Top 10 Boarding Schools In Texas And Fees (2026)

Texas is home to some of the most prestigious boarding schools in the United States, combining world-class academics with strong character development and leadership training. Whether you’re seeking a faith-based environment, a military-focused program, or a college preparatory institution, the Lone Star State offers a diverse range of boarding schools that cater to different interests and academic goals.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top boarding schools in Texas and their fees, highlighting what makes each institution unique and why families from across the country choose to enroll their children there.

Top Boarding Schools In Texas And Fees

1. The Hockaday School (Dallas, Texas)

Founded in 1913, The Hockaday School is one of the oldest and most respected all-girls boarding schools in Texas. Located in Dallas, this independent, college-preparatory school offers day and boarding options for grades 8 through 12.

Hockaday combines rigorous academics with an emphasis on leadership, ethics, and global citizenship. Students benefit from small class sizes, highly qualified faculty, and access to advanced courses in STEM, literature, and the arts. The school’s facilities include science research labs, a performing arts center, athletic fields, and a modern dormitory designed for comfort and security.

Beyond academics, Hockaday encourages girls to develop independence, confidence, and service-mindedness through extracurriculars such as debate, robotics, community outreach, and visual arts programs.

Tuition & Fees: Around $67,000 per year for boarders (includes tuition, housing, and meals).
Grades: 8–12

2. St. Stephen’s Episcopal School (Austin, Texas)

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin is a coeducational boarding and day school serving grades 6–12. Founded in 1950, the school is known for its rigorous academic standards, diverse student body, and strong Episcopal values of inclusivity and service.

The 370-acre campus sits atop the Texas Hill Country, providing a peaceful environment for learning and recreation. Students enjoy modern classrooms, science labs, music and art studios, and athletic facilities including tennis courts, soccer fields, and a swimming pool.

Academically, St. Stephen’s offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a focus on humanities, and robust arts and athletics programs. Boarding students come from over 20 countries, making it a truly global community.

Tuition & Fees (2025): Approximately $71,000 per year for boarding students.
Grades: 6–12

3. The Brook Hill School (Bullard, Texas)

Located in East Texas near Tyler, The Brook Hill School is a Christ-centered college preparatory boarding and day school for grades 6–12. It’s known for integrating faith, academics, and character development in a nurturing environment.

Brook Hill provides an American curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, leadership, and moral values. Students participate in academic competitions, robotics, athletics, and arts programs that help build confidence and collaboration skills.

The school also welcomes a diverse international community, offering English as a Second Language (ESL) support for non-native speakers. Boarding students live in modern, supervised dorms with access to recreational facilities and weekend trips around Texas.

Tuition & Fees: Around $54,000 per year for boarding students (includes housing and meals).
Grades: 6–12

4. TMI Episcopal (San Antonio, Texas)

TMI Episcopal, formerly known as Texas Military Institute, is one of the oldest Episcopal schools in the Southwest, established in 1893. Located in San Antonio, this coeducational school blends military tradition with modern college-preparatory academics.

The school offers day and boarding programs for grades 6–12 and emphasizes leadership, academic excellence, and spiritual growth. Students can participate in the Corps of Cadets, which fosters discipline and teamwork while preparing them for higher education and life beyond the classroom.

Academically, TMI offers a robust STEM curriculum, AP courses, and hands-on leadership training programs. Its beautiful 80-acre campus includes dormitories, athletic fields, and a chapel that hosts regular worship services.

Tuition & Fees: Approximately $62,000 per year for boarders.
Grades: 6–12

5. The Episcopal School of Texas (ETX)

Situated near Dallas, The Episcopal School of Texas (ETX) provides a faith-based boarding experience rooted in Christian values. The school is known for its small student-to-teacher ratio, personalized academic programs, and a balanced emphasis on intellectual, physical, and spiritual growth.

ETX offers comprehensive academic support through tutoring, leadership mentoring, and character-building programs. The school’s curriculum encourages exploration in sciences, arts, and technology, preparing students for both university studies and responsible citizenship.

The boarding community is close-knit, with students participating in weekend excursions, service projects, and cultural trips around the state.

Tuition & Fees: Around $49,000 per year for boarding students.
Grades: 7–12

6. San Marcos Academy (San Marcos, Texas)

Founded in 1907, San Marcos Academy is a Christian coeducational boarding and day school that serves students in grades 6–12. The school provides a balanced environment focused on academic rigor, leadership development, and faith-based values.

