TEFA Approved Private Schools: San Antonio Tuition Comparison 2025

TLDR: TEFA-approved private schools in San Antonio range from roughly $6,000 to $19,000+ in annual tuition, depending on grade level and school. Most families should budget for application fees ($50–$200), enrollment deposits, and technology/supplies on top of listed tuition. Using this comparison to align school costs with your family's actual budget—not just the advertised price—saves time and prevents application disappointment.

What Does TEFA Approval Mean?

TEFA (Texas Education Finance Advocates) approval indicates a school meets specific operational and financial standards set by the organization. It's a credibility marker, not a government license. Parents often use TEFA status to narrow their private school search and feel more confident about a school's track record and governance. However, TEFA approval doesn't guarantee a school is the right fit for your child or your wallet—it just means the school has been vetted by a third party.

Which San Antonio Private Schools Are TEFA Approved?

Several well-established private schools in the San Antonio area hold TEFA approval. The list includes schools across different neighborhoods and serving different age groups, from PreK through 12th grade. Not all private schools in the area are TEFA-approved, so if approval is a must-have for your family, confirm directly with the school before applying.

Below is a working snapshot of TEFA-approved options. Contact each school directly for the most current tuition rates, as fees change annually and may vary by grade level or program.

How Do Tuition Costs Break Down by School?

Keystone School (North Central San Antonio)

Keystone serves grades 6–12 in an independent, college-prep setting. Enrollment sits around 400 students. 2025 tuition for high school runs approximately $18,000–$19,000 per year. The school emphasizes small class sizes and individualized attention. Application fee is typically $150. Families should expect additional costs for technology, field trips, and athletics if your student participates.

Holy Cross of San Antonio (Olmos Park)

Holy Cross is a PreK–12 Catholic school near Olmos Park with roughly 700 students across all grades. Tuition ranges widely: PreK around $8,000, elementary around $10,000–$12,000, middle school near $13,000, and high school around $14,000–$15,000 per year. The school is selective and offers need-based financial aid. Application fee is approximately $75. Many families also factor in a uniform allowance and religion curriculum fees.

St. Mary's Hall (Olmos Park)

St. Mary's Hall serves PreK–12 with a total enrollment near 800 students. It sits in the Olmos Park neighborhood and markets itself toward college-prep families. Tuition runs from roughly $10,500 (lower elementary) to $18,500 (high school) annually. The application fee is around $150. The school offers merit scholarships and need-based aid, so your out-of-pocket cost may be lower than the sticker price if you qualify. Plan for athletics costs, arts fees, and technology charges on top of tuition.

Cornerstone Christian Academy (Northeast San Antonio)

Cornerstone serves K–12 in northeast San Antonio with an enrollment of approximately 400–500 students. Tuition is positioned lower than the elite prep schools: roughly $6,500–$8,500 for elementary, $9,000–$10,500 for middle, and $10,500–$12,000 for high school. It's a non-denominational Christian school, so families should align with its faith-based curriculum. Application fee is typically $100–$150.

San Antonio Christian School (North San Antonio)

San Antonio Christian School operates PreK–12 with around 600 students. Tuition is comparable to Cornerstone: roughly $7,500–$9,000 for elementary, $10,000–$11,500 for middle, and $11,500–$13,500 for high school. The school emphasizes character development alongside academics. Application fees run $100–$125. Financial aid is available; families should ask about scholarship opportunities during the application process.

What Hidden Costs Shouldn't You Forget?

Tuition is only part of the picture. Nearly every private school charges additional fees that can add 10–20% to the annual cost:

• Application fee: $50–$200 per school, non-refundable.
• Enrollment or registration deposit: Often $500–$2,000, sometimes credited toward tuition if you enroll.
• Technology/computer fee: $300–$800 per year, depending on the school's device policies.
• Uniform cost: $300–$600 initial purchase; plan for replacements.
• Athletics: $200–$1,500 per sport, per year (club sports often cost more).
• Field trips and activities: $100–$500+ annually.
• Before/after care or extended day: $2,000–$5,000 per year if you need it.

