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Admissions

How to apply to a private school in Austin

Confirm openings with each school, request its current grade-specific checklist, complete the required visits and records, and track each school’s own dates. Austin private schools have no universal deadline.

Reviewed 2026-09-08 · Which Private School editorial guide · How we work

Build a short list you can use

Choose schools serving the entering grade that fit your commute and budget. Read each school’s program description, then compare it with your child’s needs. Application and enrollment fees may be nonrefundable, so a focused list saves time and money.

  • Grade and start year
  • Program and support needs
  • Daily travel time
  • Tuition, care, and transport budget
  • Family priorities

Ask about space and dates first

Some schools use a set season, some continue while space remains, and some handle midyear moves separately. Ask whether the grade is open, full, or building a wait pool. Use the current admissions response instead of assuming an old website date still applies.

  • Is the grade accepting applications?
  • What deadline applies?
  • Are decisions rolling or released together?
  • Is aid on a separate schedule?

Expect requirements to vary

Official Austin pages show different processes. St. Andrew’s and St. Stephen’s publish grade-specific steps. Magellan describes an application, supporting records, and admissions activities. Headwaters uses program-specific steps. Send only what each school requests.

  • Application and fee
  • School records
  • Teacher form
  • Parent conversation
  • Student visit, interview, or assessment
  • Aid application if needed

Prepare specific examples

Describe strengths, interests, challenges, and needed support honestly. Ask how the school handles an ordinary difficult day. Older students should ask their own questions and explain what they want from school. The goal is a sound match, not a rehearsed performance.

  • One example of strong learning
  • One school-day challenge
  • Questions about teaching and communication
  • Questions about support and student life

Compare offers before paying

An offer may have a short reply window and a deposit. Read the contract, withdrawal terms, and refund rules. Compare final tuition and aid. If TEFA matters, confirm the school in the official finder. Admission does not guarantee state funding, and a state award does not guarantee admission.

  • Reply date and deposit
  • Final aid and family balance
  • Contract and withdrawal terms
  • Current TEFA participation
  • Your child’s view after visiting
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