The Best Private Schools in Pflugerville, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pflugerville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School
Diocese of Austin Catholic Schools
St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School is a highly-regarded college preparatory school serving the greater Austin area including Pflugerville. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 21 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and comprehensive spiritual formation. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and modern classrooms. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, robotics, theater, and numerous service opportunities.
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The Griffin School
Independent Private School
The Griffin School is an acclaimed independent college preparatory high school known for its innovative humanities-focused curriculum and intimate learning environment. Serving students from Pflugerville and surrounding communities, the school emphasizes critical thinking, writing proficiency, and intellectual curiosity through seminar-style classes averaging 12 students. The school features a robust arts program, competitive athletics, and extensive college counseling. Their downtown Austin campus provides access to cultural resources while maintaining a close-knit community atmosphere with outstanding teacher-student relationships.
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Concordia High School
Concordia University Texas
Concordia High School is a respected Lutheran college-preparatory school conveniently located in nearby Round Rock, serving Pflugerville families. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with extensive dual-credit opportunities through Concordia University Texas, allowing students to earn significant college credit. The STEM Academy provides advanced coursework in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The 22-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains strong college placement records and emphasizes character development within a supportive Christian community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pflugerville, Texas
What are the primary private school options available within Pflugerville, Texas, and what are their educational philosophies?
While Pflugerville itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families have access to several notable schools in the immediate surrounding area of North Austin and Williamson County. The top options frequently considered by Pflugerville residents include St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School (a college-preparatory school with a Catholic, Augustinian tradition in North Austin), The Griffin School (a progressive, project-based secondary school in Central Austin), and Concordia High School (a Lutheran, college-prep school in North Austin). Additionally, many families look at private academies in Round Rock and Cedar Park. This means Pflugerville parents typically consider a 15-30 minute commute for most private school options, evaluating schools based on religious affiliation, pedagogical approach, and specific academic or arts programs.
How does tuition for private schools in the Pflugerville/Austin metro area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition for private schools serving Pflugerville families is generally higher than the Texas state average for private education, reflecting the higher cost of living in the Austin metropolitan area. For the 2024-2025 academic year, annual tuition for the mentioned high schools typically ranges from approximately $12,000 to $18,000. Most schools, including St. Dominic Savio and Concordia, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need, and many participate in Texas’s state-funded tuition assistance program for certain students, such as the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC) recognized schools. It's crucial for parents to inquire directly about application deadlines for financial aid, which often precede enrollment deadlines. Additionally, some families utilize 529 plan funds for K-12 private tuition, which is permitted under Texas and federal law.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Pflugerville offer that differentiate them from local public schools (Pflugerville ISD)?
Private schools in the Pflugerville vicinity often offer specialized programs that may be more limited in PfISD's broader curriculum. For example, St. Dominic Savio provides a strong theology curriculum and extensive campus ministry programs alongside its STEM offerings. The Griffin School emphasizes a humanities-focused, seminar-style learning environment with deep community engagement projects. Concordia High School integrates faith-based learning with a recognized engineering and biomedical sciences track. These schools often feature smaller class sizes (frequently 15-20 students vs. 25+ in PfISD), more individualized college counseling, and unique electives. However, PfISD offers a wider array of UIL athletics, certain specialized career pathways, and no-tuition education, making the choice highly dependent on a family's specific priorities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Pflugerville, Texas, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in the Austin area is often lengthy and begins almost a full year in advance. For a fall start, the typical timeline is: applications open in August or September, with priority deadlines between January and February. The process usually includes a submitted application, student essays, parent statements, teacher recommendations, transcripts, and a mandatory student interview or shadow day. Admissions decisions are typically communicated in March. Given the limited seats and competitive nature of schools like St. Dominic Savio, The Griffin School, and Concordia, Pflugerville parents are strongly advised to begin research and campus visits in the fall of their child's 7th or 8th-grade year for 9th-grade entry. Waiting until spring can significantly reduce placement opportunities.
For Pflugerville residents, what are the key logistical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school outside the city limits?
A major consideration for Pflugerville families is transportation, as most private options are located in Austin, Round Rock, or Cedar Park. Very few private schools offer bus transportation to Pflugerville, meaning parents must commit to daily carpooling or significant driving, which can be a 20-45 minute commute each way depending on traffic on highways like TX-130, I-35, or SH-45. This impacts after-school activity participation and peer socialization. On the community front, your child's primary social network will likely be spread across the metro area rather than being neighborhood-based within Pflugerville. It's important to evaluate how a school fosters community for geographically dispersed families through events, communication, and parent organizations to ensure a connected experience despite the physical distance from the campus.