Private Schools:  Alternatives to the Georgetown Independent School District

Relocating a family can be a very challenging experience. There are a plethora of considerations that factor into finding the right environment to raise your children: safe neighborhoods, access to all the essential amenities, spiritual support and quality school systems. Every parent wants to provide an excellent education, both in mind and spirit, for their children. When considering all the options, many families research private schools as well as public. Just moments away from Austin’s hi-tech corridor in the northern hill country of central Texas, the City of Georgetown offers its community an excellent education system through a variety of private schools.

Grace Academy began as a dream in the minds of several people in Georgetown, Texas after reading Doug Wilson’s book, Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning. Grace Academy’s distinctly Christian mission is “to glorify God by serving parents in providing their children a distinctly Christ-centered, academically excellent, classical education as a foundation for life-long learning.”  They are currently pursuing the accreditation process with the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS).  Tuition ranges from $4,300 - $6252 for Kindergarten up to grade 12.  My son, Joshua, just started here in Fall of 2009 and we’re excited about his potential to excel here!

Another distinctly Christian private school is Zion Lutheran School. Zion Lutheran School provides an academically sound Christian education and support for families in developing positive, healthy Christian relationships. Their mission is “to nurture each child’s growth in faith in Jesus Christ, knowledge of God’s creation, and service toward others to His glory.” The school is affiliated with Zion Lutheran Church and members receive lower tuition rates.  They offer Pre-K to 8th grade and their tuition fees range from $3040 for preschool to $4350 for first full-time child.

Besides Zion Lutheran, the only other church-affiliated school in Georgetown, Texas is St. Helen Catholic school.  The school is currently seeking accreditation by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department and is “committed to educating the whole person to see with Christ’s eyes.” Similar to Zion, participating church members receive lower tuition rates.  Currently, the school offers pre-K to 8th grade and the tuition costs $4600 - $5200 per student.

Georgetown is also home to Community Montessori School. Community Montessori school is a diverse partnership of parents, teachers, and children. This independent, non-profit school embraces Montessori principles to develop the child’s full potential and lifelong love of learning. CMS is certified by the Association Montessori Internationale Teachers of Texas for its Montessori school programs and is accredited by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services for the operation of it’s before school program, nap programs, and the toddler communities.  Tuition per student, from 18 months to 6th grade is $6400 - $7600.

Georgetown, Texas has many opportunities for families who are looking for alternatives to public school.  Along with all of life’s amenities, Georgetown offers a thriving variety of private schools to nurture the knowledge and growth of its community.