The Best Private Schools in New Braunfels, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in New Braunfels. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Winston School San Antonio
Independent
The Winston School San Antonio serves students from New Braunfels and the greater San Antonio area with a specialized focus on students with learning differences. This highly-rated college preparatory school offers small class sizes (8:1 student-teacher ratio) and individualized learning plans. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities. With a strong track record of college acceptance, the school provides comprehensive academic support while maintaining high standards. Parents consistently praise the transformative educational experience and dedicated faculty who understand diverse learning needs.
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Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School
Archdiocese of San Antonio
Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving New Braunfels for nearly eight decades. The school offers a comprehensive faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. Academically rigorous programs are complemented by strong STEM curriculum, fine arts, and competitive athletics. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive campus grounds. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with families praising the nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and strong community values.
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Keystone School
Independent
Keystone School is a prestigious independent school serving academically motivated students from New Braunfels and the San Antonio region. Known for its rigorous academic program and exceptional college placement record, Keystone offers a comprehensive curriculum from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school specializes in gifted education and advanced coursework with extensive STEM opportunities, competitive athletics, and vibrant arts programs. Facilities include modern science labs, technology centers, and performance spaces. Parent reviews consistently highlight the challenging academic environment, outstanding faculty, and strong sense of community that prepares students for top-tier universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in New Braunfels, Texas
What are the main types of private school options available within a reasonable commute from New Braunfels, Texas?
Families in New Braunfels have access to several types of private schools, though many top-rated options require a commute to nearby San Antonio. Directly in New Braunfels, you'll find faith-based schools like Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School, which offers a Pre-K through 8th-grade education. For secondary education and specialized programs, parents often look to San Antonio, approximately a 30-minute drive. Options there include The Winston School San Antonio, which specializes in differentiated instruction for students with learning differences, and Keystone School, a highly academic college-preparatory school. There are also other independent and parochial schools in the Greater San Antonio area serving New Braunfels families.
How does the tuition for private schools serving New Braunfels, TX, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition for private schools in the New Braunfels and San Antonio corridor is generally competitive with or slightly below major Texas metropolitan averages. For the 2023-2024 school year, local Catholic elementary schools like Sts. Peter and Paul often have tuition ranging from $7,000 to $10,000 annually, while independent schools like Keystone can range from $20,000 to $25,000 for upper grades. Texas has a strong culture of private school financial aid, and most institutions offer need-based assistance. Additionally, many Texas private schools participate in state-funded programs like the Texas Tuition Promise Fund (prepaid tuition) and accept funds from 529 college savings plans for K-12 tuition. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid packages and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools that serve the New Braunfels community?
Private schools accessible to New Braunfels students often leverage both their independence and the cultural and geographic assets of Central Texas. Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School integrates faith-based learning with standard curricula and may offer local field trips relevant to Texas history. Schools in San Antonio, like The Winston School, provide unique programs such as one-to-one laptop initiatives, structured learning strategies, and small class sizes specifically designed for students who thrive in a non-traditional setting. Keystone School is known for its rigorous STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) focus, advanced placement offerings, and strong arts programs. Many schools also incorporate outdoor education and environmental studies, taking advantage of the nearby Hill Country and Guadalupe River.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the New Braunfels area?
The enrollment process for private schools in this region often begins almost a full year in advance. For most schools, including Sts. Peter and Paul, The Winston School, and Keystone, the primary application window opens in September or October for the following academic year. The process typically involves an online application, submission of academic records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview or student assessment. Many competitive schools have application deadlines between January and February. It is highly advisable for New Braunfels parents to attend fall open houses or schedule individual tours, especially for schools in San Antonio, to account for travel time. Waiting lists are common, so early inquiry is recommended.
For a family moving to New Braunfels, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated New Braunfels Independent School District (NBISD) and local private schools?
This is a significant decision for New Braunfels families. NBISD is consistently highly rated, offering robust academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs at no direct tuition cost. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific educational philosophy (e.g., religious, Montessori, or college-prep), smaller class sizes, or specialized support for learning differences, as found at The Winston School. The commute is a major practical factor; opting for a San Antonio private school means daily travel on I-35. Financially, you must weigh private tuition against the potential for investing those funds elsewhere. Many families find the choice comes down to values alignment, desired community size, and whether their child's needs are specifically met by a private school's niche program that isn't available in the comprehensive public system.