What types of private schools are available in Dallas?

Let’s just say, if private schools were a buffet, Dallas would be the all-you-can-eat kind. You’ve got faith-based favorites like Episcopal, Catholic, and Christian schools where character and academics go hand in hand. There are Montessori havens for the self-starters, classical schools for kids who’d rather read Plato than play Minecraft, and STEM powerhouses for future engineers and robot whisperers. Want something global? International schools here serve up IB diplomas and multilingual classrooms like it’s no big deal. And for students with learning differences, schools like Shelton are changing the game with personalized, research-backed learning. Whatever your child’s learning style or passion, there’s probably a Dallas private school that fits them better than their favorite hoodie.

Are there private schools in Dallas for students with learning differences?

Absolutely. Dallas doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all education, and neither does Shelton School. It’s the go-to place for students who learn differently but think brilliantly. Shelton offers a research-based curriculum, expert teachers, and a seriously supportive environment where kids can lean into their strengths and tackle challenges with confidence. Whether it’s dyslexia, ADHD, or executive functioning hurdles, Shelton helps students understand how they learn and gives them the tools to thrive. It’s not just about catching up, it’s about soaring. And the best part? Kids leave not just smarter, but more self-assured and self-aware. In a city full of great schools, Shelton proves that different doesn’t mean less. It means discovering just how capable your child really is.

Do Dallas private schools require entrance exams?

In many cases, yes. If you’re applying to middle or high school, expect to meet the ISEE or SSAT. These standardized tests help admissions teams get a snapshot of your child’s academic readiness. But don’t panic if your kid isn’t a testing superstar. Some schools, especially those for younger grades, skip the formal tests and go for in-house evaluations, play-based assessments, or good old-fashioned interviews. A few even go test-optional. The bottom line? Every school has its own process, but most are looking for more than just scores. They want curious minds, kind hearts, and kids who’ll dive into their community like it’s their second home.

When should we start the application process for Dallas private schools?

The early bird definitely gets the school tour. Most families begin about a year in advance, with applications opening in the fall and deadlines hitting sometime between January and February. Decisions usually come out in early spring, just in time to start thinking about uniforms and new lunchboxes. Want to attend open houses or take campus tours? Sign up early because those spots go fast. Starting the process early also gives you time to work on essays, gather recommendations, and prep for any entrance exams if needed. The Dallas private school scene moves quickly, and planning ahead is the best way to make sure your family stays ahead of the game.

Best Private Schools in Dallas: Top-Rated Private Schools in Dallas for 2025

Looking for the best private schools in Dallas? Whether your child is a creative thinker, future leader, classical scholar, or needs a more personalized approach, Dallas has a private school to match. From globally minded campuses to faith-based innovators and schools that support unique learning styles, this guide highlights top options across every kind of learner and family.

Best Dallas Private Schools for Creative Thinkers and Global Learners

Looking for a school that sparks creativity and global thinking? These Dallas private schools are perfect for curious, independent, and imaginative students.

Greenhill School

Greenhill is where future poets, physicists, and pickleball champs all hang out on the same quad. Located in Addison, this co-ed school is big on creativity and curiosity. From their award-winning arts program to a student-run café and mock trial teams that actually win, Greenhill balances brainy with bold. If your kid’s the type to question the syllabus or start a composting initiative, they’ll feel right at home here.

Alcuin School

Alcuin is Dallas’s answer to the question, “What if kids actually loved school?” With a Montessori foundation in the lower grades and an IB program up top, Alcuin nurtures big questions, self-paced discovery, and serious global thinking. You’ll find students writing code, weaving textiles, and pitching business ideas—all before lunch. It’s quirky, brainy, and full of future changemakers.

Dallas International School

If you’ve ever dreamed of your kid speaking French before fifth grade, Dallas International School is your jam. Offering a bilingual curriculum and both the French and IB diplomas, DIS is as global as it gets. Students here flip between English, French, Spanish, and Mandarin like it’s no big deal. It’s a cultural passport and a killer education rolled into one tight-knit community.

The Westwood School

Westwood is like a hidden gem for globally curious families. This Montessori-turned-IB school offers a tight-knit, no-fluff learning experience where students are encouraged to take the lead. From toddler years to diploma years, it’s all about independence, responsibility, and big-picture thinking. You won’t find a cookie-cutter kid here—just future CEOs, artists, and world travelers in the making.

