the primary private school options for families living in Cleburne, Texas, and are there any located directly within the city?
While Cleburne itself has a limited number of traditional private K-12 campuses, families commonly look to highly-regarded independent schools in the greater Fort Worth area, which are within a reasonable commuting distance. The schools you mentioned—Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth Country Day School, and All Saints' Episcopal School—are all located in Fort Worth, approximately a 30-45 minute drive from Cleburne. Within Cleburne proper, options are primarily faith-based (e.g., St. John Catholic School for grades PK-8) or smaller academies. Many Cleburne families choose the commute for access to these top-tier college-preparatory programs with extensive facilities and extracurricular offerings.
How does tuition for top private schools near Cleburne, TX, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the premier Fort Worth-area day schools accessible to Cleburne residents is generally at or above the Texas private school average. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect tuition ranges from approximately $25,000 to $30,000+ for grades 6-12. Texas does not have state-funded voucher programs for private education, so families rely on institutional aid. These schools typically offer robust need-based financial aid programs, with many awarding millions annually. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Some schools also offer merit scholarships. The net cost after aid can vary significantly, making it essential to have direct conversations with each school's financial aid office.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Cleburne offer that might justify the commute?
The leading private schools in the Fort Worth area provide specialized programs that are distinct from typical public school offerings. For example, Trinity Valley School has a renowned global studies initiative with extensive travel opportunities. Fort Worth Country Day emphasizes a "Portrait of a Graduate" model with strong engineering and entrepreneurship tracks. All Saints' Episcopal School integrates a comprehensive STEAM curriculum and a distinctive "Bishop's Scholars" research program. For Cleburne families, these programs offer access to state-of-the-art labs, extensive arts facilities (like professional theaters), and competitive athletic leagues that are often on par with small colleges, providing a breadth of opportunity that can be a deciding factor.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Cleburne, and when should we start?
The admission process for the top-tier Fort Worth schools is highly structured and begins early. For entry in Fall, the ideal timeline starts 12-18 months in advance. The process typically opens in August or September with open houses. Key deadlines for applications, standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT), and parent interviews usually fall between December and February for the following academic year. As a Cleburne family, it's especially important to plan for campus visits and shadow days, accounting for travel time. Decisions are often released in March. Starting early is critical to navigate financial aid paperwork, schedule required visits, and ensure all materials are submitted well before deadlines.
For a family in Cleburne, what are the key factors in choosing between the local public school district and a private school in Fort Worth?
This decision hinges on several Cleburne-specific considerations. First, evaluate the daily commute (up to 1.5 hours round-trip) and its impact on your child's schedule and family life. Second, assess academic fit: Cleburne ISD offers standard curricula and UIL activities, while private options provide smaller class sizes, specialized academic tracks, and often a more resource-intensive college counseling process. Third, consider community and cost. Your child would be building a social network primarily in Fort Worth, which affects after-school activities and friendships. Financially, weigh the significant tuition against the no-cost public option, including potential savings for college. Many Cleburne families find a hybrid approach, using local schools for younger years and considering a private switch for high school to access specific preparatory resources.