Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for any parent, as it shapes a child’s academic journey, personal growth, and future opportunities. San Antonio, known for its rich culture and growing communities, is also home to some of Texas’ top-rated schools. From strong academic programs and innovative teaching methods to extracurricular activities and supportive environments, these schools go above and beyond to help students succeed. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best schools in San Antonio, helping you make an informed choice for your child’s education.
Best schools in San Antonio
SST San Antonio College Prep High School
The School of Science and Technology is a public school system. As with all public schools, SST schools are: tuition-free, held to state and federal academic standards and are non-sectarian and non-discriminatory.
SST schools are funded through Average Daily Attendance funds provided through the Texas Education Agency. Unlike traditional public schools, SST schools do not receive any local tax dollars. This is because SST schools are schools of choice and students from any location may attend. Traditional public school students attend schools determined by geographic attendance zone boundaries.
SST schools are not governed by the local independent school district board. SST schools operate under the Riverwalk Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with its own independent board of directors.
Charter schools, generally, have more autonomy than traditional public schools. This allows charter schools the freedom to be more innovative while at the same time being accountable for student achievement.
School of Science and Technology School’s Board of Directors are all unpaid volunteers who come from varied backgrounds in academia, medicine, science, and mathematics and share a common passion for education. The Board also solicits input and insight from various individuals and business community members in the San Antonio area. A list of board members can be found here.
Board nominations can be made by anyone, including existing board members, School of Science and Technology employees, parents, alumni, and the public. The board reviews the qualifications of nominees and seeks individuals who have expertise, experience, or leadership abilities that will contribute to maintaining a continued standard of excellence for School of Science and Technology Schools.
Keystone School – Best schools in San Antonio
Keystone School in San Antonio is widely recognized as one of the city’s leading private, college-prep schools. Founded in 1948, the school began as a small guidance center and has since grown into a respected institution that serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Its main campus sits in the Monte Vista Historic District, while a separate “Little School” campus welcomes the youngest learners.
What makes Keystone stand out is its accelerated academic program. Students are often challenged to work above grade level, and by the time they reach high school, many are enrolled in multiple AP courses. The results speak for themselves—graduates consistently post strong SAT and ACT scores and move on to highly selective universities across the country.
Beyond academics, Keystone emphasizes a balanced approach to education. Teachers and staff encourage intellectual curiosity, but they also focus on social and emotional growth. The school promotes diversity and inclusion, celebrating different cultural and faith traditions while remaining a non-denominational community. Outdoor education, arts, athletics, and leadership opportunities round out the student experience.
Admissions are competitive, requiring entrance exams, interviews, and recommendations. Tuition for the upper grades is about $26,000 per year, although financial aid is available for qualifying families. The student-to-teacher ratio is kept low—around 1:9 to 1:13—ensuring that each child gets the attention they need.
Over the years, Keystone has earned a reputation for academic rigor, close-knit community, and a strong commitment to preparing students not just for college, but for life.
San Antonio Christian School
San Antonio Christian School is a well-established private Christian school located in San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 1972, it serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, providing a Christ-centered, college-preparatory education. The school emphasizes not only academic excellence but also character development, faith formation, and community engagement.
SACS maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. Its curriculum includes honors courses, Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and dual-enrollment options, ensuring students are challenged and well-prepared for college. Beyond academics, the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, fine arts, music, and leadership opportunities.
Faith and values are central to the SACS experience. The school encourages students to grow spiritually and morally while instilling integrity, stewardship, and a sense of service. Families and staff work together to nurture a close-knit, supportive community.
Tuition varies by grade, ranging from around $6,000 for early childhood programs to approximately $17,000 for high school, with financial aid and scholarships available for qualifying families. This approach makes a strong Christian education accessible to a broader range of students.
Over the years, San Antonio Christian School has earned a reputation for academic rigor, moral guidance, and a holistic approach to education, preparing students not only for higher education but also for a life of purpose, leadership, and faith.
