The Best Private Schools in Rice, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rice. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Cambridge School of Dallas
The Cambridge School of Dallas
The Cambridge School of Dallas offers a rigorous classical Christian education that serves families from Rice and the greater Dallas area. The school emphasizes the trivium model of learning across all grade levels, integrating faith with academic excellence. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Cambridge provides a comprehensive education including robust fine arts programs, competitive athletics, and college preparatory curriculum. The school's beautiful campus and strong community atmosphere have resulted in outstanding parent satisfaction and academic outcomes.
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Shelton School
Shelton School
Shelton School is the largest private school in the nation specifically designed for students with learning differences, serving students from Rice and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with small class sizes, individualized instruction, and extensive support services. With state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities, Shelton provides a nurturing environment that has earned exceptional parent satisfaction ratings. The school's multidisciplinary approach combines academic excellence with therapeutic support.
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Prestonwood Christian Academy
Prestonwood Christian Academy
Prestonwood Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving students from Rice and throughout North Texas. The academy offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with advanced placement courses, extensive STEM offerings, and championship-level athletics. With state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes, PCA provides a well-rounded education grounded in Christian values. The school's strong academic reputation and extensive extracurricular programs have made it a top choice for families seeking private education in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rice, Texas
What are the primary private school options for families living in Rice, Texas, and are they located in Rice or in nearby cities?
While Rice, Texas itself is a small community with limited on-site private schools, families typically look to schools in the greater Dallas metropolitan area, which is within a reasonable commuting distance. The top-regarded options often include Shelton School (in Dallas), which specializes in serving students with learning differences; The Cambridge School of Dallas (in Dallas), offering a classical Christian education; and Prestonwood Christian Academy (in Plano), a large non-denominational Christian school. Researching schools in adjacent cities like Ennis, Corsicana, or the Dallas suburbs is essential for Rice residents seeking private education.
How does tuition for private schools in the Rice, Texas area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the premier private schools accessible to Rice families, like those in Dallas, is generally at or above the Texas private school average due to their urban location and extensive programs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at these schools can range from approximately $15,000 to over $25,000 annually. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and Texas has the "Texas Private School Accreditation Commission" (TEPSAC) ensuring standards for schools that may participate in state-supported programs like the Special Education Nonpublic School Placement (SB 1) fund. Additionally, many Christian schools offer multi-child discounts and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are available at private schools near Rice, Texas, that might not be found in local public schools?
Private schools in the Dallas region accessible to Rice families often provide specialized tracks not always available in smaller public districts. For example, Shelton School offers a renowned curriculum specifically designed for bright students with dyslexia and ADHD. The Cambridge School of Dallas provides a classical "trivium" model (grammar, logic, rhetoric) integrated with Christian theology. Prestonwood Christian Academy features extensive fine arts programs, competitive athletics, and global mission trips. These schools often have lower student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for more individualized project-based learning and advanced STEM labs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Rice, Texas, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The enrollment process for sought-after Dallas-area private schools often begins a full year in advance. The typical timeline starts with open houses in the early fall (September-October), with application deadlines between January and February for the following academic year. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized testing (like the ISEE or school-specific assessments), and a family interview. For schools like Shelton, an educational evaluation is also required. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, Rice families are strongly advised to begin research and tours in the fall to meet these critical deadlines.
For a family in Rice, Texas, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public schools and commuting to a private school in the Dallas area?
The decision hinges on several factors unique to Rice's location. Key considerations include: the daily commute time (which can be 45-90 minutes each way to Dallas schools), transportation logistics and costs, and the alignment of educational philosophy with family values. Parents must weigh the specialized programs, religious education, or learning support of a private school against the community-centered, no-tuition environment of Rice's local public schools (like Rice Elementary). Additionally, the social and extracurricular involvement of the child in a school community farther from home is a significant factor. Many families find the commute worthwhile for a specific program, such as Shelton's learning difference expertise, that is not available locally.