The Best Private Schools in Ennis, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ennis. 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 just 25 minutes from Ennis in Mesquite, The Cambridge School of Dallas is a highly-regarded classical Christian school serving families throughout the region. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum grounded in the classical tradition, including Latin instruction beginning in elementary grades. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a comprehensive fine arts program. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated art and music studios. The school consistently achieves exceptional academic results and maintains a strong reputation for character formation and leadership development.
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St. John Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Dallas
St. John Catholic School is the premier private school in Ennis, offering a comprehensive Catholic education from Pre-K through 8th grade. With over 70 years of educational excellence, the school provides a strong academic foundation combined with faith-based values. The curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, comprehensive fine arts education, and competitive athletics. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, and extensive playground facilities. Parents consistently praise the small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and strong community atmosphere that fosters both academic achievement and character development.
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Canterbury Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Dallas
Canterbury Episcopal School, located approximately 20 minutes from Ennis in DeSoto, is a highly-rated independent school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum within an Episcopal tradition, emphasizing academic excellence, spiritual formation, and community service. The STEM program features advanced science and mathematics courses, robotics, and technology integration across all grade levels. The performing arts department includes comprehensive theater, music, and visual arts programs. The 40-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic complexes, and specialized facilities for science and arts. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's academic rigor and nurturing environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ennis, Texas
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Ennis, Texas, and what are their key characteristics?
Ennis, Texas, offers a few primary private school options, with the most prominent being St. John Catholic School (Pre-K through 8th grade), which provides a faith-based education. For families seeking options beyond Ennis's immediate city limits, nearby schools like The Cambridge School of Dallas (a classical Christian school) and Canterbury Episcopal School in DeSoto are common considerations, though they involve a commute. The private school landscape in Ennis itself is limited, leading many families to explore schools in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. It's important to visit each school, as their educational philosophies (e.g., classical, college-prep, religious) and grade-level offerings differ significantly.
How does tuition for private schools in and around Ennis, TX, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Texas?
Tuition varies widely. St. John Catholic School in Ennis typically has a lower tuition rate compared to larger metroplex schools, often ranging approximately $5,000-$8,000 annually. Schools like The Cambridge School of Dallas or Canterbury Episcopal School have higher tuitions, often exceeding $15,000 per year, reflecting their extensive programs and facilities. Texas offers specific financial aid opportunities, such as the Texas Tuition Promise Fund for pre-paying tuition and various scholarship funds managed by individual schools and dioceses. Additionally, many Texas private schools participate in need-based financial aid programs, and some offer multi-child discounts, which can be a significant consideration for families in Ellis County.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Ennis students offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools accessible to Ennis families often emphasize specialized programs. St. John Catholic School integrates religious education and character formation into its core curriculum. Schools like The Cambridge School of Dallas offer a distinctive classical, trivium-based education focusing on great books, Latin, and rhetoric. Canterbury Episcopal School highlights a balanced program of academic rigor, arts, and athletics within an Episcopal context. These schools typically have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention—a contrast to the larger Ennis Independent School District. Many also offer unique electives, robust fine arts, or competitive sports leagues that may not be as available in the public system.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Ennis, TX, area?
The process often begins a full year in advance. For the fall semester, open houses and applications typically open between September and January. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house (often in the fall), 2) Submitting an application (with deadlines as early as January/February for the following academic year), 3) Providing records and teacher recommendations, 4) Completing a student assessment or interview, and 5) For schools like St. John, meeting any parish membership requirements for priority tuition rates. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces are available, but popular grades fill quickly. Given the limited seats in Ennis-proper and the competitive nature of Dallas-area schools, starting early is crucial for Ennis-based families.
For a family in Ennis, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school, especially regarding commute and community?
The decision involves balancing educational philosophy with logistics. Ennis ISD offers the convenience of neighborhood schools, no tuition, and strong community ties through local sports and events. Opting for a private school like St. John in Ennis provides a faith-based environment with minimal commute. Choosing a private school outside Ennis (a 30-60 minute drive to Dallas/DeSoto) means committing to significant daily transportation, which impacts family schedules and costs. However, it may provide access to a specific pedagogical approach or a broader network. Families should consider the child's fit, the value of the commute time, and how involved they can be in a school community that may not be geographically centered in Ennis.