The Best Private Schools in San Felipe, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in San Felipe. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John XXIII College Preparatory
Catholic Diocese of Galveston-Houston
St. John XXIII College Preparatory is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the greater Katy area and surrounding communities including San Felipe. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, fine arts, and character formation. With small class sizes averaging 16 students, personalized attention and academic excellence are hallmarks. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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The Woodlands Preparatory School
Independent
The Woodlands Preparatory School is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from preschool through 12th grade, drawing families from surrounding areas including San Felipe. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, providing students with challenging academic pathways. With a diverse student body and low student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school emphasizes global citizenship and individualized learning. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. The school has a strong track record of college placements at competitive universities.
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Faith West Academy
Faith West Ministries
Faith West Academy is a respected Christian private school serving the Katy area and nearby communities including San Felipe. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with specialized tracks in STEM, fine arts, and athletics. With a commitment to integrating faith and learning, the school provides a nurturing environment while maintaining high academic standards. The campus features modern facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school has a strong community reputation with many graduates attending selective colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in San Felipe, Texas
What are the primary private school options serving families in San Felipe, Texas, and what are their key characteristics?
San Felipe is a small, historic community, so most families look to nearby areas for private school options. The top schools include St. John XXIII College Preparatory (a Catholic, co-ed high school in Katy with a strong liberal arts focus), The Woodlands Preparatory School (an International Baccalaureate World School in The Woodlands offering a global curriculum from Pre-K to 12th grade), and Faith West Academy (a Christian school in Katy with a college-prep program and fine arts/athletics). Given San Felipe's rural setting, a significant consideration for parents is commute time to these campuses in neighboring towns, which can range from 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
How does tuition for private schools in the San Felipe, TX, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Texas?
Tuition in the Greater Houston area serving San Felipe families varies widely. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000-$15,000 for faith-based schools like Faith West Academy to $20,000-$25,000+ for college prep schools like St. John XXIII and The Woodlands Prep. Texas offers specific financial mechanisms to assist families. Many schools participate in the state's Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides need-based scholarships funded by business donations. Additionally, some schools offer multi-child discounts and merit-based scholarships. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid packages and application deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from San Felipe, TX?
The private schools near San Felipe provide distinctive programs that leverage their resources and affiliations. The Woodlands Preparatory School is notable for its full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, a rarity in the region. St. John XXIII College Prep offers a robust classical education model with mandatory theology and philosophy courses, along with extensive service learning. Faith West Academy emphasizes STEM integration within a Christian worldview and has strong athletic programs. For San Felipe families interested in agriculture or equestrian activities—relevant to the local culture—some area private schools have partnerships with local clubs or offer independent study options to accommodate these interests.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the San Felipe, Texas, area?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in this region begins early. Most schools open applications for the following academic year in August or September, with priority deadlines between January and February. The process typically involves an online application, standardized testing (like the ISEE or school-specific assessments), student and parent interviews, teacher recommendations, and a review of academic records. For San Felipe residents, it's especially important to factor in potential waitlists for popular grades and to schedule campus visits well in advance, as traveling to these schools in Katy or The Woodlands requires planning. Many schools also host open houses in the fall.
For a family living in rural San Felipe, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Austin County) and a private school in a neighboring city?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The public school option for San Felipe is part of the Bellville Independent School District (BISD), offering a close-knit, community-oriented environment with a shorter commute. Choosing a private school in Katy or The Woodlands involves a significant daily commute, which impacts family logistics and costs. However, private schools offer smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (like IB or classical education), and often more extensive college counseling. Families must weigh the value of these academic offerings against the time and financial investment of transportation. Additionally, the cultural and religious environment of a private school may be a deciding factor compared to the local public school's setting.