Top Private educational institutions in Houston, United States

The performing arts program, under the first-class direction of Dr. Linhart, rivals any of the great high school performing arts programs in the country. All of their productions are entirely student created. The talent is astounding. Their recent production of Les Miserables was breathtaking and rivaled any Broadway regional tour of the show I have ever seen. This program alone is reason enough to send your aspiring theater student to this extraordinary school.

We love Mays school! My 2year old son really enjoy going and has learned a lot from school everyday. And the school offers enrichment class including Spanish, yoga, dancing and singing class which makes it a fun place for kids.The families going to Mays are really nice too.

We LOVE the Mays school! It has been 3 years and we couldn’t be happier with our decision to send our child here. I am always impressed at how much she is learning and she absolutely loves being there. Everyone at the school is so friendly and passionate about working with children. It truly feels like a second family. I would highly recommend this school to anyone.

Amazing teachers, staff, and leadership! Lessons and curriculum prepared our daughter so well for kindergarten at a top notch elementary school. I am confident they’ll prepare my son to be just as successful. The atmosphere is caring, fun, and enthusiastic. The enrichment classes are such a godsend. I absolutely adore Mays and it is a great community to be a part of!

I'm so happy with my kids experience at The Mays School. My oldest is in Kinder now and the foundation that she got at The Mays School has propelled her to success in Kinder. Many of the topics she is learning in kinder are already familiar to her because they were covered in PK at The Mays School.

My wife and I wholeheartedly recommend The Mays School for your family. We had 3 kids attend The Mays School over a span of 6 years and our youngest just graduated a few weeks ago and she is about to start Kindergarten. We honestly feel that all 3 kids that attended were very much prepared for elementary school. Jessi, the Director, runs a tight ship and I mean that in a positive way. The school is extremely organized, and it was always directed in a manner that had the kids’ best interests at heart. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. I didn’t envy her position as Director because she had to make extremely tough decisions during a time that no one was prepared to handle. In my family’s view, Jessi and her staff rose to the extreme challenge and passed with flying colors. If you enroll your child at The Mays School, he or she will be in terrific hands and you won’t regret it.

The Mays School is a gem to have in our community. This unique program focuses on the child and allows growth and experimentation through natural and authentic curiosity. Studies show that play and inquiry-based learning benefit children as they progress through the younger, impactful years. The Mays School is dedicated to caring for your child and ensuring they experience learning through research-based science and research.

This school has been so great for our family. Don’t be nieve that your kids won’t be exposed to everything they would at any other school, but in other ways it is not like any other school we have experienced. I respect all teachers who are called to the profession of teaching. But at Houston Christian specifically, I appreciate the freedom the teachers have to truly invest in the students lives inside and outside the classroom. We have experienced a community that is encouraging and genuine, not just the students, but they entire family. We are Christians so the biblical teaching is important to our family, and it is done in a way that it encourages leadership and practical life lessons. If you want you student to get a first rate education as well as deeply cared for in a spiritually enriching environment, you should consider Houston Christian High School for your family.

Fantastic school - highly recommend to any family seeking a faith-based education with limitless opportunities to excel. Award winning fine arts, championship winning sports, leadership programs and much more!

The Joy School has been a life line for us and our daughter. As a mom of 5 kids, I know that all of my children are so very different and learn best in different environments. In the 3rd grade we recognized we were floundering in our current school. The Joy School has helped our daughter immensely with her dyslexic learning difference, but has more importantly given her self confidence, the skill of self-advocating, and she has again found the "Joy" in learning. We are so grateful for this school, the administration and the most caring teachers. Thank you Joy!

The Joy School has been life changing for my son in the best way. Before he started there, he was struggling and depressed. He has dyslexia and ADHD, and although he was going to a well regarded private school and had a dyslexia tutor, his teachers told me he could not keep up with the work. He cried almost every day. His teachers said his confidence was so low that he was trying to disappear in class by never speaking up, even if he needed help. He begged me not to make him go to school. Kids in his class called him stupid.

