The Best Private Schools in Laredo, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Laredo. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint Mary's Hall
Independent School
Saint Mary's Hall is a premier independent school in San Antonio that serves families from across South Texas, including Laredo. As one of Texas' oldest and most respected private schools, it offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. The campus features extensive facilities including science research labs, performing arts centers, athletic complexes, and technology-rich learning spaces. The school provides comprehensive boarding options and has a strong track record of college placements at elite universities. With small class sizes and exceptional faculty, Saint Mary's Hall delivers a transformative educational experience that attracts students from throughout the region seeking top-tier academic preparation.
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John Paul II High School
Diocese of Corpus Christi
While located in Corpus Christi, John Paul II High School serves families throughout South Texas, including Laredo area students seeking a premier Catholic education. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with extensive Advanced Placement and dual credit opportunities through partnerships with local colleges. The STEM Academy provides specialized pathways in engineering, biomedical science, and computer science. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic complex, and modern classrooms. The school maintains strong academic results with graduates attending top universities nationwide and offers boarding options for out-of-town students.
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Saint Augustine High School
Diocese of Laredo
Saint Augustine High School is Laredo's premier Catholic college preparatory school serving grades 9-12. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with multiple Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Facilities include modern science labs, a comprehensive library, athletic facilities, and dedicated fine arts spaces. The school emphasizes character development through Catholic values while providing strong extracurricular programs in athletics, robotics, and performing arts. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school has built a reputation for academic excellence in the Laredo community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Laredo, Texas
What are the primary private school options for families in Laredo, Texas, and what educational philosophies do they represent?
Laredo offers a limited but distinct selection of private schools, primarily with a Catholic foundation. The top institutions include Saint Augustine High School (co-ed, college preparatory, Augustinian tradition), John Paul II High School (co-ed, college preparatory, Catholic), and Saint Mary's Hall (co-ed, PK-12, independent Catholic). Unlike larger Texas cities, Laredo does not have a wide array of secular independent or specialized preparatory schools. This concentration means families seeking private education are typically choosing between rigorous, faith-based environments that emphasize college readiness, character formation, and service to the local Laredo community.
How does tuition at Laredo's private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are locally available?
Tuition at Laredo's leading private schools is generally below the statewide average for Texas private schools, reflecting the local economic context. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $11,000 annually. All major schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active Catholic families. Additionally, Texas state programs like the Texas Tuition Promise Fund (prepaid college plan) can be used for future planning, but Laredo families do not have access to state-funded voucher or ESA programs as Texas has not adopted widespread school choice legislation. Sibling discounts and payment plans are commonly offered by the schools directly.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Laredo private schools offer that leverage the city's border location and culture?
Laredo's private schools integrate the city's unique bicultural and binational identity into their programs. Saint Augustine, John Paul II, and Saint Mary's Hall all offer robust Spanish language programs that go beyond standard coursework, often incorporating literature, history, and business Spanish relevant to U.S.-Mexico relations. Many Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-credit courses are offered in partnership with Laredo College and Texas A&M International University. Extracurriculars frequently include Model United Nations with a focus on international diplomacy, business clubs that explore cross-border trade, and community service projects that engage with organizations on both sides of the border, providing students with a distinct geopolitical perspective.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in Laredo, and are there specific requirements for transfer students?
The enrollment process for Laredo's private high schools typically begins in the fall for the following academic year, with priority application deadlines in January or February. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores (like the HSPT), teacher recommendations, and a family interview. For the Catholic schools, a pastor's endorsement may be required. Given the limited seats, especially in the upper grades, early application is strongly advised. Transfer students, particularly those entering after 9th grade, must demonstrate a strong academic record and disciplinary history. For families moving to Laredo due to military or government service at the Laredo Air Force Base or border agencies, schools often provide application flexibility and additional support with transcripts.
For families considering the choice between Laredo ISD public schools and local private schools, what are the key differentiating factors in this specific city?
In Laredo, the decision often centers on class size, college preparatory focus, and religious education. Laredo ISD offers some excellent magnet and early college programs, but private schools like Saint Augustine and John Paul II boast significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) and near-100% college acceptance rates with strong matriculation to Texas state flagships. The private school environment also provides a consistent, values-based education aligned with the city's predominant Catholic culture. Furthermore, private schools in Laredo often have more flexibility in their curriculum to address individual student needs and offer a wider range of AP courses per capita. However, families must weigh this against the cost of tuition, as Laredo ISD provides free, nationally recognized dual-credit opportunities through local colleges.
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