Best Private Schools Near Highland Park and University Park: A 2026 Guide for Relocating Families - Dallas Luxury Real Estate Agent
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Best Private Schools Near Highland Park and University Park: A 2026 Guide for Relocating Families
Updated March 2026 | By Nitin Gupta, CRS, GRI, ALHS, CLHMS, PSA | Broker Associate, Competitive Edge Realty | 480+ Transactions | $250M+ Career Volume
Highland Park ISD is one of the top three public school districts in Texas — and for many families relocating to the Park Cities, it is the primary reason they buy here. But a significant number of Park Cities and Preston Hollow families choose private education, either in addition to or instead of HPISD. Some families want single-gender education. Others prioritize religious formation, smaller class sizes, specialized arts or STEM programs, or a particular pedagogical philosophy. And for Preston Hollow families in Dallas ISD-zoned areas, private school is often the preferred path to world-class education without paying the HPISD-zoned premium.
Dallas has one of the strongest concentrations of elite private schools in the American South — and nearly all of them are within 15 minutes of the Park Cities. This guide profiles the top private schools near Highland Park, University Park, and Preston Hollow, covering admissions, tuition ranges, academic philosophy, campus culture, and how school choice affects your home purchase decision.
Why Private School Choice Matters for Your Home Purchase
For Park Cities and Preston Hollow buyers, the relationship between school choice and home location is more complex than in most markets.
If you are committed to HPISD public schools, you must purchase within the Highland Park ISD boundary — which means Highland Park, University Park, or the small HPISD-zoned pocket of Preston Hollow. Every dollar of your budget goes toward the home itself, and you receive one of the top public educations in Texas at no additional tuition cost.
If you plan on private school, the school district boundary becomes less critical — and this opens up dramatically more housing options. You can purchase in DISD-zoned Preston Hollow, where lots are 2–3x larger than the Park Cities, prices are often $200,000–$500,000 lower for comparable square footage, and you have more architectural freedom. The tuition you pay for private school is offset (partially or fully) by the lower home price and the larger property you can afford.
The math matters. Consider two scenarios for a family with two children:
Scenario A — HPISD public school: Purchase a $3.5 million home in University Park. No tuition cost. Annual property taxes: approximately $68,000–$75,000.
Scenario B — Private school + DISD Preston Hollow: Purchase a $2.5 million home on a larger lot in DISD-zoned Preston Hollow (saving $1 million on the home). Annual private school tuition for two children: approximately $60,000–$80,000. Annual property taxes: approximately $52,000–$60,000. Total annual cost is higher due to tuition — but the family has $1 million more in liquid assets (or a significantly larger home) and lives on a 0.75-acre lot instead of a 0.25-acre lot.
Neither scenario is objectively better — it depends on your family's financial profile, educational philosophy, and lifestyle priorities. But making this decision before you start shopping is essential, because it determines where you look and how much you spend.
Top Private Schools Near the Park Cities and Preston Hollow
The Hockaday School
Type: All-girls, Pre-K through Grade 12 (boarding available grades 8–12) Location: 11600 Welch Road, Dallas — approximately 5 minutes from Preston Hollow, 10 minutes from the Park Cities Enrollment: Approximately 1,100 students Tuition Range: Approximately $28,000–$38,000 (day); $62,000–$68,000 (boarding) Founded: 1913
Hockaday is the premier all-girls school in Texas and one of the most respected in the nation. The school's college-prep curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and global citizenship. The 100-acre campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts facilities, athletic fields, and a dedicated lower school campus. Hockaday's college placement is exceptional — graduates regularly attend Ivy League schools, Stanford, MIT, Georgetown, and other elite universities. The boarding program draws students from across the country and internationally, creating a diverse and intellectually ambitious community.
Admissions: Highly competitive. Applications open in September for the following fall. The process includes a campus visit, student interview, teacher recommendations, and standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT for upper school). Financial aid is available for qualifying families.
Best for: Families who want a rigorous all-girls environment with exceptional college placement, leadership development, and a century-long tradition of academic excellence.
