For Southlake families who value excellence in education and Christian values, a new option is emerging that combines the best of both — and makes it surprisingly affordable. St. Peter School is launching its founding kindergarten program in Fall 2026, and as one of the few ESA-accepted Christian schools in the area, it offers Southlake families access to up to $10,474 per student per year in Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) funding. Located just minutes away in Northlake, Texas, St. Peter brings together dual accreditation, small class sizes, and a faith-centered curriculum in a brand-new facility designed from the ground up for young learners.
Texas ESA Makes Premium Christian Education Accessible
Southlake families are no strangers to investing in their children's education. But even for families accustomed to high-quality options, the cost of private Christian education can add up quickly — particularly at established schools in the area where kindergarten tuition can range from $12,000 to well over $24,000 per year.
The Texas Education Freedom Accounts program changes that calculation significantly. Created by the Texas Legislature in 2025 through Senate Bill 2, TEFA provides eligible families with $10,474 per student annually to cover private school tuition and approved educational expenses at participating schools (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts). For families with children who have disabilities and an IEP on file, funding can reach up to $30,000 per year.
St. Peter School is an approved TEFA-participating school, which means Southlake families can apply that $10,474 directly toward their child's kindergarten tuition. The result? A high-quality, dual-accredited, faith-based education for a fraction of what comparable programs cost in the Southlake area — and potentially far less than what many families currently spend on aftercare, enrichment, and supplemental programming alongside public school.
The TEFA application window runs from February 4 through March 17, 2026. Applications are submitted through the Odyssey portal at educationfreedom.texas.gov. This is not a first-come, first-served process — every application submitted within the window receives equal consideration. Funding notifications begin in early April 2026, with initial funds available July 1, 2026 (TEFA Parent Application Guide).
Why Southlake Families Are Looking at St. Peter School
Southlake is a community defined by high expectations — for academics, for character, and for the overall quality of the educational experience. St. Peter School's kindergarten program was designed with exactly those expectations in mind.
What draws Southlake families to St. Peter isn't just the ESA affordability — it's the combination of factors that are difficult to find in a single program elsewhere. A brand-new 22,000 square foot facility with modern learning spaces built specifically for young students. A maximum of 20 students per class, with the founding year likely to be even smaller. Dual accreditation that verifies educational quality through independent external review. And a faith-centered approach that develops not just academic competence, but the character, empathy, and sense of purpose that Southlake families want for their children.
The school's proximity to Southlake — approximately 15 to 20 minutes via Highway 114 — makes the daily commute practical. And because St. Peter's kindergarten is a full-time, five-day-per-week program, working families can rely on a consistent schedule without the complexity of hybrid or part-time arrangements.
Dual Accreditation: Verified Excellence
For families who expect accountability and transparency from their child's school, accreditation is a non-negotiable. St. Peter School holds dual accreditation from two respected bodies, providing quality assurance at both the state and national level.
National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) is St. Peter's national accreditation, earned in September 2025 and valid through August 2030. The NLSA process involves a comprehensive self-study by the school followed by an on-site evaluation from a visiting accreditation committee. It recognizes schools that demonstrate a high-quality program of Christian education across curriculum, instruction, student services, and school operations.
Lutheran School Accreditation Commission (LSAC) provides St. Peter's state-level accreditation, adding an additional layer of quality verification specific to the Texas educational context.
Together, these accreditations demonstrate that St. Peter's program has been evaluated and approved by credentialed external reviewers — not just the school's own internal assessment. For Southlake families accustomed to doing their due diligence, dual accreditation provides a verified standard of excellence that sets St. Peter apart from unaccredited or single-accredited alternatives in the area.
Accreditation also matters for TEFA participation. Approved schools must be accredited by an accreditor recognized by the Texas Education Agency or the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission — a standard St. Peter meets through its NLSA and LSAC credentials.
A Kindergarten Program Designed for Excellence
St. Peter's kindergarten curriculum reflects the same standards of rigor that Southlake families expect. The program focuses on core knowledge in literacy, mathematics, science, and language development, aligned with Texas Education Agency standards, while integrating daily religion lessons and a faith-centered culture that develops the whole child.