However, even on the first day at TJS, he was a different kid. He was excited about school. He was eager to get his work done. He was making new friends. Now, after 2 1/2 years there, he is scoring well on testing, even compared to kids without a learning disorder, and he loves school. His teachers have been absolutely wonderful, making him feel supported, making him excited about school, and helping him develop skills and executive function. It seems like magic that I don't have to beg him to do his homework, or even be involved in making sure he is getting it done. His teachers communicate with me when something seems off. Every interaction I have had with the school has been amazing, from admissions, the front desk, the officers on campus, the deans, the nurse... It is obviously a place where everyone cares about the kids. And because of the small size of the school and its amazingly creative staff, they can shift as needed to do what is best for each student. This is how school should be!

I like this school because you’re children learn about thing like art math gym But always remember kids to listen to your parents and teacher’s

When a child struggles in school, it impacts the entire family– at least that was the case for us. This was one of the first things that changed when our son entered The Joy School in 3rd Grade. Now, in 5th Grade, we see such a transformation in his self worth, academic stamina and confidence. When he struggled with getting through the math homework last year, his teacher tailored the homework load and worked with him 1:1 in the mornings to balance academic reinforcement with his afternoon capacity. It’s this kind of individualized, global support for a child’s development (not just in the classroom, but as a person) we’ve been so grateful for. We can’t say enough about how much we love TJS!

TJS has been lifechanging not only for our 3rd grader but for our entire family. The time and attention given to each child is in my opinion, unmatched. TJS truly gets to know each and every child - they meet them where they struggle and work side by side both with the students and parents to create an individual road map to success. The kindness, acceptance, patience, understanding, love and JOY that my daughter feels at TJS has lit her from within and spills over into our home life. We are so very thankful to be a part of such an incredible community of educators.

My son absolutely loved summer camp at ROA! Big shout out to all the teachers and staff! Everyone was so kind and we were always greeted by smiles. He especially loved the swimming which they did twice a week. I wish we lived closer because this would be a great school for him to attend.

We have not attended yet but I would like to say that the office staff that we have dealt with during registration has been amazing. They have gone out of their way to answer questions and provide support. I think that says a lot about how their program must operate.

My daughter really enjoys every day at the school. The teachers are caring and the program is so fun, not to mention daily enrichment classes, organic meals and snacks, tons of festivals and activities. I've recommended the school to all my friends who's looking for a daycare in Bellaire area.

I was in the first class when it was out of a single room in a privet school, there was 3 others and 2 teachers. What I learned from there stuck with me and helped me growing up in ways I can't even start to describe. so happy to see how well it is doing and helping other like me.

Exceptional school - highly recommend to families seeking a faith-based education, championship sports, award-winning arts, and elite level scholarship and leadership programs. The faculty and administration are deeply invested in the growth and success of every child, both academically and spiritually.

I went here for 5 years and they were the best years of my life. I have gotten into the school of my choice and have kept learning because of them. The teachers and staff are amazing and adapting and most of all polite.

I don’t go to this school, but my brother does. I went into the school and did tests for other educational things. All of the teachers are warm hearted and nice. The school also is very colorful, and is so fun.

We stood in the front office desk area and waited for over 10 minutes while four or five staff members just stood inside the office room and talked about their favorite movie actor. Guess we're not enrolling anyone here.

Best school for children with ED and beyond.

What a blessing CCS has been to our family! I have children both in elementary and MS and every day we thank God that they get to attend a school like CCS. They have been at the school a year now and they have both grown academically and are thriving in this Christian environment. Thank you to their hard working and loving teachers!

I cannot express how great of a school environment Mays has been for our family. We moved to Houston recently and had a tough time finding a safe and quality school for our infant, but then several of our neighbors suggested we check out Mays (formally Country Clubhouse). I typically would say an infant is in a daycare center environment but Mays is very much a school environment considering their impressive curriculum. The teachers and director, Jessi, communicate extremely well through the Tadpole app-- each day I have a video/photos of my son's day at the school. My husband and I were unfamiliar with the Reggio method but we have found it to be amazing! Thank you to Jessi, the staff, and teachers at Mays School!

My son attended CCS and now is enrolled in medical school. He states that CCS gave him a fantastic foundation for college and medical school. My daughter received a full ride academic scholarship to the university of her choice while attending Cypress Christian. We as parents are grateful for the amazing education both of our children received at CCS. Thank you for doing such a great job and being such an amazing school.

