The Best Private Schools in Higgins, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Higgins. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
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 the Higgins area. Established in 1977, the academy offers comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Their academic program emphasizes rigorous coursework with Advanced Placement options, complemented by strong STEM initiatives and extensive fine arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for strong teacher-student relationships and high parent satisfaction.
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Ascension Academy
Ascension Academy
Ascension Academy is an independent, non-sectarian college preparatory school serving the broader Texas Panhandle region. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers the prestigious IB Diploma Program alongside traditional Advanced Placement courses. The school serves grades 6-12 with a focus on developing critical thinking skills and global perspectives. Facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its highly qualified faculty, with over 70% holding advanced degrees, and maintains a strong track record of college admissions to top-tier universities.
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Holy Cross Catholic Academy
Catholic Diocese of Amarillo
Holy Cross Catholic Academy provides comprehensive Catholic education serving families throughout the Texas Panhandle, including the Higgins area. The school offers education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with a strong foundation in faith-based learning and academic excellence. The curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, comprehensive language arts, and integrated technology throughout all grade levels. The campus features modern classrooms, dedicated science and computer labs, chapel facilities, and athletic fields. The school is recognized for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and well-rounded educational approach that balances academics, faith formation, and extracurricular activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Higgins, Texas
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Higgins, Texas?
While Higgins itself is a small town, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader region. The top options often considered include San Jacinto Christian Academy in Amarillo, Ascension Academy (also in Amarillo), and Holy Cross Catholic Academy in Amarillo. Due to Higgins' rural location in the Texas Panhandle, most private schooling requires a commute to larger hubs like Amarillo, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away. These schools offer distinct educational philosophies: faith-based Christian education, a non-sectarian college-prep focus, and Catholic education, respectively.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Higgins, TX, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Texas?
Tuition for the primary private schools accessible to Higgins families varies. For the 2023-2024 academic year, San Jacinto Christian Academy and Holy Cross Catholic Academy typically have tuition ranges from $6,000 to $9,000 annually, while Ascension Academy, as a non-sectarian college-prep school, may be higher. A key Texas-specific financial consideration is the lack of state-funded voucher programs for most families, making school-provided aid and scholarships critical. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and some have parish subsidies for Catholic families at Holy Cross. The commute also adds a significant "hidden cost" in time and transportation for Higgins residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do these Panhandle private schools offer that might benefit a student from Higgins?
Given the distance from major metropolitan centers, these schools provide specialized programs that might otherwise be inaccessible. Ascension Academy emphasizes advanced STEM courses and partnerships with local universities like West Texas A&M. San Jacinto Christian Academy offers strong agricultural and FFA programs, which resonate with the rural lifestyle of Higgins. Holy Cross Catholic Academy provides a classical education model with Latin and theology. All three have robust athletics and arts programs that compete at the state level, offering a comprehensive extracurricular slate that smaller Higgins public schools may not be able to match.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Texas Panhandle that serve Higgins families?
The enrollment process for schools like San Jacinto, Ascension, and Holy Cross generally begins in January or February for the following fall semester. It is crucial for Higgins families to start early due to limited spaces and the need for logistical planning. The process typically involves an application, submission of past academic records, standardized testing, family interviews, and often a shadow day for the student. Given the commute, many families from Higgins coordinate carpools or explore limited boarding options sometimes available for upperclassmen. We recommend contacting admissions offices by November to express interest and understand specific deadlines.
For a family in Higgins, what are the key factors in choosing between the local public school and a private school in Amarillo?
The decision hinges on several Higgins-specific factors. The local Higgins ISD offers the great benefit of proximity and deep community integration. Opting for a private school in Amarillo involves a substantial daily commitment to travel (3-4 hours round trip) but provides different educational philosophies, often smaller class sizes, and specialized college preparatory curricula. For families seeking a specific religious foundation or advanced academic tracks not available in a small rural district, the private options are compelling. The choice often comes down to weighing the value of the unique private program against the time and financial investment required for the commute from Higgins.