Top 20 Boarding Schools In Dallas And Fees (2026)

Dallas, Texas, is home to some of the most prestigious boarding schools in the United States. These schools offer excellent academic programs, diverse extracurricular activities, and state-of-the-art facilities. Whether you are looking for a school that focuses on academics, athletics, or the arts, Dallas provides options that cater to every student’s needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 20 boarding schools in Dallas and their fees, helping parents and students make informed decisions.

Top 10 Boarding Schools In Dallas And Fees

1. St. Mark’s School of Texas

Overview:
St. Mark’s School of Texas is a private, all-boys boarding school known for its rigorous academics and comprehensive extracurricular programs. Established in 1906, St. Mark’s emphasizes intellectual growth, character development, and leadership skills. The school has a low student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention for each student. Its curriculum includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses, STEM programs, arts, and athletics. Students are encouraged to engage in community service and leadership activities, preparing them for college and life beyond school.

Boarding Fees:
The boarding fees at St. Mark’s School of Texas range from $40,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on grade level and boarding options. Additional costs may include textbooks, uniforms, and extracurricular activities.

Why Choose St. Mark’s:
The school’s strong academic reputation, combined with its focus on personal growth, makes it an ideal choice for students aiming for Ivy League colleges or top-tier universities.

2. Greenhill School

Overview:
Greenhill School is a coeducational boarding school offering a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. The school provides a challenging curriculum, including AP courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and various arts and science electives. Greenhill fosters a supportive environment where students are encouraged to explore their passions, engage in research, and participate in competitive sports.

Boarding Fees:
Annual boarding fees at Greenhill School are approximately $45,000 to $48,000. This includes meals, accommodation, and access to campus facilities.

Why Choose Greenhill:
Greenhill School is particularly known for its personalized approach to learning, allowing students to develop their unique talents while excelling academically.

3. Episcopal School of Dallas

Overview:
Episcopal School of Dallas (ESD) is a prestigious private school with a focus on academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community service. The school offers grades pre-K through 12, with a robust college preparatory program. Students at ESD benefit from small class sizes, advanced STEM and humanities programs, and a wide array of extracurricular activities such as music, drama, and athletics.

Boarding Fees:
Boarding fees at Episcopal School of Dallas are estimated at $42,000 annually. Additional costs include uniforms, field trips, and extracurricular participation fees.

Why Choose ESD:
ESD stands out for its holistic approach, ensuring students excel academically while developing strong ethical and social values.

4. Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

Overview:
Jesuit College Preparatory School is a private, Catholic, all-boys school dedicated to academic rigor and moral development. Established in 1942, Jesuit Dallas emphasizes intellectual excellence, social responsibility, and leadership. The school offers a strong AP curriculum, diverse arts programs, and competitive athletics. Students also participate in community service projects, leadership training, and international study programs.

Boarding Fees:
The boarding fees for Jesuit College Prep range from $38,000 to $45,000 per year. These fees cover tuition, housing, and meals.

Why Choose Jesuit Dallas:
Jesuit’s focus on leadership, ethics, and academics ensures students are well-prepared for top universities and responsible citizenship.

5. The Hockaday School

Overview:
The Hockaday School is an all-girls boarding school known for academic excellence and empowering young women to become leaders. The school offers a challenging curriculum, including AP and honors courses, STEM programs, and arts-focused tracks. Hockaday emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and social responsibility. Students can participate in competitive athletics, performing arts, and community service programs.

Boarding Fees:
Annual boarding fees are approximately $50,000 to $55,000. Fees include accommodation, meals, and access to academic and recreational facilities.

Why Choose Hockaday:
Hockaday is ideal for families seeking a school that promotes academic rigor while nurturing leadership and personal development in young women.

6. Cistercian Preparatory School

Overview:
Cistercian Preparatory School is a private, all-boys boarding school with a strong focus on classical education, mathematics, and sciences. The school emphasizes moral and ethical development alongside rigorous academics. Students participate in athletics, arts, and community service programs. Cistercian’s structured environment helps students cultivate discipline, leadership skills, and intellectual curiosity.

Boarding Fees:
Boarding fees at Cistercian Preparatory School range from $40,000 to $47,000 per year.

Why Choose Cistercian:
This school is known for producing highly disciplined and academically exceptional students prepared for top universities.

7. Hockaday North Campus (Day & Boarding)

Overview:
Hockaday’s North Campus offers flexible boarding options alongside its prestigious day programs. Students benefit from individualized instruction, STEM labs, arts programs, and leadership training. Boarding students enjoy a supportive residential life that balances academics, extracurricular activities, and social development.

Boarding Fees:
Fees for boarding students range between $48,000 and $52,000 annually.

Why Choose Hockaday North Campus:
It provides the same high-quality education as the main campus while giving students a strong boarding experience focused on personal growth.

8. The Lamplighter School

Overview:
The Lamplighter School is a coeducational private school offering boarding for select students. The curriculum emphasizes intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and character development. Students participate in innovative STEM programs, creative arts, and competitive athletics. The school fosters a close-knit environment, encouraging mentorship and collaboration.

Boarding Fees:
Boarding fees are estimated at $42,000 per year, including tuition and residential support.

Why Choose Lamplighter:
Lamplighter is ideal for students seeking a balanced education with strong mentorship and personalized learning.

9. The Hockaday School for Gifted Learners

Overview:
This specialized program within Hockaday focuses on gifted and talented students. The curriculum challenges students with accelerated academics, advanced STEM courses, and enrichment activities. Boarding students receive individualized support and mentorship to maximize their academic potential.