Lakehill Preparatory School

Lakehill is small but mighty. Tucked away in East Dallas near White Rock Lake, it’s the kind of place where everyone knows your name and your science project. The school has a big heart for service learning, environmental stewardship, and letting students be wildly themselves. It’s academically solid, community-focused, and a little bit crunchy—in the best way possible.

Best Dallas Religious Schools: Blending Tradition and Innovation

Looking for a school that blends faith, leadership, and modern learning? These Dallas-area religious schools combine strong values with cutting-edge academics, service opportunities, and standout student life.

The Episcopal School of Dallas

What do you get when you combine academics, faith, and a ropes course? The Episcopal School of Dallas. Known for its commitment to servant leadership, chapel time, and solid AP scores, ESD encourages students to explore, reflect, and take risks. Students here tackle wilderness treks, community service, and calculus with equal enthusiasm. It’s part prep school, part soul school.

Parish Episcopal School

Parish is what happens when innovation meets Southern hospitality. With its ParishLEADS program, makerspaces galore, and a surprisingly competitive football team, this school blends faith-based values with forward-thinking curriculum. Students learn to lead, serve, and build robot arms with equal confidence. Bonus: they have one of the coolest campuses in town, complete with a performing arts center and a tech lab that rivals most startups.

All Saints’ Episcopal School

This Fort Worth gem blends tradition with twenty-first-century flair. With a sprawling campus that includes a chapel, a farm, and a whole innovation lab, All Saints’ gives students space to explore faith, feed goats, and 3D-print drones. It’s thoughtful, tech-savvy, and deeply community-minded. If you want kids who know their Shakespeare and their STEM, this is the place.

Ursuline Academy of Dallas

Ursuline has been empowering girls since the 1800s, and let’s just say it’s not slowing down. This Catholic all-girls school mixes heritage with hustle. Students participate in global exchange programs, lead social justice initiatives, and still find time to crush AP exams. It’s a sisterhood that’s part Hogwarts, part Model UN, and totally impressive.

Top All-Boys Schools and All-Girls Schools in Dallas

Single-sex schools in Dallas don’t just follow tradition—they redefine it. These all-boys and all-girls schools offer academic rigor, leadership opportunities, and tight-knit communities where students thrive, grow, and lead with confidence.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

St. Mark’s is Dallas royalty when it comes to all-boys education. Located in Preston Hollow, it turns out some of the most impressively articulate, suit-wearing 18-year-olds you’ll ever meet. With a curriculum that rivals college syllabi, plus serious robotics and debate teams, St. Mark’s is where tradition meets TED Talk energy. Also, their alumni network? Basically a LinkedIn dream.

The Hockaday School

The Hockaday School is the crown jewel of all-girls education in Dallas. With ivy-covered walls, a boarding option, and a motto that includes “courtesy” and “character,” Hockaday mixes high standards with heartfelt mentorship. Girls here dive deep into academics, leadership, and community impact—all while learning how to code, row, and write like pros. It’s a place where girls run the world before they even graduate.

Cistercian Preparatory School

Cistercian is like a monastic boot camp for brilliant boys—with heart. Run by actual monks and nestled in Irving, this all-boys Catholic school combines serious scholarship with a deep sense of discipline and purpose. The curriculum is tough, the Latin is real, and the camaraderie is legendary. If your son thrives on challenge and a bit of tradition, this place is academic nirvana.

Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

Jesuit Dallas is where intellect meets impact. This all-boys Catholic school is big on service, strong academics, and forming men for others. Students balance rigorous coursework with volunteering, sports, and some truly next-level arts programs. It’s got spirit, smarts, and a student body that knows how to give back without being told to.

Best Traditional Private Schools in Dallas

If you’re looking for timeless academics, structured environments, and serious intellectual depth, these Dallas-area schools deliver. Rooted in classical education and traditional values, they’re perfect for students who love great books, strong ethics, and a challenge worth rising to.

The Cambridge School of Dallas

This one’s for the classics lovers and deep thinkers. Cambridge is a tiny school with a big brain offering a classical Christian education that leans heavily on Socratic discussion, great books, and moral philosophy. Think Plato, not PowerPoint. The kids here are the ones quoting Augustine and debating ethics at lunch, and honestly? They’re probably going to out-argue you.

