The Best Private Schools in Follett, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Follett. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Family Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Amarillo
Holy Family Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the Texas Panhandle region, including Follett. Established in 1956, the school offers comprehensive education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and a rigorous curriculum that includes STEM education, fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students. The school serves families throughout the Panhandle region with some transportation options available.
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Ascension Academy
Independent
Ascension Academy is an acclaimed independent college preparatory school serving the entire Texas Panhandle region, including Follett families. Founded in 1998, the school offers rigorous academic programs for grades 6-12 with a 100% college acceptance rate. The curriculum includes extensive Advanced Placement course offerings, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive fine arts. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Parents consistently highlight the exceptional teacher quality, personalized attention, and strong college counseling program. The school actively serves students from rural communities throughout the Panhandle.
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Trinity Fellowship Christian School
Trinity Fellowship Church
Trinity Fellowship Christian School is a respected private Christian school that serves families throughout the Texas Panhandle, including the Follett area. Established in 1989, the school offers comprehensive education from Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong biblical worldview integrated throughout the curriculum. The school features a robust college preparatory program, competitive athletic teams in multiple sports, extensive fine arts offerings, and advanced technology integration. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its strong community values, dedicated faculty, and commitment to academic excellence while maintaining affordable tuition rates for families across the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Follett, Texas
What are the private school options available for families living in or near Follett, Texas?
Follett, Texas, is a small rural community, so on-site private school options within the town limits are limited. However, families in the Follett area typically look to nearby cities for private education. The schools you mentioned—Holy Family Catholic School (in Amarillo), Ascension Academy (in Amarillo), and Trinity Fellowship Christian School (in Amarillo)—are all located approximately 100 miles south in Amarillo, Texas. For daily attendance, this requires a significant commute or relocation consideration. Some families in the Texas Panhandle also explore private options in other neighboring towns or consider homeschooling cooperatives. It's important to contact these schools directly to inquire about their enrollment policies for out-of-district families and any potential transportation arrangements.
How does the tuition for private schools serving the Follett, Texas, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Texas?
Tuition for the private schools accessible from Follett (primarily in Amarillo) varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $6,000 to $12,000+ annually per student, depending on the school's affiliation, grade level, and programs. Texas offers specific financial mechanisms to assist families. Most notably, the state does not have a private school voucher program, but it does have a robust 529 Savings Plan option that can now be used for K-12 private school tuition. Additionally, many Texas private schools offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Schools like Ascension Academy and Holy Family Catholic School have their own aid programs. Furthermore, organizations like the ACE Scholarship program operate in Texas, providing income-based scholarships for private school choice.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Follett, Texas, offer that address the interests of rural Panhandle students?
Private schools in Amarillo that serve the broader Panhandle region, including families from Follett, often design programs that resonate with both urban and rural values. For instance, Trinity Fellowship Christian School emphasizes agricultural science and FFA chapters alongside strong college-prep academics, aligning with the region's farming and ranching heritage. Ascension Academy, as a college-preparatory school, offers advanced STEM labs and research opportunities that may not be available in smaller public schools. Holy Family Catholic School provides a faith-based education with community service requirements, fostering a tight-knit community feel that can be appealing to families from smaller towns. These schools also often have robust athletics and arts programs that compete at the state level.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Texas Panhandle for a family relocating to Follett?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Amarillo area, which families from Follett use, generally begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester. Many schools host open houses from January to March. Key steps include: 1) Submitting an application (often with a fee) by a priority deadline, usually in March or April; 2) Scheduling a student assessment or shadow day; 3) Providing past academic records and teacher recommendations; and 4) Completing a family interview. For families moving to Follett mid-year or over the summer, it is crucial to contact admissions offices immediately, as some schools may have rolling admission or waiting lists. Given the distance from Follett, be prepared to make several trips to Amarillo for tours and interviews during the process.
For a family in Follett, Texas, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Amarillo?
The decision hinges on several key factors specific to the Follett context. The Follett Independent School District is a highly-rated, close-knit public school system that is central to the community, with no commute. Choosing a private school in Amarillo involves a daily commute of about 1.5 to 2 hours each way, which significantly impacts family time and logistics. Academically, Follett ISD offers small class sizes and individualized attention, while Amarillo private schools may offer more specialized academic tracks, advanced placement courses, and different religious or philosophical educations. The financial cost of private tuition plus transportation is a major consideration versus the no-tuition public option. Ultimately, families must weigh the value of a specific private school's mission and program against the profound benefits of local community involvement and the practical challenges of long-distance schooling.