The cost of private school in DFW is a major consideration for families moving to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With a wide range of options—from faith-based institutions to elite college-preparatory academies—tuition costs can vary significantly depending on school size, curriculum, amenities, and location. For newcomers, understanding this landscape is essential to planning both your child’s education and your family’s financial future.
As more families are relocating to DFW, the demand for private education continues to grow. Parents seek smaller class sizes, specialized programs, and an academic environment aligned with their values. This guide offers a breakdown of 2025 private school tuition rates, financial aid offerings, and enrollment expectations across some of the most recognized schools in the area. Whether you’re in Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, or anywhere in between, this resource can help newcomers find the right educational fit.
Tuition Trends Across the Metroplex
In 2025, the cost of private school in DFW varies widely, with elementary tuition typically ranging from $8,000 to $18,000 annually, and high school tuition reaching $30,000 or more at prestigious institutions. The Hockaday School, for example, is one of Dallas’s premier all-girls private schools, charging tuition over $35,000 for upper school students. Meanwhile, Fort Worth Country Day comes in slightly lower, with upper school tuition just over $32,000.
Parents considering schools like Greenhill School in Addison or The Episcopal School of Dallas will find upper-level tuition in the $35,000–$40,000 range, along with application fees and other yearly expenses like technology, athletics, and student activities. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, but demand is high and deadlines matter.
What Families Moving to DFW Should Expect
Families moving to DFW often look for academic continuity, strong extracurriculars, and values-driven instruction—especially when coming from out-of-state systems. Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas and Ursuline Academy remain top choices for Catholic families, with tuition between $20,000 and $25,000 per year and generous endowment-backed aid.
The Fort Worth area includes institutions like Trinity Valley School, where annual tuition now exceeds $30,000, but includes robust offerings in athletics, the arts, and international study. For newcomers to the region, these schools often feel like extensions of home, offering support networks and welcoming communities.
Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Additional Fees
When evaluating the cost of private school in DFW, it’s crucial for families relocating to DFW to account for more than just tuition. Schools typically charge non-refundable application fees ranging from $75 to $200, plus annual fees for books, uniforms, labs, and extracurriculars. At schools like Lakehill Preparatory School, total annual costs including these extras can exceed $25,000.
However, many institutions—including The Shelton School, which specializes in students with learning differences—offer both need-based and merit-based aid. Families should prepare documentation early and reach out to admissions departments as soon as they begin planning their move. Waitlists can be long, and application windows are often competitive.
Choosing the Right School for Your Family
The private school landscape across DFW includes a range of choices: co-ed, single-gender, religious, Montessori, and specialized programs. Alcuin School in North Dallas, for example, blends Montessori and International Baccalaureate programs, with tuition between $18,000 and $30,000 depending on grade level. This diverse array of offerings gives newcomers a chance to match education with their values and their child’s learning style.
Smaller schools like The Cambridge School of Dallas focus on classical education and community engagement, while institutions like Parish Episcopal School lean into innovation and technology as part of their core mission. Both provide rigorous academics and strong college prep outcomes for those seeking long-term value.
Planning Ahead: Tips for Newcomers
Newcomers often underestimate the speed at which private schools in the area fill up. Applications for the 2025–2026 school year are already underway at most major institutions. Families relocating to DFW should prepare to schedule tours, virtual interviews, and student assessments well in advance. Many schools also require teacher recommendations and academic records dating back two to three years.
If you’re just beginning the process, start with schools like Good Shepherd Episcopal School or The Lamplighter School for early childhood and elementary education. These schools offer comprehensive curriculums, high parental involvement, and nurturing environments that ease transitions for young learners.
Final Thoughts
The cost of private school in DFW is undoubtedly a substantial investment, but it also represents an opportunity to secure a personalized, values-based education tailored to your child’s needs. For families moving to DFW or relocating to DFW, these schools offer not just academics, but access to a community, culture, and commitment that can shape a child’s entire future.
From tuition trends and financial aid tips to community culture and academic excellence, this guide is designed to help newcomers navigate the private school landscape in Dallas-Fort Worth with clarity and confidence.
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