The Best Private Schools in Stonewall, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Stonewall. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Austin
St. Mary's Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving the Stonewall and Fredericksburg area with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. The school combines rigorous academics with strong Catholic values and traditions. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings and has served the Texas Hill Country community for over seven decades with consistently strong academic outcomes.
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Notre Dame Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of San Antonio
Notre Dame Catholic School in Kerrville serves families throughout the Texas Hill Country, including Stonewall residents seeking quality private education. The school offers a challenging academic program rooted in Catholic traditions with emphasis on character development and service learning. Features include advanced mathematics curriculum, comprehensive music and arts programs, and Spanish language instruction from early grades. The school boasts modern facilities, experienced educators, and strong community involvement, making it a preferred choice for families seeking both academic excellence and faith-based education.
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St. Mary's Elementary School
St. Mary's Catholic Parish
St. Mary's Elementary School provides exceptional early childhood and elementary education to students from Stonewall and surrounding communities. The school focuses on building strong foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, and social development within a nurturing Catholic environment. The program includes specialized reading intervention, comprehensive physical education, and age-appropriate religious education. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, the school maintains high parent satisfaction ratings and prepares students well for continued education in middle school programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Stonewall, Texas
What are the private school options available for families in Stonewall, Texas, and what grade levels do they serve?
Stonewall, TX, is served primarily by faith-based private schools, with the notable institutions being St. Mary's Catholic School and Notre Dame Catholic School. St. Mary's Elementary School is also a key option. These schools typically cover grades from Pre-K or Kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school education, families in Stonewall often look at private institutions in nearby Fredericksburg or other larger communities in the Texas Hill Country. The options in Stonewall itself provide a close-knit, community-focused educational environment rooted in Catholic traditions.
How does tuition at private schools in Stonewall, TX, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at Stonewall's private Catholic schools is generally below the statewide average for Texas private schools, reflecting the area's community-focused and often parish-subsidized model. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition can range approximately from $4,000 to $7,000 annually, depending on the grade level and parish membership status. Both St. Mary's and Notre Dame typically offer financial aid, scholarships, and multi-child discounts. Additionally, Texas has state programs like the Texas Tuition Promise Fund for pre-paying tuition and tax-advantaged 529 plans that can be used for K-12 private education.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Stonewall private schools offer that leverage the local Texas Hill Country environment?
Private schools in Stonewall, TX, integrate the local culture and environment into their programs uniquely. This often includes Texas history curricula with field trips to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, agricultural and environmental science projects tied to the local peach orchards and ranches, and strong arts programs celebrating German-Texan heritage. Extracurriculars may include 4-H clubs, local sports leagues coordinated with other Hill Country schools, and community service projects deeply connected to the Stonewall and Gillespie County community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Mary's in Stonewall, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Stonewall's private schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year. Priority is often given to current students, siblings of enrolled students, and active members of the supporting Catholic parishes. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastoral recommendation (for Catholic schools), and often a family interview. Due to the small size of these schools, popular grades can have waitlists, especially in early childhood classes. It is highly recommended for Stonewall families to contact the school office directly by early winter to secure placement information and application materials.
For families considering both options, what are the key differences between the Stonewall Independent School District (public) and the local private schools?
The key differences lie in curriculum, community scale, and religious integration. The Stonewall Independent School District, which includes Stonewall Elementary, offers a secular education following Texas state standards (TEKS) with the resources of a public school system. The local private schools (St. Mary's, Notre Dame) provide a faith-based education integrating Catholic teachings throughout the curriculum, typically with smaller class sizes and a strong emphasis on moral development. Academically, both sectors perform well, but private schools may offer more individualized attention. Extracurricular offerings in sports and arts may be more extensive in the public system due to larger size, while private schools offer niche programs tied to the parish and local heritage.