The Best Private Schools in Wbamc, Texas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Wbamc. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Loretto Academy
Independent Catholic School
Loretto Academy is a premier private Catholic school serving the El Paso area, including families from WBAMC. Founded by the Sisters of Loretto, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory education from pre-K through 12th grade. The academy features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence. Their STEM program is particularly robust, with state-of-the-art science labs and technology integration. The campus includes modern athletic facilities, performing arts spaces, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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St. Clement's Parish School
Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande
St. Clement's Parish School is a highly-regarded Episcopal private school located near downtown El Paso, serving military families from WBAMC and the surrounding community. The school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a challenging academic curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and global awareness. Their Spanish immersion program begins in early childhood, providing bilingual education that's particularly valuable in the border region. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Parent reviews consistently praise the nurturing environment, strong community feel, and excellent teacher-student relationships that foster academic success and personal growth.
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Radford School
Independent Private School
Radford School is El Paso's oldest independent private school, serving students from pre-K through 12th grade with a distinguished college preparatory program. Located in the central El Paso area, the school has a long history of serving military families from WBAMC and Fort Bliss. The curriculum emphasizes rigorous academics with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, complemented by strong programs in visual and performing arts. The campus features historic buildings combined with modern facilities, including science laboratories, computer labs, and athletic spaces. Radford maintains small class sizes and personalized attention, with a track record of graduates attending prestigious universities. Parent satisfaction focuses on the school's academic rigor and supportive community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Wbamc, Texas
What are the primary private school options available within the WBAMC area of El Paso, Texas, and what are their educational philosophies?
In the WBAMC (William Beaumont Army Medical Center) area of El Paso, parents have several established private school options. Loretto Academy is an all-girls, Catholic college-preparatory school rooted in the Sisters of Loretto tradition, emphasizing leadership and service. St. Clement's Parish School is an Episcopal school serving Pre-K through 8th grade, focusing on a balanced education within a faith-based community. Radford School is El Paso's oldest private, non-sectarian college-preparatory school, serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic rigor and the arts. These schools offer distinct environments, from single-gender to co-ed and from faith-based to secular, providing meaningful choices for military and civilian families in the area.
How does tuition for private schools in the WBAMC area compare, and are there financial aid options or military-specific considerations?
Tuition in the WBAMC area varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $8,000 to $15,000 annually for day schools, with high school often at the higher end. All three major schools—Loretto, St. Clement's, and Radford—offer need-based financial aid, and some may have merit scholarships. For military families assigned to Fort Bliss/WBAMC, it's important to inquire about sibling discounts, flexible payment plans, and any school-specific support for deployments or PCS moves. While Texas does not have state-funded voucher programs for private K-12 education, these schools have their own aid budgets, and some families may utilize military scholarships or national programs like the Children's Scholarship Fund.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do WBAMC-area private schools offer that leverage the local El Paso and border culture?
Private schools in the WBAMC/El Paso area often integrate the unique bicultural and binational context of the region into their programs. Loretto Academy emphasizes social justice and global awareness, with opportunities for cross-border service learning. Radford School offers robust Spanish language programs from an early age and may incorporate studies of U.S.-Mexico relations. St. Clement's, with its smaller size, often emphasizes community engagement within El Paso. Additionally, schools may leverage proximity to Fort Bliss for STEM partnerships or JROTC programs and utilize the Franklin Mountains and Chihuahuan Desert for environmental science and outdoor education, providing a distinct educational experience not easily replicated elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near WBAMC, and how should military families planning for a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) navigate it?
The primary enrollment season for WBAMC-area private schools typically begins in January for the following fall, with application deadlines often in February or March. However, rolling admissions may continue based on availability. The process usually involves an application, student assessment or shadow day, records review, and family interview. For military families anticipating a PCS to Fort Bliss/WBAMC, it is critical to contact schools as soon as orders are received, even if it's mid-year. Schools in this military-heavy community are generally experienced with mid-year transitions and may have streamlined processes. Securing a spot can be competitive, especially in upper grades, so early inquiry is strongly advised. Some schools may even offer virtual tours and interviews to accommodate families before they arrive.
For families living near WBAMC, how do the class sizes and student-teacher ratios in local private schools compare to those in the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD)?
A defining feature of private schools in the WBAMC area is significantly smaller class sizes and lower student-teacher ratios compared to the surrounding EPISD public schools. While EPISD elementary classes can average 22-25 students, private schools like St. Clement's, Radford, and Loretto often maintain ratios between 10:1 and 15:1. This allows for more individualized attention, differentiated instruction, and stronger student-teacher relationships. This difference can be particularly appealing to parents seeking a more tailored educational environment or whose children may benefit from a more focused classroom setting. It's a key factor driving private school choice in the El Paso area, alongside specific curricular approaches and community values.