Trinity Valley School

Trinity Valley is the kind of school that sends kids to top colleges and still makes time for recess. Located in Fort Worth, it’s unapologetically college prep but without the academic snobbery. Students here study Latin, build solar-powered cars, and pull off some seriously good senior pranks. TVS is where curiosity meets camaraderie and kids grow up grounded.

Fort Worth Country Day School

Okay, technically not in Dallas, but close enough to count. FWCD is the kind of place where kids can fence, act Shakespeare, and score high on the SAT—all in one day. The campus has serious Texas charm, and the academics don’t mess around either. It’s traditional in values, modern in outlook, and big on making well-rounded students who can handle anything from a pop quiz to a policy debate.

Best Dallas Private Schools for Personalized Learning

Not every student learns the same way, and these schools get that. Whether your child needs learning support or simply thrives in a balanced environment, these Dallas-area private schools offer individualized approaches that meet students where they are and help them grow in every direction.

Shelton School

Shelton isn’t your average prep school. It’s the go-to place for students with learning differences who are anything but average. With a research-driven curriculum and a laser focus on individual learning styles, Shelton empowers kids to master their strengths and tackle challenges with confidence. Think of it as Hogwarts for executive functioning, where no one’s falling through the cracks and everyone learns how to learn.

The Oakridge School

Oakridge sits in Arlington and quietly crushes the idea that you have to pick between arts, athletics, or academics. Why not all three? From their soaring choir performances to a robotics team that means business, Oakridge is all about balance.

Need Help? Cardinal Education Can Lend a Hand!

Private schools are notorious for their competitive admissions. That’s why we always strive to help students and their families the best way we can. Here at Cardinal Education, we offer help by giving you the necessary skills to succeed in your academic journey. With academic coaching and test prep, we ensure students are in their best shape to tackle any tasks! Contact us today and let our experts guide you!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of private schools are available in Dallas?
Let’s just say, if private schools were a buffet, Dallas would be the all-you-can-eat kind. You’ve got faith-based favorites like Episcopal, Catholic, and Christian schools where character and academics go hand in hand. There are Montessori havens for the self-starters, classical schools for kids who’d rather read Plato than play Minecraft, and STEM powerhouses for future engineers and robot whisperers. Want something global? International schools here serve up IB diplomas and multilingual classrooms like it’s no big deal. And for students with learning differences, schools like Shelton are changing the game with personalized, research-backed learning. Whatever your child’s learning style or passion, there’s probably a Dallas private school that fits them better than their favorite hoodie.
Are there private schools in Dallas for students with learning differences?
Absolutely. Dallas doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all education, and neither does Shelton School. It’s the go-to place for students who learn differently but think brilliantly. Shelton offers a research-based curriculum, expert teachers, and a seriously supportive environment where kids can lean into their strengths and tackle challenges with confidence. Whether it’s dyslexia, ADHD, or executive functioning hurdles, Shelton helps students understand how they learn and gives them the tools to thrive. It’s not just about catching up, it’s about soaring. And the best part? Kids leave not just smarter, but more self-assured and self-aware. In a city full of great schools, Shelton proves that different doesn’t mean less. It means discovering just how capable your child really is.
Do Dallas private schools require entrance exams?
In many cases, yes. If you’re applying to middle or high school, expect to meet the ISEE or SSAT. These standardized tests help admissions teams get a snapshot of your child’s academic readiness. But don’t panic if your kid isn’t a testing superstar. Some schools, especially those for younger grades, skip the formal tests and go for in-house evaluations, play-based assessments, or good old-fashioned interviews. A few even go test-optional. The bottom line? Every school has its own process, but most are looking for more than just scores. They want curious minds, kind hearts, and kids who’ll dive into their community like it’s their second home.
When should we start the application process for Dallas private schools?
The early bird definitely gets the school tour. Most families begin about a year in advance, with applications opening in the fall and deadlines hitting sometime between January and February. Decisions usually come out in early spring, just in time to start thinking about uniforms and new lunchboxes. Want to attend open houses or take campus tours? Sign up early because those spots go fast. Starting the process early also gives you time to work on essays, gather recommendations, and prep for any entrance exams if needed. The Dallas private school scene moves quickly, and planning ahead is the best way to make sure your family stays ahead of the game.