Ask each school for a full "cost of attendance" breakdown before you apply. Many publish this on their websites or will send it upon request.

Do These Schools Offer Financial Aid?

Most TEFA-approved schools in San Antonio offer some form of financial aid, though the amount and availability vary widely. Holy Cross, St. Mary's Hall, and San Antonio Christian School are known to award both merit scholarships (based on academic or athletic performance) and need-based aid (based on your family's demonstrated financial need).

Financial aid packages typically cover 10–30% of tuition for middle-income families, though some families with higher need or strong academics may see larger awards. Aid is not guaranteed, and the earlier you apply, the better your chances of receiving it.

When you contact a school, ask:

• What percentage of families receive aid?
• What's the average aid package?
• Do you offer merit scholarships, and what are the criteria?
• When do you notify families of aid decisions?

How Do You Compare Schools Beyond Tuition?

Price alone won't tell you if a school fits your family. Before committing to applications and fees, consider:

• Location and commute: Drive time matters, especially for younger kids or families with multiple students at different schools.
• Curriculum philosophy: Do they emphasize traditional academics, project-based learning, STEM, arts, or faith?
• Class size: Ask about student-to-teacher ratios in the grades your child will attend.
• Extracurriculars: Are sports, arts, or clubs included, or are they extra fees?
• Admission selectivity: Will your child be a competitive applicant? Ask about acceptance rates if available.
• Parent involvement: Some schools expect significant volunteer hours; others don't.
• College counseling (if high school): How many counselors per student? What's the college acceptance profile?

Visit each school in person during an open house or scheduled tour. Talk to current parents, not just admissions staff. You'll learn more about culture and reality than any website will tell you.

What's the Application Timeline for 2025?

Most San Antonio private schools operate on a rolling admissions basis, meaning they review applications as they arrive and fill spots until capacity is reached. However, many have unofficial "deadline windows" in the fall and winter.

Timeline overview:

• July–August: Schools release admission info and open applications.
• September–November: Peak application months; schools may hold open houses.
• December–January: Many schools send acceptance/wait-list decisions.
• Spring: Latecomers can still apply, but class spots may be filling.

If you're seriously interested, apply early. Waiting until January or February limits your options, especially at oversubscribed schools like St. Mary's Hall or Keystone.

FAQ

Do TEFA-approved schools cost less than non-approved private schools in San Antonio?

Not necessarily. TEFA approval is a governance marker, not a price signal. Some non-approved private schools charge similar or lower tuition than TEFA schools. Use TEFA status as a credibility filter, but compare prices school-by-school.

Can I apply to multiple TEFA-approved schools at once?

Yes, and most families do. Apply to 2–4 schools that fit your budget and preferences. Each application costs $50–$200 in fees, so balance your choices. You can decide after acceptance letters arrive.

Are there tax breaks or savings accounts for private school tuition?

Texas doesn't have a state tax credit for private school tuition. However, families can use a 529 college savings plan to save for K–12 tuition (up to $235,000 per beneficiary). If your student transfers to public school or college later, 529 funds can cover college costs. Consult a tax professional to confirm your eligibility.

What if my child doesn't get in, or I change my mind?

Application fees and enrollment deposits are generally non-refundable. If you're accepted but decide not to enroll, you may lose your deposit. Some schools allow a brief rescission period (usually 7–10 days) to withdraw without penalty. Check each school's terms before you apply.

Do I need to apply to private school in the fall, or can I switch mid-year?

Most private schools fill spots in the fall, but mid-year transfers do happen if a spot opens. If you're considering a switch after school starts, contact admissions directly. You'll have fewer options, and tuition for the remainder of the year is usually non-refundable.

Choosing a private school is a meaningful financial and educational decision. Use this tuition comparison to understand the range of costs, but also invest time visiting schools, talking to families, and aligning your choice with your values and budget. The right school for your family isn't always the most expensive one—it's the one that meets your needs and that you can actually afford.