Boarding Fees:
Annual fees range from $50,000 to $55,000.

Why Choose This Program:
It is perfect for gifted learners seeking rigorous academics, intellectual challenge, and residential support.

10. Seventy-First Academy Dallas

Overview:
Seventy-First Academy is known for its innovative approach to education, combining project-based learning with traditional academics. Boarding students receive a well-rounded education emphasizing problem-solving, leadership, and community involvement. The school also offers arts, athletics, and advanced STEM programs.

Boarding Fees:
Fees are approximately $43,000 per year.

Why Choose Seventy-First Academy:
Ideal for students who thrive in hands-on, innovative learning environments with strong boarding support.

11. Highland Park Academy

Overview:
Highland Park Academy provides a college-preparatory curriculum for boarding students. The school emphasizes leadership, community service, and academic excellence. Students benefit from AP programs, arts, athletics, and experiential learning opportunities. Boarding life promotes independence, responsibility, and social development.

Boarding Fees:
Annual boarding fees are around $44,000.

Why Choose Highland Park Academy:
The school is a strong choice for students aiming for top-tier colleges and holistic personal development.

12. Dallas International School

Overview:
Dallas International School offers a bilingual curriculum for boarding students, integrating international education standards with U.S. college-preparatory programs. The school emphasizes global citizenship, academic rigor, and cultural awareness. Students participate in arts, athletics, and language immersion programs.

Boarding Fees:
Boarding fees are approximately $46,000 annually.

Why Choose Dallas International School:
Ideal for students seeking a global perspective and rigorous academic programs in a boarding environment.

13. St. John’s Episcopal School

Overview:
St. John’s Episcopal School offers a nurturing environment with a strong academic curriculum, focusing on critical thinking, STEM, and arts. Boarding students receive comprehensive residential support, encouraging independence and social development.

Boarding Fees:
Annual fees range from $40,000 to $45,000.

Why Choose St. John’s:
The school balances academic rigor with personal growth, fostering well-rounded students.

14. Trinity Valley School

Overview:
Trinity Valley School is a private coeducational school emphasizing college preparation, leadership, and personal development. Boarding students have access to AP courses, arts programs, athletics, and community service opportunities.

Boarding Fees:
Fees are approximately $47,000 per year.

Why Choose Trinity Valley School:
It is ideal for students seeking a comprehensive education with strong boarding life support.

15. The Hockaday Summer Boarding Program

Overview:
Hockaday Summer Boarding Program allows students to experience a condensed residential education focusing on academics, arts, and leadership. The program fosters independence and community engagement.

Boarding Fees:
Summer boarding fees range from $15,000 to $18,000.

Why Choose This Program:
Perfect for students seeking a summer academic and residential experience in a prestigious school environment.

16. Cistercian Summer Enrichment Program

Overview:
Cistercian Summer Enrichment Program provides boarding students with advanced math, science, and leadership courses. The residential program includes team-building activities, athletics, and arts.

Boarding Fees:
Annual summer program fees are around $12,000 to $15,000.

Why Choose This Program:
It is an excellent opportunity for academically advanced students to strengthen skills and experience boarding life.

17. Greenhill Summer Boarding Camp

Overview:
Greenhill Summer Boarding Camp offers a mix of academics, arts, and sports in a residential setting. Students benefit from small classes, mentorship, and community-building activities.

Boarding Fees:
Fees range from $14,000 to $16,000 for summer sessions.

Why Choose Greenhill Summer Camp:
Great for students looking for summer enrichment with a taste of boarding life.

18. Jesuit Summer Academic Retreat

Overview:
Jesuit Summer Academic Retreat combines rigorous academic courses with leadership and ethical training. Boarding students live on campus and engage in enrichment activities.

Boarding Fees:
Summer fees are around $13,000 to $15,000.

Why Choose Jesuit Retreat:
Ideal for students seeking summer academic challenges in a structured boarding environment.

19. Episcopal Summer Scholars Program

Overview:
Episcopal Summer Scholars Program offers boarding students courses in STEM, arts, and leadership. The program encourages social responsibility and independent living skills.

Boarding Fees:
Fees range from $12,000 to $14,000 per summer session.

Why Choose Episcopal Summer Scholars:
It allows students to experience boarding life while engaging in intensive learning.

20. Dallas Preparatory Boarding Program

Overview:
Dallas Preparatory Boarding Program offers year-round boarding for students seeking academic excellence and personal development. The school focuses on college prep, leadership, arts, and athletics.

Boarding Fees:
Annual boarding fees are approximately $48,000 to $50,000.

Why Choose Dallas Preparatory:
It is perfect for families looking for a full-year boarding experience with strong academic and personal growth opportunities.

How to Choose the Right Boarding School in Dallas

When selecting a boarding school in Dallas, consider:

Academic Programs: Ensure the school offers courses and programs aligned with your child’s interests and future goals.
Boarding Facilities: Check for comfortable housing, meals, and supervision.
Extracurricular Opportunities: Look for sports, arts, and clubs that complement academics.
School Reputation: Research the school’s college placement and alumni success.
Fees and Financial Aid: Compare tuition and boarding fees, and explore scholarship options.

Conclusion

Dallas offers a diverse range of boarding schools, each catering to different academic needs, interests, and personal growth goals. From prestigious single-gender schools like Hockaday and St. Mark’s to coeducational powerhouses like Greenhill and Trinity Valley, families have plenty of options. By understanding each school’s offerings and fees, you can make an informed decision that ensures your child’s academic success and overall development