The Best Private Schools in Oxford, Alabama
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Oxford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School
Diocese of Birmingham
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School is a highly-regarded private school serving the Oxford-Anniston area with a classical Catholic education model. The school offers comprehensive academic programs from Pre-K through 8th grade, emphasizing faith formation alongside rigorous academics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and excellent student-teacher ratios. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports, music, art, and various clubs that enrich the educational experience.
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The Donoho School
Independent
The Donoho School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the Oxford-Anniston metropolitan area. With a 70-year history of academic excellence, Donoho offers a rigorous curriculum including numerous Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive STEM programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, with strong college placement records and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic teams and award-winning arts programs.
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Trinity Christian Academy
Independent Christian
Trinity Christian Academy is a well-established Christian school located directly in Oxford, offering comprehensive education from Pre-K through 12th grade. The school provides a college-preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview teaching across all subjects. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, computer labs, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school is known for its family atmosphere, strong academic foundation, and commitment to developing students spiritually and academically. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports, fine arts, and various student organizations that serve the local community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Oxford, Alabama
What are the primary private school options available for families in Oxford, Alabama, and what are their core educational philosophies?
In Oxford, Alabama, families have several established private school options, each with distinct characteristics. **Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School** offers a faith-based, K-8 education rooted in Catholic values. **The Donoho School**, located in nearby Annapolis but serving the Oxford community, is a college-preparatory, non-sectarian day school for grades K-12, known for its rigorous academics and extensive extracurriculars. **Trinity Christian Academy** provides a Protestant Christian education from a biblical worldview for students in K3-12th grade. While Oxford's immediate city limits have a limited number of campuses, many families also consider reputable private schools in neighboring Anniston and the broader Calhoun County area, making school choice a regional consideration.
How does tuition for private schools in the Oxford, AL area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Oxford area is generally competitive and often below the national average for private education, reflecting Alabama's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition can range from approximately $6,000 to $12,000 annually, depending on the grade level and school. Most schools, including The Donoho School and Trinity Christian Academy, offer need-based financial aid, sibling discounts, and payment plans. Alabama also has two state-sponsored programs that can assist eligible families: the **Alabama Accountability Act** scholarship program for students in failing public schools and the **Education Scholarship** (formerly the "Alabama Tax Credit Scholarship") for families meeting certain income requirements. It's essential to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current tuition schedules and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Oxford-area private schools offer that leverage local resources or community partnerships?
Private schools in the Oxford area often design programs that utilize the region's academic, cultural, and industrial assets. The Donoho School, for example, has a strong emphasis on STEM and often partners with local entities like the Anniston Museums and the McClellan development for science and technology initiatives. Given the proximity to Jacksonville State University, some schools facilitate dual enrollment opportunities for high school students. Athletic programs frequently compete in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and have local rivalries that foster community spirit. Furthermore, schools like Sacred Heart and Trinity integrate community service into their curricula, partnering with local churches, food banks, and charities in Calhoun County, grounding education in local civic engagement.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Oxford, Alabama, and are there key deadlines parents should know?
The enrollment process for Oxford-area private schools typically begins in the winter for the following fall semester. Key steps and timelines include: **January-February:** Open houses and campus tours are held. **February-March:** Application deadlines, which often require submission of records, teacher recommendations, and student assessments or interviews. **March-April:** Admissions decisions and financial aid award notifications are sent out. **April-May:** Enrollment contracts and deposits are due to secure a spot. It is crucial to apply early, as some grades, particularly kindergarten and early elementary, may have waiting lists. Many schools also host summer orientation programs. We recommend contacting your school of interest by November or December to get on their inquiry list and receive specific deadline information.
For families considering both options, what are some notable differences between the Oxford City School District public schools and the local private school alternatives?
The decision between Oxford City Schools and local private institutions involves several key differences. **Class Size:** Private schools in the area typically offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) compared to public schools, allowing for more individualized attention. **Curriculum & Flexibility:** Private schools have the autonomy to offer specialized curricula (e.g., classical, faith-based, intensive college-prep) and are not bound by all state-mandated testing schedules, though they may use standardized tests for benchmarking. **Extracurriculars:** While Oxford High School boasts strong public school athletic programs (notably football), private schools may offer a different range of activities, sometimes with a focus on arts or specific clubs. **Cost:** The most obvious difference is tuition versus free public education. Ultimately, the choice depends on a family's priorities for educational philosophy, community environment, and specific student needs within the context of the Oxford community.