BASIS Charter Schools
BASIS Charter Schools are a network of high-performing, tuition-free K–12 public charter schools dedicated to preparing students for success in college and beyond. Our students are critical thinkers, innovative problem-solvers and lifelong learners. For more than 25 years, BASIS Charter Schools have been educating students to the highest international levels. Starting in 1998 as a single school in Tucson, Arizona, our network has expanded to 40 campuses across Arizona, Louisiana, Texas and Washington, D.C.
ASIS Charter Schools empower students to achieve at globally competitive levels with a transformative K–12 academic program. BASIS Charter Schools is proud to be nationally accredited by Cognia. This prestigious accreditation demonstrates our commitment to providing a high-quality education that meets rigorous standards of excellence. Cognia’s accreditation process involves a comprehensive review of our curriculum, teaching practices, student outcomes, and overall school culture. By earning Cognia accreditation, BASIS Charter Schools has solidified its reputation as a leading educational institution.
A charter school is a publicly funded, tuition-free school that operates independently of the traditional school district. This autonomy allows charter schools to implement innovative teaching methods, curriculum, and programs.
Key features of BASIS Charter Schools:
- Tuition-free, public schools: BASIS charter schools are accessible to all students, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
- Independent operation: BASIS charter schools have more flexibility to design their own curriculum, teaching methods, and school culture.
- Accountability: BASIS charter schools are held accountable for student achievement and performance.
- Choice: BASIS charter schools offer parents and students more choice in education.
Benefits of Choosing a BASIS Charter School:
- Rigorous Academics: Our curriculum is designed to challenge students and prepare them for success in college and beyond.
- Critical Thinking Focus: We emphasize the development of critical thinking skills to equip students with the ability to analyze, problem-solve, and apply their knowledge in real-world situations.
- Dedicated Teachers: Our teachers are highly qualified and passionate about inspiring a love for learning in their students.
- Supportive Community: We cultivate a strong sense of community where students and families feel supported and empowered to achieve their goals.
International School of San Antonio
International School of San Antonio is a private language immersion school located in San Antonio, Texas. Established in 2011, the school serves children from Pre-K3 through 5th grade and is dedicated to fostering bilingualism and global citizenship from an early age.
ISSA’s unique approach emphasizes language immersion in Mandarin Chinese, French, and Spanish, while integrating English into the curriculum starting in Pre-K4. The school’s academic framework is built on the Core Knowledge Curriculum and Texas Pre-Kindergarten Guidelines, blending rigorous standards with innovative, hands-on teaching methods that encourage critical thinking and real-world problem-solving.
Small class sizes at ISSA allow for individualized attention, ensuring that students develop both language proficiency and confidence. In addition to language instruction, students engage in a variety of extracurricular activities, including music, arts, science, and physical education. The school even offers a third language option, providing a rich multicultural learning experience.
Located at 6739 Callaghan Road, the campus is designed to support young learners in a safe and stimulating environment. Tuition for the 2025–2026 school year is approximately $15,500, with financial aid available to assist families.
International School of San Antonio is known for its commitment to academic excellence, cultural awareness, and holistic development, preparing students not only for higher education but also for life in a globally connected world.
Great Hearts Monte Vista North Academy
Great Hearts Monte Vista North Academy is a public charter school in San Antonio, Texas, serving students in grades 6 through 12. Part of the Great Hearts Texas network, the school is dedicated to providing a rigorous classical liberal arts education, grounded in the traditions of Western thought and culture.
The academy is known for its strong academic performance. Students consistently excel in core subjects, with high proficiency rates in both math and reading. The average SAT score is around 1230, and the average ACT score is 28. Graduates are well-prepared for higher education, with a 100% high school graduation rate and many receiving merit-based scholarships to colleges across the country.
Great Hearts Monte Vista North emphasizes college readiness, offering advanced coursework, structured counseling, and recognition programs such as National Merit and National Hispanic Scholar awards. Beyond academics, students have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and various clubs. Sports programs such as volleyball, swimming, and track help foster teamwork, discipline, and personal growth.
