The Best Private Schools in Groom, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Groom. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ascension Academy
Ascension Academy
Ascension Academy is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the greater Amarillo region, including Groom families. Founded in 1998, the school offers rigorous academic programs for grades 6-12 with a 100% college acceptance rate. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and features extensive Advanced Placement course offerings. The campus includes modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Ascension is known for its exceptional teacher quality, with faculty holding advanced degrees in their fields. The school maintains small class sizes and offers robust extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, fine arts, and academic competitions.
Programs:
San Jacinto Christian Academy
San Jacinto Christian Academy
San Jacinto Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Texas Panhandle region, including Groom. Established in 1976, the academy offers comprehensive education from pre-K through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features modern facilities including science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Academically rigorous with small class sizes, SJCA emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The school offers numerous extracurricular activities including competitive sports, fine arts programs, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong teacher-student relationships.
Programs:
Holy Cross Catholic Academy
Diocese of Amarillo
Holy Cross Catholic Academy provides exceptional private education serving families throughout the Texas Panhandle, including Groom residents. As part of the Diocese of Amarillo, the school offers comprehensive Catholic education from pre-K through 12th grade. The academy features a strong STEM curriculum, advanced placement courses, and dual credit opportunities with local colleges. Facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, technology centers, and athletic facilities. The school community is known for its tight-knit environment and strong parent involvement. Holy Cross emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based framework, preparing students for college and beyond.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Groom, Texas
What are the private school options available specifically in Groom, Texas, and what are their educational affiliations?
Within the city limits of Groom, Texas, private school options are limited, with families often looking to nearby communities in the Texas Panhandle. The schools you mentioned—San Jacinto Christian Academy and Ascension Academy—are located in Amarillo, approximately 40 miles away, while Holy Cross Catholic Academy is in Amarillo as well. For immediate Groom residents, the primary local option is the public school district. Families seeking private education typically commute to Amarillo, where there is a broader selection of religiously affiliated (Christian, Catholic) and non-sectarian independent schools. It's important to consider the commute and potential transportation arrangements when evaluating these as options for a Groom residence.
How does tuition for Panhandle private schools compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options for Texas residents?
Tuition for private schools in the Amarillo area serving Groom families is generally below the national average but consistent with Texas Panhandle costs of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, typical K-12 tuition ranges from approximately $6,000 to $12,000 annually. Texas offers specific financial aid avenues, including the **Texas Tuition Promise Fund** for pre-paying tuition and potential eligibility for the **Texas ACE Scholarship Program** for students in certain extracurricular activities. Most schools, like San Jacinto Christian Academy and Ascension Academy, also offer their own need-based financial aid, scholarships, and multi-child discounts. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their aid packages and any parish subsidies available at Catholic institutions like Holy Cross.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Groom, TX, students?
Private schools in the Amarillo area provide specialized programs that can be a draw for Groom families. For instance, **Ascension Academy** is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the IB Diploma Programme—a rare offering in the Panhandle. **San Jacinto Christian Academy** often emphasizes a Bible-integrated curriculum alongside strong athletics and fine arts. **Holy Cross Catholic Academy** provides a faith-based education with sacramental preparation. Many of these schools also offer robust agriculture and FFA programs, which resonate with the rural and farming communities surrounding Groom, as well as dual-credit courses with local colleges like Amarillo College. Visiting these schools is the best way to assess which specialized program aligns with your child's interests.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Texas Panhandle, and how far in advance should Groom parents apply?
The enrollment process for private schools near Groom typically begins in the winter for the following fall semester. Key dates are: **January-February:** Open houses and application periods open. **March-April:** Priority application deadlines and financial aid applications are due. **May:** Admission decisions and enrollment contracts are typically finalized. Given the limited seats and the commute from Groom, it is highly advisable to initiate inquiries and campus visits a full year in advance, especially for entry-level grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade). The process usually involves an application, student assessment or shadow day, records review, and often a family interview. Contacting admissions offices in Amarillo by early fall is a prudent strategy.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Groom compare to the public Groom Independent School District?
The Groom Independent School District is a very small, close-knit rural district with a single campus for all grades (PK-12) and inherently small class sizes, often under 15 students. In contrast, the private schools in Amarillo are larger but still maintain significantly smaller ratios than large urban public schools. For example, they may average 15-20 students per class but within a total student body that provides more specialized staff and broader extracurricular options. The community environment differs notably: GISD offers a deeply localized, whole-town identity, while the private schools offer communities based on shared religious faith (in the case of Christian academies) or specific educational philosophies (like IB). The choice often hinges on whether a family prioritizes hyper-local convenience and identity or a specialized educational/faith-based community, accepting the commute.