A family preparing to move to Arlington due to a job transfer prioritized researching schools before finding a home. This order may seem unusual, but the admission process for private schools often takes longer than securing a housing contract.

A frequently mentioned institution in Arlington is The Oakridge School. Tuition varies by grade level: $17,450 for Pre-K, $19,650 for kindergarten, $25,790 for grades 1-4, $29,300 for grades 5-8, and $30,250 for grades 9-12. In simpler terms, tuition increases in a tiered manner as students advance in grade. The average SAT score is 1280, and the ACT average is 28, with 100 percent of graduates in the last five years being accepted into four-year colleges. There are 21 AP courses offered, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 10 to 1. The school emphasizes that 60 percent of its teachers hold master's degrees or higher. These statistics have led to the school's name being frequently mentioned among families considering a move in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

There are three main items to check in order. First is the timing of admission. Private schools typically begin their admission process in the fall of the previous year, so families need to act ahead of their moving date. Second is the additional costs beyond tuition. Third is the commuting distance; Oakridge is located in downtown Arlington, making it generally accessible from nearby areas. If families prioritize signing a housing contract without following this order, they may end up on a school waiting list, resulting in longer commute times.

Looking at housing costs, according to RentCafe data, the average rent in Arlington as of August 2026 is $1,359. This is a 0.06 percent decrease compared to a year ago, indicating little change. The average apartment size is reported to be 843 square feet. This figure represents the overall average for the city, so it's advisable to check individual listings near Oakridge for accuracy. In simpler terms, if families base their budget solely on the citywide average, they may find discrepancies with actual property prices near the school. Considering renting first while completing the admission process and then transitioning to buying a home is also a viable option.

Texas has no state income tax, but property tax rates are generally higher than in other states, so overlooking this aspect could lead to a larger tax burden than expected. Families should refer to GreatSchools or Niche ratings for school districts, but since boundaries frequently change, it's important to verify the assigned school for a specific address before purchasing. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with professionals before signing any contracts.

In summary, the order of steps is as follows: first, check the school admission process; next, calculate tuition and additional costs; then, find rental or purchase listings in areas that allow for commuting within that budget. The Dallas-Fort Worth area offers many nearby cities in addition to Arlington, providing a wide range of options, so comparing various neighborhoods within about a 30-minute radius of Oakridge can be beneficial. In simpler terms, this means expanding the potential living area while keeping the school as the focal point. Texas is a region with many families relocating from other states, so real estate agents and school admissions staff are generally familiar with the procedures for out-of-state moves, which is reassuring. In summary, Oakridge's tuition ranges from $17,450 to $30,250 by grade level, and it has a track record of 100 percent of graduates being accepted into four-year colleges over the past five years. Knowing these figures in advance can make consultations much easier and help narrow down rental or purchase listings based on commuting distance. Allowing ample time for the moving date is ultimately the most reliable and safest approach.