The school is housed in a historic building in the Monte Vista neighborhood, providing a unique and inspiring campus environment. Recent renovations, including the restoration of the nearby Koehler House, aim to expand educational spaces while preserving the property’s historic charm.
As a public charter school, Great Hearts Monte Vista North does not charge tuition. Enrollment is open to all students, with a lottery system in place when applications exceed available seats. The school is recognized for blending academic rigor with character development, preparing students not only for college but for thoughtful, engaged citizenship.
George Gervin Academy
George “Iceman” Gervin is a former San Antonio Spurs player and a member of the NBA Hall of Fame. Nicknamed “Iceman” for his cool demeanor on the court, Gervin was primarily known for his scoring talents. He led the NBA in scoring average three years in a row from 1978 to 1980 with a fourth scoring title in 1982.
Now, he now gives back to the community that supported him in his professional basketball endeavors by providing multiple programs that target today’s youth by assisting their educational needs.
The George Gervin Youth Center (GGYC) is not just for youth; it is a resource for the entire community. From a pre-K through high school academy (George Gervin Academy) to retirement housing for those age 62 and older, there is something for everyone within our walls.
At the George Gervin Academy, They recognize the need for a safe, friendly environment where children can receive a quality education as well as find extra-curricular and educational activities that keep them off the street. Likewise, it can be a challenge for retired community members to find affordable housing and volunteer opportunities close to home. George Gervin Academy address both of these concerns with their varied programs that they offer to the community of San Antonio.
Fusion Academy San Antonio
Michelle Rose Gilman founded Fusion Academy out of frustration with the status quo, and a need for personalized education in her community. What began with one campus in Solana Beach, California in 1989 expanded to add a Los Angeles campus in 2010 through the help of what is now Fusion Education Group. Since then, Fusion has expanded to over 80 campuses across the United States and a 100% virtual campus, changing lives worldwide.
School accreditation is the result of a voluntary, yet critical process. During this process, Fusion Academy campuses examine and assess themselves against rigorous high standards (set by the accrediting agency). At the end of each accreditation term, each campus is visited by accreditation committees who affirm that they are meeting these standards and have a well-developed plan for the school’s future improvement opportunities. In many countries around the world, accreditation is handled by a government entity, however, in the USA, accreditation is managed by several non-profit agencies organized by region. Each accreditation process is unique to the commission that it is affiliated with.
Harmony Science Academy
Harmony Public Schools is a system of 60+ Texas public charter schools that provides rigorous, high-quality education focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Through a caring and collaborative environment, Harmony provides students from traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to excel through project-based learning where they learn the skills necessary to become a contributing global citizen.
In the year 2000, Harmony Public Schools opened its first school in Houston, Texas and still houses central administration in the Houston area. Since expanding, Harmony has grown into all major areas of Texas, forming seven distinct regions (or districts).
Mission: Harmony prepares each and every student for college and career by providing a safe, caring and collaborative atmosphere and a quality student-centered educational program with a strong emphasis on STEM.
Vision: Harmony’s vision is to lead our students from the classroom into the world as productive and responsible citizens.
Tuition is not paid for attending a charter school. Harmony Public Schools are public schools, funded by the State of Texas. But, unlike school districts, charter schools like Harmony, do not levy property taxes.
Central Catholic High School
The first boys’ school in San Antonio and still one of the largest all-male private secondary schools in the state of Texas, Central Catholic High School remains a prestigious landmark in San Antonio and a symbol throughout South Texas of teaching excellence.
The school was founded in downtown San Antonio by teaching Brothers of the Society of Mary (Marianists) on March 25, 1852, and although its location has been changed several times to accommodate expansion, the school still is tied closely to mid-city and the historic San Antonio River.
The Society of Mary, a worldwide teaching order, was founded by the Blessed Father William Joseph Chaminade in France in 1817 during the turbulent times of the French Revolution. He re-Christianized southern France through the founding of Sodalities (small Christian communities) that prayed together, studied the Catholic Faith and practice, and did good works for their neighbors to spread the Gospel of Christ. The Society of Mary grew from those Sodalities as young men offered themselves full-time to the work of evangelization. Blessed Father Chaminade determined that working in schools would be the best way to spread Sodalities and the Catholic Faith through the world. As Chaminade said, “we teach only in order to educate.”
