The Best Private Schools in Hico, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hico. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Trinity School of Texas
Trinity School of Texas
Trinity School of Texas is a highly-regarded independent private school located approximately 15 miles from Hico in Stephenville. Serving students from pre-K through 12th grade, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Notable programs include advanced STEM courses, competitive athletics, comprehensive fine arts, and extensive college counseling. Parent reviews consistently praise the school's academic excellence, dedicated faculty, and strong community atmosphere.
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Acton Academy Stephenville
Acton Academy Network
Acton Academy Stephenville is part of the internationally recognized Acton Academy network, offering an innovative, learner-driven educational model. Located in nearby Stephenville, the school serves students from elementary through middle school ages with a unique approach combining Socratic discussions, hands-on projects, and real-world apprenticeships. The curriculum emphasizes entrepreneurial skills, character development, and self-directed learning in multi-age classrooms. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's ability to foster independence, critical thinking, and lifelong learning habits in a supportive environment.
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Lake Country Christian School
Lake Country Christian School
Lake Country Christian School is a respected classical Christian school located in Fort Worth, approximately 45 minutes from Hico, serving families from throughout the region. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade program grounded in classical education principles and Christian worldview. Features include rigorous academics, competitive athletic programs, extensive fine arts offerings, and college preparatory courses with numerous AP options. The school maintains a strong reputation for academic excellence, character development, and college placement success, with many graduates attending top universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hico, Texas
What are the primary private school options for families living in or near Hico, Texas?
While Hico itself is a small town, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding area of Central Texas. The top options typically include Trinity School of Texas in nearby Longview (though it's a significant commute, it's a notable regional option), Acton Academy Stephenville in Stephenville (approximately 30 minutes away), and Lake Country Christian School in Fort Worth (a longer commute, but a popular choice). Many Hico families also consider smaller church-affiliated academies in Stephenville and Dublin. Due to Hico's rural setting, most private schooling involves commuting to neighboring towns, so transportation planning is a key consideration.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Hico, Texas area compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools serving the Hico area varies significantly based on the school's location and programs. Day schools like Acton Academy Stephenville may have annual tuition ranging from $8,000 to $12,000, which is generally at or slightly below the Texas private school average. Larger institutions like Lake Country Christian School have higher tuition, often exceeding $15,000. Texas offers the "Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC)" recognition, but unlike some states, it does not have voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs for all families. However, most schools offer need-based financial aid, sibling discounts, and payment plans. Some families may utilize the state's flexible "Homeschool" statutes in combination with part-time private programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Hico, TX?
Private schools in the region emphasize programs that leverage the local culture and environment. For example, Acton Academy Stephenville follows a learner-driven, project-based Socratic model, which is distinct from traditional curricula. Schools often integrate agricultural science, equestrian programs, and FFA chapters, reflecting the rural heritage of Central Texas. Many, like Lake Country Christian, have strong college-prep tracks with dual-credit courses through local colleges like Tarleton State University. Additionally, a common focus on Christian education means Bible study and character development are core components, differing from the secular public school curriculum in Hico ISD.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Hico, Texas?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Acton Academy Stephenville or Lake Country Christian School often begin in January or February for the following fall semester, with priority given to re-enrolling students and siblings. The process usually involves an application, family interview, student assessment, and submission of past academic records. Due to smaller class sizes, especially in schools closer to Hico, spots can fill quickly. It's advisable for Hico parents to initiate inquiries a full year in advance. Many schools also host open houses in the fall. Rolling admission may be available if spaces remain, but planning for the commute is an essential part of the enrollment decision.
For a family in Hico, what are the key considerations when choosing between Hico ISD public schools and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Hico ISD offers the convenience of a close-knit, community-based education with no commute. Private options involve a daily drive to Stephenville, Fort Worth, or beyond, but offer smaller class sizes, specific religious instruction (if desired), and often more individualized learning models like Montessori or Acton. Academically, private schools may offer more accelerated or niche tracks, while Hico ISD provides standard Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum and UIL activities. Financially, choosing private means absorbing tuition and transportation costs. Many Hico families value the rural, small-town public school experience, while others seek the specialized environment of a private institution, accepting the commute as part of that choice.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Non-Religious Private Schools Near Hico, Texas for Your Child
For parents in Hico exploring educational options beyond the public system, the search for the right private school is deeply personal. You may be seeking a specific pedagogical approach, smaller class sizes, or a particular community atmosphere for your child. A common query that arises in this process is for "non religious private schools near me." Understanding this landscape in our specific corner of Central Texas requires a look at both local offerings and the broader regional choices available to Hico families. While Hico itself is a close-knit community, your search will naturally extend into neighboring Stephenville and even Weatherford, expanding the possibilities considerably.
It's important to first acknowledge the excellent local private schools that have strong foundations. Institutions like Trinity School of Texas and Lake Country Christian School provide outstanding education with a faith-based component integral to their mission. For families seeking that environment, they are tremendous assets. However, if your priority is a secular or non-sectarian education, your search becomes more focused on schools that emphasize a curriculum separate from religious doctrine. This is where looking at nearby communities becomes essential. For instance, Acton Academy Stephenville, while incorporating elements of character and heroism drawn from narrative, operates as a non-religious, learner-driven micro-school. Its project-based, Socratic approach attracts families from Hico who want an innovative, self-directed learning environment without a religious curriculum.
Expanding your radius opens more doors. While a daily commute from Hico is a factor, many families find the drive to Weatherford or the western suburbs of Fort Worth manageable for the right fit. Researching schools in these areas will reveal several secular private and independent options. The key is to clearly define what "non-religious" means for your family. Does it mean a complete absence of any spiritual reference, or are you comfortable with a school that teaches about world religions academically or emphasizes universal ethical principles? When you contact schools, be direct and ask about their philosophical underpinnings, their chapel or assembly requirements, and how their mission statement translates into daily classroom life.
Ultimately, finding non religious private schools near Hico involves a blend of online research and in-person discovery. We recommend starting with a detailed list of your educational non-negotiables—academic rigor, extracurricular offerings, class size, and philosophical alignment. Then, plan visits. The feel of a school, its culture, and the conversation with its leadership are irreplaceable. The journey may require looking beyond our immediate city limits, but for Hico parents committed to finding a secular private education, the options within a reasonable drive are present and growing. Your effort to find the perfect match is an investment in your child’s unique path, and the vibrant educational community of Central Texas is here to support that search.