St. Mark's School of Texas
Type: All-boys, Grades 1–12 Location: 10600 Preston Road, Dallas — located within Preston Hollow, approximately 5 minutes from the Park Cities Enrollment: Approximately 860 students Tuition Range: Approximately $32,000–$40,000 Founded: 1906
St. Mark's is widely regarded as the top boys' preparatory school in Texas and among the top 25 in the nation. The school's academic program is exceptionally rigorous, with an emphasis on intellectual inquiry, ethical character, and competitive athletics. The 40-acre Preston Road campus includes a state-of-the-art STEM building, performing arts center, multiple athletic facilities, and a dedicated lower school. St. Mark's graduates attend the nation's most selective universities at rates that rival the best East Coast prep schools — Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, MIT, and the service academies are well-represented.
Admissions: Extremely competitive, particularly for entry points at grades 1, 5, 7, and 9. Applications include campus visit, student assessment, teacher recommendations, and family interview. Financial aid is need-based and generous — approximately 20% of students receive aid.
Best for: Families who want the most rigorous boys' education in Texas, with a strong emphasis on intellectual curiosity, athletic competition, and character development.
Greenhill School
Type: Co-educational, Pre-K through Grade 12 Location: 4141 Spring Valley Road, Addison — approximately 12 minutes from the Park Cities, 10 minutes from Preston Hollow Enrollment: Approximately 1,300 students Tuition Range: Approximately $28,000–$37,000 Founded: 1950
Greenhill is the largest and most established co-educational independent school in the Dallas area. The school's progressive philosophy balances academic rigor with social-emotional development, arts integration, and community service. The 80-acre campus in Addison features outstanding athletic facilities (including a natatorium and field house), dedicated arts buildings, and a maker space. Greenhill's college placement record is strong, with graduates attending a wide range of top universities.
Admissions: Competitive. Applications open in September. The process includes a campus visit, student shadow day, parent interview, teacher recommendations, and standardized testing. The school prioritizes diversity — approximately 40% of students identify as students of color.
Best for: Families who want a co-educational environment with a progressive, student-centered philosophy, strong arts programming, and a diverse, inclusive community.
Episcopal School of Dallas (ESD)
Type: Co-educational, Pre-K through Grade 12 Location: 4344 Colgate Avenue, Dallas — approximately 8 minutes from the Park Cities, 10 minutes from Preston Hollow Enrollment: Approximately 1,150 students Tuition Range: Approximately $26,000–$35,000 Founded: 1974
ESD is one of the most well-rounded private schools in Dallas, offering a strong liberal arts curriculum with excellent athletics, fine arts, and community service programs. The school is affiliated with the Episcopal Church but welcomes students of all faiths. The campus sits on 28 acres near White Rock Lake, featuring modern academic buildings, a chapel, athletic facilities, and outdoor learning spaces. ESD's college placement is strong across a range of selective universities, with particular strength in Southern schools (SMU, Vanderbilt, University of Texas, Washington & Lee, Rhodes).
Admissions: Competitive. Standard independent school application process with campus visit, student interview, teacher recommendations, and testing. Financial aid available.
Best for: Families who want a values-based, co-educational environment with strong academics, athletics, and arts in a welcoming, faith-informed community.
Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
Type: All-boys, Grades 9–12 Location: 12345 Inwood Road, Dallas — approximately 8 minutes from Preston Hollow, 12 minutes from the Park Cities Enrollment: Approximately 1,100 students Tuition Range: Approximately $22,000–$25,000 Founded: 1942
Jesuit Dallas is part of the global network of Jesuit schools and offers a rigorous college-preparatory education rooted in the Jesuit tradition of intellectual excellence, service to others, and formation of "men for others." The 30-acre Inwood Road campus features a recently completed $40 million+ expansion including a STEM center, performing arts facilities, and athletic complex. Jesuit's academics are demanding — with extensive AP offerings — and its athletic programs (particularly football, basketball, and lacrosse) are among the most competitive in Texas. College placement is excellent, with graduates attending a wide range of selective universities.
Admissions: Competitive. Applications for 9th grade include HSPT (High School Placement Test), middle school transcripts, and teacher recommendations. The school does not require Catholic affiliation for admission.
Best for: Families who want an all-boys, faith-based environment with rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and a strong emphasis on service and character.
Ursuline Academy of Dallas
Type: All-girls, Grades 9–12 Location: 4900 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas — located within Preston Hollow, approximately 5 minutes from the Park Cities Enrollment: Approximately 850 students Tuition Range: Approximately $21,000–$24,000 Founded: 1874
Ursuline is the oldest school in Dallas — founded over 150 years ago — and offers an all-girls college-preparatory education in the Ursuline tradition of Catholic education. The school emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service leadership. The Walnut Hill Lane campus is within Preston Hollow, making it one of the most convenient private school options for Park Cities and Preston Hollow families. Ursuline's college placement is strong, with graduates attending a mix of public and private universities nationwide.