The school's philosophy — developing "Scholars, Servants, and Saints to the Glory of God" — isn't a slogan. It's a framework that shapes every aspect of the kindergarten experience. Academic excellence is pursued alongside spiritual formation, character development, and opportunities for service. Children learn to think critically, treat others with compassion, and approach the world with both confidence and humility.
Research consistently supports this kind of integrated approach. The landmark Tennessee STAR study found that students in smaller kindergarten classes outperformed peers in larger classes in both math and reading, with benefits persisting for years afterward (Brookings Institution).
Meanwhile, a major study published in the American Journal of Public Health demonstrated that children's social-emotional skills in kindergarten were a significant predictor of outcomes in education, employment, and well-being well into adulthood (Jones, Greenberg, & Crowley, 2015). St. Peter's combination of small class sizes and intentional social-emotional development through faith directly addresses both of these research-backed priorities.
The Founding Class: An Exclusive Opportunity
Fall 2026 marks a one-time opportunity for Southlake families: the chance to enroll their child in St. Peter School's first-ever kindergarten class. As a founding class, this inaugural cohort carries distinct advantages that won't be available in the same way in future years.
The founding class is expected to be smaller than the already-small 20-student cap, creating an exceptionally intimate learning environment with extraordinary individualized attention. Children in this cohort will form the bonds and culture that define the school for years to come. There's a genuine sense of community and shared purpose that comes from being part of something built from its beginning.
St. Peter is transparent about its growth plan: kindergarten opens Fall 2026, first grade opens Fall 2027, and one additional grade is added each year through fifth grade. A child who enters the 2026 founding class will have every subsequent grade available exactly when they need it. Current students always receive enrollment priority as new grades open.
For families already enrolled in St. Peter's preschool (ages 2–5), the kindergarten launch means a seamless continuation of the educational experience their child already knows and loves — no transition to an unfamiliar school during a critical developmental period. For new families, St. Peter's established track record in early childhood education provides confidence that the kindergarten program is built on a proven foundation. Learn more about the teachers and staff who make this program possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is St. Peter School from Southlake?
St. Peter School is located at 15701 Cleveland Gibbs Road in Northlake, Texas, approximately 15 to 20 minutes from most Southlake neighborhoods via Highway 114. The commute is straightforward and practical for daily school transportation.
How much will I pay out of pocket with ESA?
With TEFA funding of $10,474 applied toward kindergarten tuition, your out-of-pocket cost will be significantly reduced. Exact amounts depend on the school's tuition rate for 2026-2027. Visit the tuition and fees page for current rates. St. Peter also offers a multi-child discount of 2% on tuition for additional enrolled children.
How do I apply for the Texas ESA?
Applications are submitted through the Odyssey portal at educationfreedom.texas.gov. The application window runs February 4 through March 17, 2026. You'll need your Texas driver's license or state ID, Social Security Numbers for yourself and your child, and your 2024 or 2025 IRS Form 1040. The application takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
Is the kindergarten program full-time?
Yes. St. Peter's kindergarten program is a full-time, five-day-per-week program with no hybrid or part-time components. It's designed for working families who need a consistent, reliable educational setting.
What accreditations does St. Peter School hold?
St. Peter holds dual accreditation through the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) at the national level and the Lutheran School Accreditation Commission (LSAC) at the state level. Both were earned in September 2025, with NLSA accreditation valid through August 2030.
What grades will be available after kindergarten?
First grade opens Fall 2027, with one additional grade added each year through fifth grade. Current students receive enrollment priority for each new grade as it opens, ensuring your child's continued pathway is protected as the school grows.
Schedule a Tour
The best way to experience what St. Peter School offers is to see it firsthand. We invite Southlake families to tour our new facility, meet our educators, explore the kindergarten curriculum, and learn how TEFA funding can make this high-quality Christian education both excellent and accessible. Whether you're already navigating the ESA application or just beginning to explore your kindergarten options for Fall 2026, a tour is the ideal place to start. Schedule your tour today.
St. Peter Church & School
15701 Cleveland Gibbs Rd, Northlake, TX 76262
(817) 491-2010