The Best Private Schools in Jacksonville, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Jacksonville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
All Saints Episcopal School
All Saints Episcopal School
All Saints Episcopal School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving Jacksonville and surrounding areas. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory education from early childhood through 12th grade. Known for its strong academic foundation, All Saints features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced STEM courses, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts programs. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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The Brook Hill School
The Brook Hill School
Located in nearby Bullard (approximately 20 minutes from Jacksonville), The Brook Hill School is a premier private Christian school serving East Texas. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with a 100% college acceptance rate. Brook Hill features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school is particularly known for its international boarding program, competitive sports teams, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Brook Hill provides personalized attention and strong academic support for students.
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Grace Community School
Grace Community School
Grace Community School in Tyler (approximately 30 minutes from Jacksonville) is a well-established private Christian school serving the broader East Texas region. With over four decades of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive K-12 program focused on academic rigor integrated with biblical worldview. The curriculum includes advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Grace Community is known for its strong community atmosphere, experienced faculty, and track record of preparing students for college success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Jacksonville, Texas
What are the primary private school options available in Jacksonville, Texas, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Jacksonville, TX, is home to a few well-regarded private schools, each with a distinct approach. **All Saints Episcopal School** (Pre-K-12) offers a college-preparatory education within a faith-based, Episcopal environment, emphasizing spiritual growth and community service. **The Brook Hill School** (Pre-K-12), located just outside Jacksonville in Bullard, is a prominent Christian, college-preparatory school with extensive fine arts and athletic programs, attracting families from across East Texas. **Grace Community School** (Pre-K-12) is a biblically-integrated Christian school focused on academic excellence and character development. These schools provide the main private alternatives to Jacksonville ISD, with Brook Hill often considered a regional destination due to its boarding option for upper grades.
How does tuition at Jacksonville, Texas private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Jacksonville-area private schools is generally below the average for major metropolitan areas in Texas but is a significant investment for local families. For the 2024-2025 academic year, full-time tuition ranges from approximately $6,000 to $12,000 for lower grades and can exceed $15,000 for high school, with boarding at Brook Hill costing more. All three major schools offer need-based financial aid, and Texas has programs like the **Texas Tuition Promise Fund** (prepaid college tuition) that can be used in conjunction with private K-12 savings. Additionally, **Grace Community School** participates in the **School Choice Scholarship Fund**, a state-approved program providing scholarships for students with financial need.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Jacksonville, TX area specialize in?
Private schools in the Jacksonville area leverage their smaller sizes to offer specialized programs. **The Brook Hill School** is notable for its strong **STEM initiatives**, competitive **athletic leagues** (TAPPS), and a robust fine arts department with theater and music productions. **All Saints Episcopal School** emphasizes its **Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings** and a **1:1 technology program** in middle and upper schools. **Grace Community School** integrates a biblical worldview across all subjects and offers dual-credit courses through partnerships with local colleges like Jacksonville College. All schools provide a low student-to-teacher ratio, which is a key differentiator from larger public districts in Cherokee County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Jacksonville, Texas?
The enrollment process for Jacksonville private schools often begins nearly a year in advance. Key steps include: 1) **Open Houses & Tours (Fall-Winter):** Schools like All Saints and Brook Hill host events starting in October. 2) **Application Deadline (January-February):** Priority applications are typically due early in the calendar year for the following fall. 3) **Assessment/Interview (Winter):** Most schools require student testing (e.g., ISEE) and family interviews. 4) **Financial Aid Applications (Early Spring):** Deadlines usually align with admission decisions. 5) **Rolling Admissions (Spring-Summer):** After priority deadlines, applications are accepted based on availability. It's crucial to contact schools directly, as spaces, especially in lower grades, can fill quickly in this tight-knit educational market.
For a family in Jacksonville, what are the key considerations when comparing local public schools (Jacksonville ISD) to the available private options?
The decision hinges on several Jacksonville-specific factors. **Jacksonville ISD** offers a no-tuition education with diverse programs, UIL athletics, and larger peer groups. In contrast, private schools provide: 1) **Religious Education:** A core curriculum integrated with Christian (or Episcopal) values. 2) **Smaller Class Sizes:** Often 15:1 or lower, allowing for individualized attention. 3) **College Preparatory Focus:** A consistent, rigorous track aimed at 4-year university admission. 4) **Discipline & Environment:** Often cited for structured environments and strong community ethos. Families should consider commute (especially to Brook Hill in Bullard), extracurricular priorities, and whether the investment aligns with their educational and values-based goals. Many local families value the close-knit, tradition-rich communities these private schools foster.