Admissions: Competitive. Standard application with HSPT, transcripts, and recommendations. Catholic affiliation is not required.
Best for: Families who want an all-girls, faith-based environment with a strong tradition of academic achievement and service, at a more accessible tuition point than Hockaday.
Parish Episcopal School
Type: Co-educational, Pre-K through Grade 12 Location: 4101 Sigma Road, Dallas — approximately 7 minutes from Preston Hollow, 12 minutes from the Park Cities Enrollment: Approximately 1,000 students Tuition Range: Approximately $24,000–$33,000 Founded: 1972
Parish Episcopal has undergone significant growth and investment in recent years, including a new upper school campus, expanded athletic facilities, and enhanced STEM and arts programming. The school is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and emphasizes the development of the whole student — academically, spiritually, physically, and socially. Parish's location on Sigma Road near Midway and Walnut Hill makes it particularly convenient for Preston Hollow families.
Best for: Families who want a growing, co-educational Episcopal school with modern facilities, a balanced approach to academics and character, and convenient Preston Hollow proximity.
Lakehill Preparatory School
Type: Co-educational, Pre-K through Grade 12 Location: 2720 Hillside Drive, Dallas — approximately 10 minutes from the Park Cities Enrollment: Approximately 400 students Tuition Range: Approximately $20,000–$28,000 Founded: 1971
Lakehill is a smaller independent school that emphasizes individualized attention, with an average class size of 14 students. The intimate campus near White Rock Lake provides a close-knit community feel. Lakehill's smaller enrollment means every student is known by name by teachers and administrators — an environment that appeals to families who want their child to be more than a number.
Best for: Families who prioritize small class sizes, individualized attention, and a close-knit school community over the scale and resources of larger independent schools.
Admissions Timeline: What Relocating Families Need to Know
Private school admissions in Dallas follow a structured annual cycle. For families relocating mid-year, the process differs from the standard timeline.
Standard admissions cycle (for fall entry):
September–November: Applications open, campus tours, open houses
December–January: Application deadline (varies by school — typically January 15–February 1)
January–February: Student assessments, interviews, shadow days
March: Admissions decisions released (typically mid-March)
April: Enrollment contracts due
Mid-year transfers (for relocating families): Most Dallas private schools will consider mid-year applications from relocating families on a space-available basis. If a seat is available in your child's grade, the school may expedite the admissions process — sometimes within 2–3 weeks. Contact the admissions office directly, explain your relocation timeline, and request an expedited review. Your REALTOR® can help coordinate the timing of your home purchase with the school admissions process.
Wait lists: Top schools (St. Mark's, Hockaday, Greenhill) maintain wait lists. If your preferred school does not have space for the current year, enrolling your child at another school for the first year and reapplying for the following year is a common strategy.
How Private School Choice Affects Your Home Search
If You Choose HPISD + Private School
Some Park Cities families enroll their children in private school even though they live within HPISD. This is common for families who want single-gender education (Hockaday, St. Mark's, Jesuit, Ursuline) or a specific educational philosophy not offered by the public district. These families pay the HPISD-zoned home premium and the private school tuition — a significant financial commitment, but one that provides maximum flexibility (the child can return to HPISD at any time).
If You Choose Private School + DISD-Zoned Preston Hollow
This is the most financially efficient path for families committed to private school. By purchasing in DISD-zoned Preston Hollow — where homes are $200,000–$500,000+ less than HPISD-zoned equivalents — you redirect the savings toward tuition, a larger lot, or a higher-quality home. Since the children attend private school regardless of district, the HPISD/DISD distinction becomes irrelevant.
If You Are Undecided
If you are not yet sure whether your family will use public or private school, purchase within HPISD (Highland Park or University Park) to keep both options open. You can always switch to private school later, but you cannot access HPISD from a DISD-zoned address.
Transportation and Carpool Considerations
Unlike suburban DFW, where school buses are standard, most Park Cities and Preston Hollow private schools rely on parent carpool for daily transportation. Understanding the commute from your home to your chosen school is important for daily logistics.