River Oaks Academy is a great school with small environment and flexible with your condition and also the teachers are very caring and compassionate to the students would recommend this school to people who have been going through hard times.

Was a beautiful ceremony! For us, everything was perfect. The photo slideshow, the encouraging words from teachers and Mr. White, and the special acknowledgements were wonderful. Our family felt special and blessed, thank you so much CCS. Great job!

The best decision we ever made. Our son started a 3 years old. He only has a couple of years left until he graduares from high school. I can't wait to see where life leads him but I am confident he willl be prepared.

What an amazing year. The teachers and staff have demonstrated genuine love and support for my child and our entire family. Teachers go out of their way to communicate with parents, provide information about what's happening in the classroom, and what they're observing in your child. I have found the curriculum to be a great balance between providing ample structure and learning activities and allowing for creative expression and play. We love it here!

Fantastic school! Significant progress in just one year for my 7 and 9 year old boys!

Top notch education, welcoming and close knit community, great teachers and many extra-curriculars. We love CCS!

I love it so much!!

Great school, great teachers and staff. Very safe location, away from busy streets.

Excellent school and Teachers are very friendly. My daughter went to Early childhood. Sure you will see lot of difference with this School from others. i strongly recommend this School

My kids have had a blast at their summer program

I have had the pleasure of working with Cypress Christian School for years. Working with the IT staff it is apparent how dedicated they are at providing a great and safe environment for both students and staff. I wish I would have sent my children to this Christian school when they were of age.

Terrific school if you're interested in caring and personal attention for your child. Open and receptive environment with strong, progressive social values, true to Maria Montessori's vision. Their focus is not simply on achievement for achievement's sake - the goal is to ensure that each student performs to the best of his or her abilities, and produce grounded, socially aware and self-reliant adults who are interested in making this world a better place. If your child is an overachiever, they'll be fine at SOTW, but unlike many other private schools, they're not about money, social climbing and getting everyone into the Ivies. True, sports is not an obsession, but that's a plus in my view. Big bonus - these kids aren't obsessed with status and designer clothes, which will save you a bundle in clothes and therapy.

Great school! Great academic values and wouldn't want to be anywhere else!

Great school. Teachers are very involved with every student. Not only are they getting agreat education but students learn life skills that carry on into adulthood. Such as time management, self discipline, compassion and much more. Great athletic program as well.

It's great for Christian who want an environment that will accept them for who they are and allied them to accommodate with the other students

This school has been a God send for our family! Our daughter has grown in ways we never expected considering the struggles she has had in a school environment. The teachers and staff of ROA have provided a safe, supportive environment while also allowing her the freedom to blossom in her own unique way. For the first time ever, she looks forward to going to school and has made meaningful friendships with her classmates and teachers.

The Branch School is an amazing school that our kids love going to every day. From the outdoor classroom to reading buddies to helping them develop critical thinking and peacemaking skills, it is a school where our children are loved and are flourishing. The curriculum is state of the art and a test or a specific religious view isn't thrust upon the children like other schools. It is a very special place.

Great school though there are issues where teachers are too strict or degrade students verbally at times. Though most teachers are excellent there. Students are also the best and there are many friends for kids to choose from.

The best education for raising responsible, respectful, self-sufficient children that money can buy...in Houston.

The best private school in Houston! Small school with great teachers and staff, loving family atmosphere

Fantastic program for little kiddos. Excellent all around. Teachers are completely trust-worthy and the administrator is always looking out for what is best for the kids. 100% recommend.

Our two sons have been attending Cypress Christian School for the past 11 years. They have received a solid education, and had access to many extra-curricular activities. We appreciate the emphasis on building character, as well as knowledge. Christian school students are human, they have problems just like students at any school. But it was great to be able to work with the teachers at CCS during those times when our boys faced problems with other students, or with motivation, or learning. We feel that our money has been well-spent.

