The Best Private Schools in Denton, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Denton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Liberty Christian School
Liberty Christian School
Liberty Christian School is a premier private Christian school serving the Denton area with a comprehensive PreK-12 program. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. Known for strong academic outcomes with 100% college acceptance rate, the school offers Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, and robust fine arts programs. The campus spans 72 acres and serves over 1,000 students with small class sizes and individualized attention.
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Denton Calvary Academy
Denton Calvary Academy
Denton Calvary Academy provides a classical Christian education from preschool through 12th grade located directly in Denton. The school emphasizes the trivium model of grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages, integrating faith and learning across all subjects. Features include small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a strong community atmosphere. The curriculum includes Latin instruction, comprehensive humanities program, and college preparatory coursework with graduates consistently accepted to top universities.
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Coram Deo Academy
Coram Deo Academy
Coram Deo Academy is a classical Christian school with a campus in Flower Mound that serves families throughout the Denton area. The school offers a rigorous classical curriculum from kindergarten through 12th grade with an integrated approach to faith and learning. The academy features a university-model schedule with classroom instruction combined with home-based learning, providing flexibility for families. Strong emphasis on Socratic discussion, great books, Latin, and comprehensive fine arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes and has an excellent college acceptance record.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Denton, Texas
What are the primary types of private school options available to families in Denton, Texas?
Denton offers a range of private school models to fit different educational philosophies. The most prominent are faith-based Christian schools, such as Liberty Christian School (interdenominational, college-preparatory), Denton Calvary Academy (distinctly Baptist), and Coram Deo Academy (classical Christian model with a university-style campus schedule). Beyond these, there are smaller religious academies and independent schools. Notably, Denton does not have a large concentration of secular independent or boarding schools; most options are day schools with a religious foundation. Families often look to neighboring communities in the DFW metroplex for a wider variety of non-religious or specialized independent programs.
How does tuition at Denton, TX private schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for K-12 private schools in Denton is generally competitive with or slightly below the average for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. For the 2024-2025 academic year, full-time tuition at the leading schools ranges from approximately $8,000 to $15,000 annually, depending on the grade level and institution. Texas does not have state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs for private school tuition, but Denton schools offer need-based financial aid through their own funds. Additionally, many families utilize the **Texas 529 College Savings Plan**, which, following recent federal changes, can now be used for K-12 private school tuition withdrawals. Schools like Liberty Christian also offer multi-child discounts and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Denton that leverage local resources?
Denton’s private schools often integrate the city's unique cultural and academic assets into their programs. Due to Denton being home to two major universities (the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University), schools like Coram Deo Academy facilitate dual-credit courses and leverage university facilities for science labs or libraries. Liberty Christian School emphasizes fine arts, with programs that can connect to Denton's vibrant live music scene. Furthermore, schools may offer agricultural science or FFA programs that utilize Denton County's rural surroundings, and competitive athletics programs that compete in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) division relevant to North Texas.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Denton, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment cycle for Denton's top private schools typically begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. Liberty Christian School and Denton Calvary Academy often start accepting applications in October, with key deadlines in January or February for priority consideration. The process usually involves an application, student assessment or shadow day, family interview, and submission of past academic records. While these schools are selective, their competitiveness varies. Liberty Christian, as a larger established school, may have waiting lists for certain grades, while smaller academies may have more flexibility but still seek mission-aligned families. It's crucial to contact schools directly by December to understand their specific timeline and seat availability for your child's grade level.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key practical differences between Denton ISD public schools and Denton private schools?
The key differences involve class size, curriculum flexibility, and community environment. Denton ISD public schools offer diverse magnet programs and are tuition-free, but often have larger class sizes (25-30 students). Denton private schools typically maintain ratios of 15-20 students per teacher, allowing for more individualized attention. Academically, private schools like Coram Deo follow a specific classical curriculum, while public schools adhere to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards. Extracurricularly, DISD high schools offer UIL athletics and a wider array of clubs, while private schools offer TAPPS athletics and often require community service. Transportation is another major factor; DISD provides busing, whereas private schools in Denton usually require parent-provided transportation, which is a significant logistical consideration for families.