“This school originated at a time when San Antonio lacked a boys’ school of any kind. Bishop Jean-Marie Odin obtained teachers in France from the Society of Mary: Nicholas Koenig, Jean-Baptiste Laignounse, and Xavier Mauclerc. Andrew Edel, another Marianist from Ohio, was the principal. San Antonio layman Timothy O’Neil also joined the staff. The school opened March 25, 1852, in two rooms over a livery stable near San Fernando Cathedral. During that winter, the Brothers erected a building near the San Antonio River.
‘Saint Mary’s Institute’ occupied that campus on March 1, 1853, and ended the school year with 100 pupils of various creeds. Enrolled as day students were Anglo, French, German, and Mexican-Americans. South Texas ranch boys attended as boarders. After expanding that building, the Brothers erected others, including a four-story ‘skyscraper’ unique for the 1870’s. St. Mary’s University was an outgrowth in 1893. After several changes of names and facilities, Central Catholic High School, in 1932, become another successor of the pioneer effort.”
Throughout its history, Central Catholic has earned renown as an academic and spiritual leader in values-based education. As a result, through seven generations of graduates, Central Catholic has provided the community with men achieving what is truly good in their roles as citizens. Graduates include doctors, teachers, priests and deacons, businessmen, lawyers, military and political leaders.
Lutheran High School – Best schools in San Antonio
utheran High School of San Antonio (LHS), first conceptualized in 1993 by Lutheran church leaders, was established in 1995 by area Lutheran congregations. The city’s only Lutheran high school, LHS is supported by six congregations of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod forming the Lutheran High School Association.
The high school was originally located on the former Concordia Lutheran Church campus on Basse Road. In 1998, when Concordia relocated, the church sold the property to Lutheran High School where the school remained until 2004.
In 2001, the school board developed a five-year strategic plan that included a move to a new permanent location by 2006. Beginning in 2004, the school’s leadership team worked with B&A architects to develop a master plan for new facilities which include classrooms, athletic facilities, a library, auditorium and dining hall. In the same year, the high school moved to the Methodist Mission Home on Whitby Road and operated out of temporary modular structures for two school years.
In 2005, the high school launched the “Upon this Rock” capital campaign and raised nearly $1 million, which allowed the high school to acquire the current 54-acre property at 18104 Babcock Road on the city’s Northwest Side.
In 2008, LHS announced the receipt of a $3 million gift from The Greehey Family Foundation to fund new construction of Phase I of the school’s campus. The donation, the single largest gift ever received by LHS, was used to construct the first permanent structure which includes classrooms, a dining area, gymnasium, and athletic amenities. To recognize the importance of the gift, school officials also announced that the school will be renamed “Lutheran High School – The Greehey Campus.”
More recently, Lutheran High School received a substantial donation for Athletic Facilities. Our dual-use football/soccer field and baseball field were completed in Spring 2018, allowing Mustangs to play true home games on fields for the first time since moving to our new home in Northwest San Antonio.
Lutheran High School (LHS) challenges traditional approaches to education to achieve exceptional results. The school believes that all students have the potential to become leaders, innovators, and agents of change. LHS rejects the status quo because it recognizes that when students are engaged with a customized college-preparatory curriculum and the most advanced classroom tools, they grow dramatically in knowledge, skills, and character.
The school takes pride in its alumni, who have gone on to become leaders across a wide range of fields and organizations. Graduates of LHS are making an impact in San Antonio, throughout Texas, and beyond, pursuing careers in medicine, engineering, marine biology, pharmacy, urban farming, and church leadership.
Committed to developing student leaders in the classroom, church, and community, Lutheran High School is known for producing many of San Antonio’s top student leaders. This success is rooted in the school’s dedication to creating a challenging and transformative educational experience.