The Best Private Schools in Huntington, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Huntington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Pineywoods Community Academy
Pineywoods Community Academy
Pineywoods Community Academy is a highly-regarded charter school serving the Huntington area and greater Angelina County. The school emphasizes rigorous college preparatory education with strong STEM programming and numerous Advanced Placement courses. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular activities including robotics, athletics, and fine arts. The school maintains high academic standards with a focus on developing critical thinking skills and preparing students for college success.
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The Christian Academy of Lufkin
Independent Christian School
The Christian Academy of Lufkin provides a comprehensive Christian education to students from Huntington and surrounding communities. With a strong academic foundation integrated with biblical principles, the school offers a well-rounded education including advanced coursework, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts programs. The campus features modern facilities with dedicated science labs, technology integration, and athletic complexes. Parent satisfaction is high due to the school's commitment to individual student development and strong community atmosphere.
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St. Cyprian's Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Texas
St. Cyprian's Episcopal School offers a classical education model serving families from Huntington and the Lufkin area. The school emphasizes rigorous academics within a nurturing environment, focusing on developing well-rounded students through strong literacy, mathematics, and character education programs. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, students receive individualized attention. The school features comprehensive arts and music programs, foreign language instruction, and maintains strong parent involvement and satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Huntington, Texas
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Huntington, Texas?
Huntington itself is a small community, so most private school options are located in nearby areas. The most prominent local options include Pineywoods Community Academy in nearby Lufkin, which is a highly-regarded charter school (publicly funded but operates independently), The Christian Academy of Lufkin, a private Christian school, and St. Cyprian's Episcopal School in Lufkin, offering a faith-based education with a strong academic foundation. Families in Huntington often consider these schools for their specialized curricula and smaller class sizes compared to the larger regional public school districts. It's important to note that transportation to these schools from Huntington is typically the responsibility of the parents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Huntington, TX area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Texas?
Tuition in the Huntington area varies significantly by school type. For example, Pineywoods Community Academy is a tuition-free public charter school. For traditional private schools like The Christian Academy of Lufkin or St. Cyprian's, annual tuition can range from approximately $5,000 to $9,000+ for elementary grades, often increasing for higher grades. Texas offers specific financial mechanisms to assist families, such as the 529 Plan, which can now be used for K-12 private school tuition. Additionally, some schools may offer sibling discounts, need-based scholarships funded by local churches or donors, and payment plans. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid packages and any local scholarship funds supported by East Texas community foundations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Huntington, Texas offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools in the Lufkin/Huntington area often leverage their independence to offer specialized programs. For instance, St. Cyprian's Episcopal School emphasizes a classical education model and character development integrated with faith. The Christian Academy of Lufkin provides a Bible-based curriculum and may offer specific electives or programs aligned with its religious mission. Pineywoods Community Academy, as a charter, might have a distinct thematic focus or project-based learning approach. These schools can offer more tailored experiences, such as specialized art or music instruction, smaller robotics or science clubs, and more individualized academic pacing, which can be a draw for families seeking alternatives to the standard Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum used in public districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Huntington community?
The enrollment process for private schools near Huntington generally begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester. For schools like The Christian Academy of Lufkin and St. Cyprian's, it's advisable to contact admissions by January or February. The process typically involves an application form, submission of past academic records, a family interview, and sometimes student assessment or testing. Many schools have rolling admissions but popular grades fill quickly. A key local consideration is that these schools draw from a wide East Texas region, so applying early is recommended to secure a spot. Some schools may also host open houses or shadow days, which are excellent opportunities for Huntington families to visit and evaluate the commute.
For a family in Huntington, what are the main practical considerations when choosing between the local Huntington ISD public schools and a private school in Lufkin?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Academically, Huntington ISD offers a traditional public education with UIL athletics and programs, while private options provide alternative pedagogical or religious frameworks. Logistically, committing to a private school in Lufkin means a daily commute of 15-20+ minutes each way, which impacts family schedules and transportation costs. Financially, you must weigh private tuition against the no-cost public option. Socially, consider whether you want your child in a community-based neighborhood school or a smaller, mission-driven community that may draw students from a wider geographic area. Many Huntington families value the close-knit nature of the local public school, while others seek the specific religious environment or specialized academic focus available at private institutions in the regional hub of Lufkin.