St. Mark's, Hockaday, ESD and Beyond: The 2026 Parent's Guide to Dallas Private Schools

Dallas private schools cluster in a short stretch north of the Park Cities, where St. Mark's, Hockaday, ESD, Lamplighter, and Ursuline sit within a few miles of Preston Hollow. For fall 2027 entry, most applications are due between November 2026 and January 2027, and St. Mark's and Hockaday both send decisions on March 12, 2027. The Agency Dallas wrote this guide to Dallas private schools for families planning a move, so you can line up the right school and the right street at the same time.

What are the main private schools in Dallas?

Dallas has dozens of private schools. These are among the best-known options for families moving to the Park Cities, Preston Hollow, and North Dallas. Details come from each school's own website as of October 2026.

The Independent Schools Admission Association of Dallas (ISAAD) lists 17 member schools, including St. Mark's, Hockaday, ESD, Greenhill, Lamplighter, Parish, Ursuline, and Cistercian. Its site is a useful starting point for testing requirements across schools.

When are Dallas private school applications due for 2027-28?

Earlier than most families new to Dallas expect. Here is the timeline as two of the largest schools have published it:

1. Fall 2026: tours and open houses. ESD's "Explore ESD" open house is December 6, 2026, and its Lower School tours run September through December.
2. November 9, 2026: St. Mark's application deadline for grades 2 through 4.
3. December 14, 2026: Hockaday's application deadline for all grades, and St. Mark's deadline for 1st grade.
4. January 8, 2027: St. Mark's deadline for grades 5 through 11.
5. January 2027: testing. Hockaday offers the ISEE on campus on January 23, 2027.
6. January 29, 2027: Hockaday's deadline for a completed file, including testing and teacher evaluations.
7. March 12, 2027: St. Mark's and Hockaday both email admission decisions.

Other schools set their own dates. Check each school's admission page early, because missing a deadline usually means waiting a full year.

What tests do Dallas private schools require?

It depends on your child's age. For the youngest applicants, schools such as Hockaday and St. Mark's use the CATS cognitive assessment, plus an in-person observation or achievement test. From about 5th grade up, the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is standard. St. Mark's uses the ISEE Primary for grades 2 and 3. Catholic high schools often use their own entrance exam, so confirm with Jesuit, Ursuline, or Bishop Lynch directly.

How do you choose the right Dallas private school?

Start with these questions:

• Single-sex or coed? Dallas has strong options for both. St. Mark's, Hockaday, Jesuit, Ursuline, and Cistercian are single-sex; ESD, Greenhill, Parish, and Lamplighter are coed.
• Where does the school start and end? Lamplighter ends after 4th grade, Cistercian starts at 5th, and Jesuit and Ursuline start at 9th. Plan for the transitions.
• Does faith matter? Choose among Episcopal, Catholic, and nonsectarian schools.
• What will the drive be? Most of these campuses sit along Preston Road, Inwood Road, Welch Road, and Walnut Hill Lane. Living close can save you hours every week.
• What about public school? Highland Park ISD is a strong alternative, and many Park Cities families choose it from the start.

Where do private school families live in Dallas?

Preston Hollow, the Park Cities, and North Dallas are natural fits because so many campuses are close by. Hockaday, ESD, Lamplighter, and Ursuline are all in the 75229 ZIP code near Preston Hollow, and St. Mark's is on Preston Road just north. Families with children at several schools often look for a home in the middle of their daily drop-off route. The Agency Dallas helps relocating families map the school run before they pick a street. For current prices and inventory in these neighborhoods, see our Dallas market reports.

Can Texas Education Freedom Accounts help pay for private school?

Possibly, depending on your household. Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) provide $10,474 per student for the 2026-27 school year for children attending a participating private school, and up to $30,000 for some students with disabilities. Families below 500% of the federal poverty level are prioritized, and private schools choose whether to participate. Dates for 2027-28 applications had not been announced as of early October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best private schools in Dallas?

There is no single best school; the right fit depends on your child. Dallas families most often consider St. Mark's School of Texas and The Hockaday School, Episcopal School of Dallas, Greenhill, Parish Episcopal, Jesuit, Ursuline, Cistercian, and Lamplighter. The Agency Dallas recommends visiting at least three Dallas private schools before applying, since culture and daily schedule vary widely.

When do Dallas private schools send admission decisions?

For fall 2027 entry, St. Mark's School of Texas and The Hockaday School both send admission decisions on March 12, 2027. Hockaday requires completed files by January 29, 2027 to receive that decision. Other Dallas private schools publish their own notification dates, so check each school's admission page.

When should I start applying to Dallas private schools?

About a year before your child would start. Most Dallas private schools hold tours in the fall and set deadlines between November and January. For fall 2027 entry, St. Mark's deadlines begin November 9, 2026, and Hockaday's deadline is December 14, 2026. If you're relocating, start researching schools before you start touring homes.

Which Dallas private schools are for boys or girls only?

St. Mark's School of Texas (grades 1 to 12), Jesuit College Preparatory (9 to 12), and Cistercian Preparatory (5 to 12) are boys' schools. The Hockaday School (PK to 12) and Ursuline Academy of Dallas (9 to 12) are girls' schools. Episcopal School of Dallas, Greenhill, Parish Episcopal, and Lamplighter are coeducational.

What neighborhoods are closest to Dallas private schools?

Preston Hollow is closest to many of them. Hockaday, ESD, Lamplighter, and Ursuline all sit in the 75229 ZIP code, and St. Mark's is on Preston Road in 75230. The Park Cities are a short drive south, and North Dallas sits near Jesuit and Parish. The Agency Dallas helps families match Dallas private schools to the right neighborhood.

Do Dallas private schools accept Texas Education Freedom Accounts?

Some do. Private school participation in Texas Education Freedom Accounts is voluntary, and each school must apply to take part. The program provides $10,474 per student for 2026-27 at participating private schools. Ask each school directly whether it participates, and check the state's TEFA site for future application dates.

Find the right school, then the right street

The best school run is a short one. Tell us which Dallas private schools are on your list, and we'll show you the neighborhoods and homes that put you closest to them. Book your Dallas relocation consult with The Agency Dallas. Relocating for work? See our guides for families moving with Morgan Stanley and chip and tech relocations.