The Best Private Schools in Columbus, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Columbus. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
St. Mary's Catholic Church
St. Mary's Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving the Columbus area and surrounding Washington County. With over six decades of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade curriculum rooted in Catholic values. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong emphasis on both academic achievement and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong parent community and excellent preparation for high school.
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Sacred Heart Catholic School
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Sacred Heart Catholic School serves students from Columbus and throughout Fayette County with a tradition of academic excellence spanning over 60 years. The school provides a faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a rigorous curriculum that includes advanced mathematics and comprehensive reading programs. The campus features well-maintained facilities including a library, computer lab, and playground areas. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and strong sense of community.
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Faith Academy of Brenham
Independent Christian School
Faith Academy of Brenham is a respected private Christian school serving the Columbus area and Washington County region. Established in 1980, the school offers comprehensive K-12 education with a strong college preparatory focus. The curriculum includes advanced placement courses, dual credit opportunities, and comprehensive athletic and fine arts programs. The campus features modern facilities including science laboratories, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its academic rigor, dedicated faculty, and strong track record of college admissions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Columbus, Texas
What are the primary private school options available for families in Columbus, Texas, and what are their educational approaches?
Columbus, Texas, offers a few key private school options, primarily faith-based institutions. The notable schools include St. Mary's Catholic School (Pre-K through 8th grade), which provides a traditional Catholic education integrated with a strong academic curriculum. Nearby in Brenham, families often consider Sacred Heart Catholic School and Faith Academy of Brenham, which is a private Christian school. These schools emphasize small class sizes, character development, and a values-based education. Due to the limited number of schools directly in Columbus, many families in Colorado County also explore options in neighboring towns like Brenham, La Grange, and Sealy, which may involve a commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Columbus, Texas, area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Columbus area varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary's Catholic School typically has tuition ranging from approximately $5,000 to $7,000 annually for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-parishioners. Schools in Brenham, like Faith Academy, may have similar or slightly varied pricing. Texas offers specific financial aid options that Columbus-area families can utilize, most notably the **Texas Tuition Promise Fund** for pre-paying tuition and various **Scholarship Funds** from the Texas Private Schools Association. Additionally, many local parishes offer tuition assistance for Catholic schools, and individual schools often have their own need-based scholarship programs or multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Columbus area offer that leverage the local community and culture?
Private schools in and around Columbus often integrate Texas history and local culture deeply into their curricula. For instance, St. Mary's may include field trips to historic sites like the Stafford Opera House or the Colorado County Courthouse. Agricultural science and FFA programs are particularly strong in this region, and while more common in public schools, private schools like Faith Academy may offer related clubs or science programs focusing on local ecology and farming. Many also emphasize community service projects within Columbus, partnering with local charities and events, which fosters a strong sense of local connection and civic responsibility in students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Mary's in Columbus, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Columbus-area private schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall semester. St. Mary's Catholic School typically hosts open houses early in the year and requires an application, submission of past academic records, a pastoral reference (for Catholic schools), and often a family interview. Due to the small size of these schools, some grades—particularly kindergarten and early elementary—can fill quickly, leading to waitlists. It is highly advisable for parents to contact the school office by early winter to express interest and secure application materials. Sibling and parish member enrollment often receives priority.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key differences between the public school district (Columbus Independent School District) and the private school options in Columbus, Texas?
The Columbus Independent School District (ISD) offers a comprehensive K-12 education with broader extracurricular offerings, including UIL athletics and larger band programs. In contrast, private schools like St. Mary's provide a distinct environment with typically smaller student-to-teacher ratios, a structured values-based education rooted in specific religious traditions, and a close-knit community feel. Academically, Columbus ISD follows state-mandated TEKS standards and testing (STAAR), while private schools have more curricular flexibility and may use different assessment tools. The choice often comes down to priorities: public schools offer no tuition and a wide range of programs, while private schools offer specialized religious instruction and a particular educational philosophy. Transportation is also a key factor, as Columbus ISD provides busing, whereas private schools usually require parent-provided transportation.