The Best Private Schools in Umbarger, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Umbarger. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Cross Catholic Academy
Diocese of Amarillo
Holy Cross Catholic Academy is a premier private Catholic school serving families throughout the Amarillo metropolitan area, including Umbarger. Established in 1959, the academy provides a classical Catholic education from pre-K through 8th grade with a rigorous academic curriculum rooted in Catholic tradition. The school features excellent facilities including dedicated science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, chapel, and athletic fields. Programs include comprehensive STEM education, fine arts, competitive sports, and character formation. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and high academic standards that prepare students for success in high school and beyond.
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San Jacinto Christian Academy
San Jacinto Christian Academy
San Jacinto Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Texas Panhandle region, including Umbarger. Founded in 1976, the academy offers comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Academic programs emphasize rigorous coursework with Advanced Placement options, while extracurricular activities include competitive athletics, fine arts programs, and community service opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for strong teacher-student relationships and high parent satisfaction.
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Trinity Fellowship Christian School
Trinity Fellowship Church
Trinity Fellowship Christian School is a respected private Christian institution serving the greater Amarillo region, including Umbarger families. Founded in 1992, the school offers education from pre-K through 12th grade with a comprehensive biblical worldview integration across all subjects. The campus features modern academic facilities, science laboratories, technology resources, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Academic programs include college preparatory courses, Advanced Placement options, and career-oriented electives. The school emphasizes character development, leadership training, and community service while maintaining strong academic standards and offering diverse extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics and fine arts programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Umbarger, Texas
What are the private school options for families living in Umbarger, Texas, and are they located within the town itself?
Families in Umbarger, Texas, primarily look to nearby Amarillo for private school options, as Umbarger is a very small unincorporated community. The top schools serving the area, like San Jacinto Christian Academy, Holy Cross Catholic Academy, and Trinity Fellowship Christian School, are all located in Amarillo, approximately a 20-30 minute drive from Umbarger. There are no private school campuses physically within Umbarger's boundaries. This means commuting is a necessary consideration for Umbarger residents seeking private education, and carpooling with other local families is a common practice.
How does the tuition at Amarillo-area private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available for Texas families?
Tuition for the private schools serving Umbarger families is generally below the national average but aligns with regional costs in the Texas Panhandle. For the 2023-2024 school year, annual tuition at these schools typically ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 for elementary grades. Texas offers specific financial benefits, including the availability of 529 plan funds for K-12 tuition and tax-credit scholarship programs like the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program for private schools. Additionally, most schools, including Holy Cross Catholic Academy and San Jacinto Christian Academy, offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for Catholic families, and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Umbarger, Texas, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible from Umbarger provide distinct programs shaped by their missions. San Jacinto Christian Academy emphasizes a college-prep curriculum integrated with biblical worldview training and strong athletics. Holy Cross Catholic Academy offers sacramental preparation and a classical education model rooted in Catholic tradition. Trinity Fellowship Christian School, affiliated with Trinity Fellowship Church, focuses on discipleship and may offer specific programs in worship arts or ministry. Compared to the public schools in the Canyon ISD (which serves Umbarger), these private options provide smaller class sizes, mandatory religious education, and often more flexibility in curriculum specialization.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Amarillo area that serve Umbarger residents?
The enrollment process for schools like San Jacinto, Holy Cross, and Trinity Fellowship usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. It is highly recommended for Umbarger families to start early due to limited seats and potential waitlists, especially in lower grades. The process typically involves: 1) a campus tour and interview, 2) submission of an application with fees, 3) providing past academic records and teacher recommendations, and 4) a placement assessment for the student. Many schools host open houses in the fall. Given the commute from Umbarger, it's crucial to inquire about transportation options or carpool networks during the application process.
For a family in Umbarger, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public schools in Canyon ISD and a private school in Amarillo?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Canyon ISD provides a tuition-free education with no commute for secondary students (Canyon High is about a 15-minute drive). Choosing a private school in Amarillo adds a significant daily commute (40-60 minutes roundtrip), which impacts family schedules and fuel costs. However, private schools offer smaller, often more disciplined environments with consistent values alignment. For families deeply committed to a faith-based education or seeking an alternative to the larger public school setting, the commute to Amarillo is a worthwhile trade-off. It's advisable to thoroughly evaluate both the academic offerings of Canyon ISD and the mission-fit of the Amarillo private schools, potentially arranging trial commutes to assess the real-world impact.