From Highland Park:
St. Mark's: 8 minutes
Hockaday: 10 minutes
Greenhill: 15 minutes
ESD: 10 minutes
Jesuit: 12 minutes
Ursuline: 8 minutes
Parish Episcopal: 10 minutes
From University Park:
St. Mark's: 10 minutes
Hockaday: 12 minutes
Greenhill: 12 minutes
ESD: 8 minutes
Jesuit: 14 minutes
Ursuline: 10 minutes
Parish Episcopal: 12 minutes
From Preston Hollow:
St. Mark's: 3–5 minutes
Hockaday: 3–5 minutes
Greenhill: 10 minutes
ESD: 10 minutes
Jesuit: 5–8 minutes
Ursuline: 3–5 minutes
Parish Episcopal: 3–5 minutes
Preston Hollow's proximity to private schools is a significant lifestyle advantage — most are within a 5-minute drive, compared to 10–15 minutes from the Park Cities.
Why Relocating Families Choose Nitin Gupta
480+ closed transactions including hundreds of relocating families. Nitin understands how school choice — public and private — affects the home purchase decision and helps families optimize the financial and lifestyle tradeoffs.
13 professional designations — CRS, GRI, ALHS, CLHMS, PSA, ABR, SRS, MRP, SRES, CHMS, e-PRO, TRLS, TRPM. View all designations.
School district verification expertise. Nitin confirms exact HPISD vs. DISD zoning for every Preston Hollow property before showing — protecting families from the costliest mistake in this market.
D Magazine Best REALTOR® — 2020, 2023, 2024. Quoted in The Wall Street Journal and USA Today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top private schools near Highland Park and University Park? The most prestigious private schools near the Park Cities include The Hockaday School (all-girls, pre-K–12), St. Mark's School of Texas (all-boys, 1–12), Greenhill School (co-ed, pre-K–12), Episcopal School of Dallas (co-ed, pre-K–12), Jesuit College Preparatory School (all-boys, 9–12), and Ursuline Academy (all-girls, 9–12). All are within 15 minutes of the Park Cities.
How much does private school cost in Dallas? Tuition ranges from approximately $20,000–$25,000 per year at Jesuit and Ursuline to $32,000–$40,000 at St. Mark's and $28,000–$38,000 at Hockaday (day program). Boarding at Hockaday is approximately $62,000–$68,000. Most schools offer need-based financial aid.
Is it cheaper to buy in Preston Hollow and pay private school tuition than to buy in Highland Park? It can be. A DISD-zoned Preston Hollow home may cost $200,000–$500,000+ less than a comparable HPISD-zoned home. The savings can partially or fully offset private school tuition for several years, while providing a larger lot and more home. The math depends on your specific budget, number of children, and years of private school enrollment.
Can my child transfer to HPISD if we live in Preston Hollow? Only if your Preston Hollow address is within the HPISD boundary. HPISD does not accept inter-district transfers — you must live within the district to enroll. If you are unsure whether your address is HPISD-zoned, your REALTOR® must verify before you purchase.
When should I apply for Dallas private schools? The standard admissions cycle runs September through March for fall entry. Applications are typically due in January. Relocating families can apply mid-year on a space-available basis — most schools will expedite the process for relocating families with available seats.
Do Dallas private schools provide transportation? Most Dallas private schools rely on parent carpool rather than school buses. Some schools offer limited bus routes or coordinate carpool groups by neighborhood. Preston Hollow families have the shortest commutes to most private schools (3–8 minutes).
Which neighborhood is best if we plan on private school? Preston Hollow offers the best combination of private school proximity (most top schools within 5 minutes), larger lots, more affordable pricing (in DISD-zoned areas), and architectural freedom. If you want HPISD as a backup option, purchase in the HPISD-zoned pocket of East Preston Hollow or in University Park.
How do I get started? Contact Nitin Gupta at 469-269-6541 or visit nitinguptadfw.com/contact-us. Nitin will help you evaluate the public vs. private school decision alongside your home purchase — ensuring your family finds the right home in the right location for your educational priorities.
Related Resources
About the Author
Nitin Gupta, CRS, GRI, ALHS, CLHMS, PSA is a Broker Associate with Competitive Edge Realty specializing in luxury real estate, executive relocation, and new construction across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With 480+ closed transactions, $250M+ in career volume, and D Magazine Best REALTOR® recognition in 2020, 2023, and 2024, Nitin helps relocating families navigate the intersection of school choice and home purchase across the Park Cities, Preston Hollow, and the broader DFW market.
Contact: 469-269-6541 | nitin@NitinGuptaDFW.com | NitinGuptaDFW.com | Contact Us
