The Best Private Schools in Garland, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Garland. 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 Classical Christian School
The Cambridge School of Dallas provides a classical Christian education to students from Garland and throughout the Dallas metroplex. Founded in 1996, the school employs the time-tested classical trivium method with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, rhetoric, and Socratic dialogue. Their unique curriculum includes Latin instruction beginning in elementary grades, comprehensive literature studies, and integrated fine arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes with highly qualified faculty who emphasize both academic excellence and character formation. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its rigorous academic standards, nurturing environment, and successful preparation of students for college and beyond. The school's location in Dallas provides convenient access for Garland families seeking this specialized educational approach.
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Lakehill Preparatory School
Independent College Preparatory School
Located just minutes from Garland in Dallas, Lakehill Preparatory School has served the greater Dallas area including Garland families for 50 years. This independent college preparatory school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features comprehensive Advanced Placement course offerings, extensive college counseling services, and competitive athletic programs. Their state-of-the-art campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Lakehill is particularly noted for its strong community atmosphere, exceptional teacher retention, and successful college placement record, making it a popular choice for Garland families seeking top-tier private education.
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Garland Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Garland Christian Academy is a well-established private Christian school serving the Garland community since 1976. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum from pre-K through 12th grade, with small class sizes and individualized attention. Their STEM program provides advanced science and technology education, while their fine arts department includes music, theater, and visual arts. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's strong academic foundation, caring faculty, and supportive Christian environment that emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Garland, Texas
What are the primary types of private school options available to families in Garland, Texas?
Garland offers a diverse range of private schools, including faith-based institutions like Garland Christian Academy, which provides a Bible-centered curriculum. For families seeking a rigorous college-preparatory environment, nearby options like Lakehill Preparatory School in Dallas serve many Garland residents. Additionally, schools with specialized pedagogical approaches, such as The Cambridge School of Dallas which offers a classical Christian education, are accessible. While Garland itself has a selection, many families also consider highly-regarded private schools in the surrounding Dallas metro area, expanding choices to include Montessori, single-gender, and international baccalaureate programs within a reasonable commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Garland area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Texas?
Tuition in the Garland area varies significantly based on the school's grade levels, programs, and affiliations. Local parochial schools like Garland Christian Academy often have lower tuition rates, typically ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 annually. Independent college-preparatory schools like Lakehill Preparatory School have higher tuition, often exceeding $25,000 per year. Texas offers specific financial mechanisms to assist families, including the availability of 529 savings plans for K-12 tuition and the possibility of flexible tuition or need-based financial aid directly from schools. Additionally, some Texas private schools participate in state-supported programs for students with special needs, which can provide funding assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Garland, TX students?
Private schools in and around Garland distinguish themselves with specialized programs. Garland Christian Academy emphasizes spiritual development alongside academics and may offer chapel services and mission trips. Lakehill Preparatory School is known for its strong arts, athletics, and outdoor education programs, including a wilderness campus. The Cambridge School of Dallas provides a distinct classical, humanities-focused curriculum with Latin instruction and logic. Many schools also leverage the resources of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for STEM partnerships, competitive robotics teams, and advanced arts collaborations that are less common in standard public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Garland, Texas area?
The process for Garland-area private schools generally begins in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment. Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-November), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, and completing student assessments/interviews. Many competitive schools, like Lakehill Preparatory, have early application rounds. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are typically communicated in March, with enrollment contracts due in the spring. It's crucial to apply early, as spaces, particularly in lower grades, can fill quickly. Some schools also have sibling and legacy applicant priority, which is an important local consideration for Garland families.
For a family living in Garland, what are the key factors when comparing a Garland ISD public school to a local private school?
Key factors include educational approach, class size, and community values. Garland ISD offers diverse magnet programs and is tuition-free, but private schools provide smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public) and more individualized attention. Private schools can offer a specific religious or philosophical foundation (e.g., Christian or classical) that public schools cannot. Extracurricular access may differ; while GISD has large-scale sports and arts, private schools often allow greater participation across multiple activities. Finally, consider the daily logistics: a local Garland private school minimizes commute, while a sought-after Dallas school adds travel time but may offer a perceived prestige or specific program not available locally.