Located between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos Academy offers students access to beautiful natural surroundings and a supportive learning community. The school’s curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, dual-credit college options, and strong extracurricular programs in athletics and the arts.

Students also develop practical leadership and life skills through community service, chapel programs, and outdoor education activities. The Academy welcomes both domestic and international students, offering specialized support for English learners.

Tuition & Fees: About $48,000 per year for boarding students.
Grades: 6–12

7. Marine Military Academy (Harlingen, Texas)

For families seeking a disciplined, leadership-oriented environment, Marine Military Academy (MMA) in Harlingen is one of the top choices in the United States. Modeled after the U.S. Marine Corps structure, MMA is a private all-boys military boarding school for grades 7–12.

Founded in 1965, the school’s mission is to help young men develop character, responsibility, and resilience. Cadets follow a structured schedule that balances academics, athletics, and leadership training. The curriculum includes AP courses, college readiness programs, and flight training options.

Students also participate in JROTC programs, outdoor leadership camps, and community service projects. The academy’s alumni have gone on to attend top universities and serve in various leadership positions across industries.

Tuition & Fees: Around $52,000 per year for boarding cadets.
Grades: 7–12

8. North Central Texas Academy (Granbury, Texas)

North Central Texas Academy (NCTA), located near Fort Worth, offers a family-like environment that integrates academics, faith, and life skills training. The school caters to both domestic and international students, providing a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

NCTA emphasizes personalized learning, small class sizes, and strong mentorship. Its curriculum combines college preparatory academics with leadership development, fine arts, and athletics. Boarding students benefit from supervised dorms, weekend outings, and life-enrichment programs that teach responsibility and independence.

Tuition & Fees: About $44,000 per year for boarding students.
Grades: K–12

9. The Village School (Houston, Texas)

Located in Houston’s Energy Corridor, The Village School is a world-renowned private institution offering both day and boarding programs. As part of the Nord Anglia Education family, the school provides international-level academics and global learning opportunities.

The Village School serves grades Pre-K through 12, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Its student body includes learners from over 60 countries, creating a vibrant and diverse campus community.

Students benefit from state-of-the-art STEM labs, a performing arts center, robotics clubs, and partnerships with top universities worldwide. Boarding students live in modern, secure dormitories with access to 24-hour supervision and weekend enrichment activities.

Tuition & Fees: Around $74,000 per year for boarding students.
Grades: Pre-K–12

10. Chinquapin Preparatory School (Highlands, Texas)

Chinquapin Preparatory School is a unique, coeducational boarding school near Houston that focuses on providing quality education to students from under-resourced communities. Founded in 1969, the school’s mission is to prepare motivated students for success in college and beyond through rigorous academics and character development.

Chinquapin’s curriculum emphasizes writing, mathematics, science, and social responsibility. Students participate in community service, leadership activities, and college readiness programs that ensure a holistic education.

Unlike many private boarding schools, Chinquapin operates as a nonprofit and provides substantial financial aid to its students.

Tuition & Fees: Based on income; most students pay minimal or no tuition due to scholarships.
Grades: 6–12

How to Choose the Right Boarding School in Texas

When selecting the best boarding school for your child, consider the following factors:

Academic focus: Does the school emphasize college prep, STEM, arts, or leadership training?
Environment: Some schools are religious-based, while others are secular or military in nature.
Tuition and Financial Aid: Texas boarding schools vary widely in cost; many offer scholarships or need-based aid.
Location: Schools in urban areas like Houston and Dallas offer access to cultural amenities, while rural campuses provide peaceful study environments.
Student support: Look for programs that emphasize emotional well-being, mentorship, and extracurricular balance.

Why Choose a Boarding School in Texas?

Texas offers the perfect blend of academic excellence, southern hospitality, and leadership training. Students not only gain access to top-quality education but also develop independence, character, and resilience.

With schools ranging from elite college preparatory institutions to faith-based academies and military schools, Texas provides a wide spectrum of choices that align with every family’s values and goals.

Whether you’re from within the state or abroad, studying in a Texas boarding school opens doors to lifelong friendships, university opportunities, and personal growth.

Conclusion

Boarding schools in Texas offer much more than classroom learning—they provide an environment where young people can grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially. From The Hockaday School’s prestigious academics to the Marine Military Academy’s discipline-based training, each school brings something unique to the table.

Before making a decision, explore each institution’s programs, visit their campuses, and consider your child’s personality and future aspirations. No matter your choice, Texas remains one of the best destinations for a transformative boarding school experience.