As soon as the move to Houston was confirmed, one family prioritized finding a school over a home. With only about two months to relocate, they felt that without selecting a school for their child, they wouldn't even know which neighborhood to consider.

Let's look at the numbers. For the 2026-27 school year, St. John's School has tuition rates of $32,125 for elementary, $36,370 for middle school, and $38,530 for high school. These figures represent more than just the total tuition costs. They also reflect the school's ranking: 1st among Texas private high schools, 5th among private schools from preschool through 12th grade nationwide, and 13th among private high schools in the U.S., according to Niche.com's 2024 ratings. The median SAT score for the graduating class of 2024 was 1530, based on a maximum of 1600 points.

This school is located in the River Oaks area of Houston. When looking at where students actually live, River Oaks and West University Place are the most frequently mentioned neighborhoods. According to 2024 data from City-data.com, the median home value in West University Place exceeds $1 million, with a median rent of $3,608. In contrast, when looking at the broader Houston area, the median home value drops to $301,200, and the median rent falls to $1,408.

Even within Houston, the situation varies significantly depending on the area. Neighborhoods close to schools, like West University or River Oaks, have higher property values that exceed three times the city average, while neighborhoods further away may have lower prices but require longer commutes.

This family ultimately chose to minimize their commute time. Considering the nearly two-hour traffic congestion typical in Texas summers, they felt the daily burden of driving their child to school outweighed the difference in rent. However, this choice may not be the best option for every family. If the goal is to invest for property appreciation, it might be more advantageous to explore nearby areas with growth potential rather than focusing solely on school districts.

Texas, where Houston is located, has no state income tax but has high property tax rates. Families moving from other states may overlook this aspect, especially in neighborhoods like West University, where high property values lead to larger tax bills.

When looking at school rankings on sites like Niche, it's important to check the criteria used for the rankings. Depending on whether the ranking reflects only academic performance or includes facilities and extracurricular activities, the same school may have different rankings. Reviewing specific metrics like median SAT scores can aid in making informed decisions.

For investors looking at rental income, it may be beneficial to consider areas adjacent to school district boundaries that are still relatively undervalued, rather than neighborhoods like River Oaks that already have high property values. However, these areas may change due to future school district adjustments, so it's wise to review recent price trends.

The issue of commute times is felt more acutely in a large city like Houston. Most private schools operate limited school bus routes, so the distance between home and school can directly impact daily life as much as tuition costs. It can be helpful to do a trial run during peak commuting hours before moving.

It's also good to know that Houston is divided into several independent school districts. Even within the same city, the assigned school and tax rates can vary depending on which district you belong to, so it's a good habit to check the district name before finalizing an address to avoid mistakes.

School district boundaries and private school attendance zones can change each year. If you have a specific address in mind, be sure to verify the assigned school before signing a lease. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it's recommended to consult real estate and tax professionals before making any agreements.