The Best Private Schools in El Paso, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in El Paso. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Loretto Academy
Loretto Academy
Loretto Academy is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. Founded by the Sisters of Loretto, the school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Loretto offers a rigorous curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and comprehensive fine arts education. The school maintains small class sizes and has a long history of graduating students who attend top universities nationwide.
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Cathedral High School
Catholic Diocese of El Paso
Cathedral High School is an all-boys Catholic college preparatory school known for its strong academic tradition and character formation. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with multiple Advanced Placement courses and a focus on developing leadership skills. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a robotics lab, and athletic facilities. Cathedral emphasizes service learning and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The school community is known for its strong alumni network and family atmosphere, with many graduates attending prestigious universities.
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Radford School
Radford School
Radford School is El Paso's oldest independent school, offering education from pre-K through 12th grade. The school is distinguished by its International Baccalaureate program and rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Radford features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a diverse student body. The historic campus includes modern academic facilities, science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. The school emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and character development, with graduates consistently gaining admission to selective colleges and universities worldwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in El Paso, Texas
What are the main types of private schools available in El Paso, Texas, and how do they differ?
El Paso offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily categorized as independent secular, Catholic/parochial, and single-gender institutions. The Radford School is a notable independent, co-educational, secular school offering a college-preparatory curriculum from Pre-K through 12th grade. The city also has a strong Catholic school network, including co-ed options like Cathedral High School and single-gender schools like Loretto Academy (all-girls). These parochial schools integrate faith-based education with academics. This variety allows parents in El Paso to choose an environment that aligns closely with their educational philosophy and values.
How does the tuition for private schools in El Paso, TX, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are locally available?
Tuition at El Paso's top private schools is generally below the state average for similar institutions in major Texas metros like Dallas or Houston. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range of approximately $8,000 to $15,000 annually for day schools. Most schools, including Loretto Academy, Cathedral High School, and Radford School, offer need-based financial aid, scholarships for academic merit or talent, and parish subsidies for families active in supporting Catholic churches. Texas also has state programs like the Texas Tuition Promise Fund, which can be used for private K-12 education, and some schools participate in locally funded scholarship opportunities for middle-income families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do El Paso private schools offer that leverage the city's border culture and location?
Several El Paso private schools have developed distinctive programs that capitalize on the city's unique binational and multicultural identity. For instance, many offer robust Spanish language immersion or advanced Spanish literature courses that go beyond standard curriculum, with some incorporating cultural exchanges with schools in Ciudad Juárez. Programs in Border Studies, international relations, and social justice are also common, particularly within the Catholic school network. Extracurriculars often include competitive Model UN teams focusing on hemispheric issues, mariachi or folklorico dance ensembles, and community service projects that engage directly with the border community, providing an education deeply connected to the local environment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in El Paso, such as Radford School or Cathedral High School?
The enrollment process for El Paso's leading private schools typically begins in the fall, one year prior to the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending an open house (often held between September and November), submitting an application by January or February, and completing entrance assessments and family interviews in the winter. For schools like Cathedral High School, placement tests for incoming freshmen are usually scheduled for early spring. Notification of acceptance is typically sent by March, with enrollment contracts and deposits due in April. It's highly recommended to start the process early, especially for sought-after grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade, as spaces can fill quickly.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key practical differences between attending a top public school in El Paso ISD or Socorro ISD versus a leading private school in the city?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum flexibility, religious education (if applicable), and cost. El Paso's top public schools in districts like Coronado High School (EPISD) or the schools in the Socorro ISD's "BEST" program offer strong academics, extensive extracurriculars, and no tuition. However, private schools like Radford or Loretto offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+), more individualized attention, and a curriculum that can accelerate or specialize without state testing constraints. Private schools also provide a consistent, often faith-based, value system throughout the day. The trade-off is the financial commitment, which parents must weigh against the potential for a more tailored educational environment and often higher college matriculation rates to selective universities.
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