Families often begin their school search wondering: Are all Catholic schools private? It’s an essential question for anyone trying to understand how Catholic schools fit into the larger education landscape in the United States.
The short answer is yes. Catholic schools across the country operate as private institutions. They are supported through tuition, donations, parish or diocesan assistance, and community fundraising. They do not operate as part of the public school system. However, with the approval of Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), families may now use state-provided education funds to help cover tuition at eligible Catholic schools. This means schools remain fully private while families receive new financial support.
This independence allows Catholic schools to preserve a strong faith‑centered identity and a learning environment grounded in virtue, service, and academic excellence.
How Catholic Schools Operate
Most Catholic schools function under the oversight of a parish, diocese, or religious order, with approval from the local bishop. And while these schools teach from a Catholic worldview, they welcome students from many backgrounds who desire a values-based, mission-driven education.
This structure—faithful, community-supported, and independently governed—is what defines a Catholic school in Irving, TX as a private institution.
How TEFA Expands Access for Families
Because Catholic schools rely on tuition and community support rather than government funding, affordability has always been an important factor for families. The arrival of TEFA brings a significant shift in what’s possible.
Instead of replacing what Catholic schools already provide, TEFA helps families bridge the gap. Eligible students receive an annual deposit into an education savings account that can be used for approved private-school educational expenses.
For families considering The Highlands School, this may include approximately $10,000 per year toward tuition for students without a disability. In comparison, students with an IEP or a diagnosed disability may qualify for up to $30,000 annually, depending on individual eligibility.
Unlike traditional financial aid, TEFA also covers a wide range of learning supports—such as therapies, online programs, textbooks, uniforms, and other approved materials. This flexibility allows families to choose a Catholic education without sacrificing the personalized support their child may need. The program is also designed with accessibility in mind, giving priority to lower- to moderate-income households and to students with special learning needs.
For many families who have long desired a faith-centered school community, TEFA opens a door that once felt out of reach.
Why This Matters for Families
Catholic schools offer something distinct: smaller class sizes, a stable culture, strong academics, and a community that shapes character alongside knowledge. Families often choose Catholic education because they want a place where faith and learning reinforce one another every day.
With TEFA, more families can experience that blend of spiritual formation, academic growth, and personal attention without carrying the full financial burden alone. This program supports the mission of making high-quality, character-rich education accessible to more students.
Choosing the Right Path for Your Child
So when families ask if all Catholic schools are private, the answer is yes. And now, with TEFA launching for the 2026–2027 school year, Catholic education becomes an even more attainable option for Texas families looking for purpose, stability, and a deeply supportive school community.
If you’d like to learn more about The Highlands School or how TEFA may apply to your family, we’d be happy to talk with you. Call our admissions team, visit campus, or schedule a tour to get personalized answers and see what a Christ-centered education looks like in action.