I graduated from here and left with a great education. *This review is about the high school* This is not an ordinary school, it's small and wonderful. If you hate going to a big mundane school woods is for you. The teachers go above and beyond to help the students, and due to the size, your grade level becomes your second family. Most importantly I am able to adjust to the college life due to the unique class structure. You will not have the same class 2 days in a row, you will not take academic courses on Friday-only electives and your teachers will get to know you and your learning style so, you will not have an excuse not succeed. Don't come here if you only care about 'football', 'drugs' and 'popularity'. Go to woods if you want to be able to reach your academic goals in a calm, supportive environment. I have seen multiple students come here looking for the wrong thing wasting their parent's money, and leaving after a year. You can't really be a 'cool kid' over here because everyone knows each other. One jock came here trying to party and, he didn't last 3 months. If you come here ready to work you can easily get into an ivy league school or, go to the school of your choice with a massive scholarship. If you're a nice person with a strong work ethic, do yourself a favor and become a Wildcat!

Got accepted here, loved it, everyone was so nice to me and people were very welcoming. However, it's not the most fully established private school around since it's only been open for around 15 years.

I love this school. My 6 year old attends this school. He is learning on his own pace. He is only in first grade, but is readying at 3rd grade level. The teacher allows the kids to conceptualize a problem without judgment then reason and rationalize between conceptualization and judgment. The school is big on emotional intelligence with kids. Friendly and smart teachers. I would highly recommend this school.

School of the Woods High uses a mastery program. That means students don’t advance in a subject until they have mastered it, as opposed to the public schools my three kids attended before Woods High where almost everyone advanced regardless of what they had or had not learned. The Woods senior thesis is also a requirement for graduation. My daughter, currently a thriving sophomore at Sarah Lawrence College in New York, reports that the senior thesis was very helpful in giving her a preview of what college would be like. I have put two children through Woods High and have a third on track to graduate in another year. The two graduates were accepted to all five of the colleges to which they applied. The third graduates in ’14, so no college choices yet. I don’t think any school fits every student. For my kids, however, I couldn’t be happier with this school or with the result.

This is a beautiful facility! Clean, organized and fun!

I have been a teacher and/or administrator at The Joy School for going on 19 years. Families and staff find a safe and supportive home at The Joy School. Although our students only stay with us for a few years due to our mainstreaming driven mission, our teachers and staff rarely leave. I feel blessed to be a part of this family!

My daughter was expelled in November 2011 (10th grade) after spending 6+ years at the school. She was a straight A student, yet expelled with no conference, no meeting, but via email and with 3 days’ notice. She never received any disciplinary action and was considered by her teachers to be an exceptional student. She was expelled because we questioned the academic standards of the secondary school.

We immediately enrolled her at St. Pius X and the change is remarkable. The only way to describe it? An awakening!

In 9th grade, her Woods math class barely completed 6 chapters (less than 50%) of the textbook. At St. Pius? They covered all 16 math textbook chapters this year with a month to spare (and went on to Trigonometry). My daughter went from doing a handful of problems from sections A and B in each textbook section (@Woods) to starting with section C at Pius and being assigned challenge problems every single night.

She went from reading graphic novels (anime) at Woods to reading the classics at Pius.

At Woods, tests are often open notes and students take them late (often week+). Not at Pius. All students are expected to take and finish the test in (same) class. Furthermore, your score on that test is final. At Woods, you can take another test and average it with the first test. On occasion, it’s the same test. One time, a teacher graded tests in real-time during class and gave them back to students (who scored under an 85) for immediate revisions. Score an 86? It’s your grade. Score an 84? You get to change a true to a false and get immediate credit.

My daughter got credit for a class she never took at Woods, “Computer Tech 1,” where she scored a 95 last year and a 95 this past Fall. There is no such class. The class is assigned to the principal, but my daughter has never sat in a class taught by this person.

At Pius, she now has opportunities to take AP Classes, join after school clubs, sit in a stadium and cheer on the football team. She went from less than 20 sophomores at Woods to 250+ at Pius.

It was a god-send she was expelled. She started Montessori as an infant and we stuck with it way too long. After the 3-6 year old program, Montessori (in general) struggles. Even Maria Montessori, with all her published works, only mentions secondary education in a brief essay (Erdkinder).