The Best Private Schools in Oxford, Michigan
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
Oxford Academy & Performing Arts
Independent
Oxford Academy & Performing Arts is a highly-regarded local private school offering a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with a strong emphasis on performing arts education. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a robust arts program that includes theater, music, and dance. Students benefit from advanced placement courses, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and modern facilities that support both academic and artistic development. The school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and student achievement in the Oxford community.
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St. Mary's Preparatory
Archdiocese of Detroit
Located just 15 minutes from Oxford in Orchard Lake, St. Mary's Preparatory is one of Michigan's oldest and most prestigious Catholic college preparatory schools. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, competitive athletics programs, and comprehensive fine arts education. With a historic campus featuring state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes, St. Mary's provides a well-rounded education focused on character development and academic excellence. The school serves students from Oxford and throughout Oakland County.
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Oakland Christian School
Independent Christian
Oakland Christian School, located approximately 15 minutes from Oxford in Auburn Hills, offers a comprehensive PreK-12 Christian education with strong college preparatory programs. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with biblical worldview, modern STEM facilities, competitive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With small class sizes, dedicated Christian faculty, and a focus on character development, Oakland Christian provides a nurturing environment that emphasizes academic excellence and spiritual growth. The school serves families from Oxford and surrounding communities with transportation options available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Oxford, Michigan
What are the primary private school options available within or directly serving the Oxford, Michigan community?
The Oxford area is primarily served by three notable private institutions. **Oxford Academy & Performing Arts** is a local private school focusing on a college-prep curriculum integrated with the arts. **St. Mary's Preparatory**, located in nearby Orchard Lake, is a prestigious all-boys Catholic college preparatory school that draws many students from Oxford. **Oakland Christian School** in Auburn Hills is a non-denominational Christian school serving families in the region, including Oxford. While only Oxford Academy is physically located within the township, St. Mary's and Oakland Christian are established options for Oxford families seeking private education, each offering distinct religious and philosophical approaches.
How does tuition for private schools in the Oxford, MI area compare, and are there Michigan-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly among Oxford-area private schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Oakland Christian School's tuition ranges approximately from $9,000 to $11,000, St. Mary's Preparatory is around $16,000, and Oxford Academy & Performing Arts is typically in the $8,000-$10,000 range. Michigan offers specific aid options that Oxford parents can utilize. The most significant is the **Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) 529 plan**, where withdrawals for K-12 tuition are tax-free. Additionally, some schools participate in the **Michigan Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, where donations to scholarship-granting organizations can fund need-based scholarships. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's financial aid office about institutional aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular specializations do private schools near Oxford, Michigan offer?
The private schools near Oxford provide distinct specializations that cater to different student interests. **Oxford Academy & Performing Arts** uniquely emphasizes a performing arts-integrated curriculum, with robust programs in theatre, music, and dance alongside academics. **St. Mary's Preparatory** offers a rigorous classical curriculum with a strong focus on leadership, advanced STEM programs, and a renowned international baccalaureate (IB) diploma option. **Oakland Christian School** provides a comprehensive Bible-based education with strong athletics and arts programs, emphasizing character development. For Oxford families, this means options ranging from arts immersion and IB world schooling to faith-based learning, all within a reasonable commute.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Oxford, MI families?
The enrollment process for Oxford-area private schools generally begins in the fall prior to the desired school year. **Open Houses** are typically held between October and January. **Application deadlines** for priority consideration often fall between January and March, with rolling admissions thereafter if spaces remain. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house/tour, 2) Submitting an application and fee, 3) Providing academic records and teacher recommendations, 4) Completing a student assessment or shadow day (required by most schools), and 5) For faith-based schools, possibly an interview with school leadership. St. Mary's Prep, due to its competitive nature, has an earlier and more structured timeline. We recommend initiating contact with schools by November to ensure you meet all deadlines.
For an Oxford resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district with area private schools?
Oxford Community Schools is a well-regarded public district, so the decision often comes down to specific family priorities. Key considerations include: **Class Size:** Private schools near Oxford often have significantly smaller class sizes (e.g., 15-20 students) compared to public classrooms. **Educational Approach:** Private schools offer specialized philosophies (college-prep, Catholic, arts-integrated, Christian) that are not available in the comprehensive public system. **Cost vs. Value:** This involves weighing the annual tuition against the perceived value of specialized programs, religious education, or a different social environment. **Logistics:** Oxford public schools provide neighborhood busing, while private schools usually require parent transportation, which is a factor for commutes to Orchard Lake or Auburn Hills. Many Oxford families choose private options for a specific mission alignment that outweighs the cost and commute.
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