The Best Private Schools in Washington, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Washington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oxford Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Oxford Christian Academy is a highly-rated classical Christian school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located in nearby Oxford, the school attracts families from Washington and surrounding communities. The academy employs the classical Trivium model of education, combining rigorous academics with Christian worldview integration. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and comprehensive programs in STEM, fine arts, and athletics. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities, providing a well-rounded educational experience with strong parent satisfaction ratings.
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Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Independent Catholic School
Notre Dame Preparatory is a highly-regarded independent Catholic school serving students from preschool through high school. Located just minutes from Washington, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 22 Advanced Placement courses, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, and comprehensive athletic programs. The campus features modern academic buildings, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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St. Mary's Preparatory
Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit
St. Mary's Preparatory is one of Michigan's oldest and most prestigious Catholic college preparatory schools for young men. Located in nearby Orchard Lake, the school serves families throughout Oakland County including Washington. The school offers a challenging academic program with 16 AP courses, competitive athletics, and outstanding STEM facilities including robotics and engineering labs. With a rich tradition of academic excellence, St. Mary's boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes leadership development through its house system and extracurricular programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Washington, Michigan
What are the primary private school options available for families in Washington, Michigan, and what are their educational approaches?
Washington, Michigan, and the surrounding Oakland County area are served by several notable private schools. The top options include Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy (a Catholic, co-educational college-preparatory school in Pontiac, serving grades 9-12 and a separate lower school), St. Mary's Preparatory (an all-boys Catholic college-prep high school in Orchard Lake, with a strong focus on leadership and character), and Oxford Christian Academy (a non-denominational Christian school in Oxford offering a biblical worldview curriculum from preschool through 12th grade). These schools offer distinct religious affiliations and educational philosophies, providing Washington families with choices between single-gender and co-ed environments, as well as different faith-based foundations.
How does tuition for private schools in the Washington, MI, area typically compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition for private schools in the Washington area is generally aligned with or slightly above Michigan's private school averages, reflecting the high-quality facilities and programs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Notre Dame Prep and St. Mary's Prep can range from approximately $15,000 to $18,000 for high school. Oxford Christian Academy may have a slightly lower range. Importantly, Michigan does not have a statewide voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, so most financial aid is provided directly by the schools through need-based grants and merit scholarships. Many schools also offer parish subsidies for active Catholic families and multi-child discounts. It's essential to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Washington, Michigan, that leverage local resources or partnerships?
Private schools in the Washington area leverage their Oakland County location to offer robust programs. Notre Dame Prep features a renowned STEM program and partnerships with local tech companies, while its Marist identity emphasizes service learning within the Detroit metropolitan community. St. Mary's Prep offers a distinctive Aviation Program, utilizing nearby Oakland County International Airport for ground school and flight training. Oxford Christian Academy emphasizes agricultural and environmental science, benefiting from its more rural setting. All schools have strong athletic conferences (like the Catholic High School League) and arts programs that compete and perform regionally, providing students with extensive local networks and opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Notre Dame Prep or St. Mary's Prep for a Washington-based student?
The enrollment process for competitive private high schools in the Washington area begins early. For fall admission, most schools open applications in August or September of the student's 8th-grade year. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held in the fall), submitting an application by a December or January deadline, taking a placement exam (like the HSPT), providing transcripts and teacher recommendations, and completing a family interview. Admission decisions are typically released in February. For elementary grades at schools like Oxford Christian Academy or Notre Dame's lower school, timelines can be more flexible but often have waiting pools, so early inquiry is recommended. Washington residents should note that these schools draw from a wide region, so applying promptly is crucial.
For a family in Washington, Michigan, considering the local public school district (Van Dyke Public Schools), what are the key factors when comparing it to area private schools?
Families in Washington comparing Van Dyke Public Schools to local private options should consider several factors. Academically, private schools like Notre Dame Prep and St. Mary's Prep often boast smaller class sizes, a college-prep focus with near-100% college acceptance rates, and specialized curricula (e.g., religious education, classical, or STEM tracks). Extracurricular offerings may be more concentrated but highly competitive. Financially, it involves weighing the cost of tuition against the no-cost public option. Culturally, private schools offer a specific faith-based or value-driven community, which can be a primary draw. Transportation is another key difference; while Van Dype provides busing, private schools may require carpooling or paid bus services. Many families find the defining factor is the alignment of the school's mission with their family's values and educational goals for their child.
Private Education Insights
Discover Washington & Michigan's Top Private Boarding Schools: A Parent's Guide
For families in Washington, Michigan, considering the full spectrum of private education, the concept of a private boarding school can feel both intriguing and distant. While our immediate community is home to excellent local day schools like Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, St. Mary's Preparatory, and Oxford Christian Academy, understanding the boarding school option is valuable. It expands the horizon of possibilities for your child’s education, especially if you’re seeking a specific academic focus, a global perspective, or a structured environment that fosters profound independence. The decision between a local private day school and a private boarding school is a significant one, deeply rooted in your child’s needs and your family’s dynamics.
The primary consideration for Washington parents is proximity versus immersion. Our local institutions offer robust college-preparatory curricula, faith-based learning, and a strong sense of community, all while your child returns home each evening. This allows for continuous family involvement and support. In contrast, private boarding schools provide a 24/7 learning environment where academics, extracurriculars, and residential life are seamlessly integrated. This model can be transformative for a self-motivated student, teaching time management, personal responsibility, and community living in a way that even the best day school cannot fully replicate. It’s an option worth exploring if your child is passionate about a specialized program—perhaps in the arts, sciences, or athletics—that a particular boarding campus excels in.
Financially, the commitment to a private boarding school is substantial, encompassing tuition, room, and board. For Michigan families, it’s crucial to research schools that offer strong financial aid packages and to understand that many are located outside the state, in New England or the Midwest. However, don’t overlook excellent boarding options within Michigan itself, which can provide a more manageable distance for weekend visits. The social and emotional readiness of your child is paramount. A student who thrives on close family connection may prefer the model of a St. Mary’s Prep, while a highly independent teen might blossom in a boarding school’s diverse, residential setting.
Ultimately, the choice is deeply personal. We recommend starting your exploration close to home. Schedule visits at Notre Dame Prep or Oxford Christian Academy to gauge the high standard of private education available locally. Have open conversations with your child about their learning style and social comfort. If the boarding school idea persists, attend open houses at a few select campuses, perhaps beginning with those within a few hours’ drive. For a Washington family, the journey might not lead to a boarding school enrollment, but being informed empowers you to make the absolute best decision. Whether it’s the familiar halls of a local academy or the expansive campus of a private boarding school, the goal remains the same: finding the environment where your child will grow intellectually, morally, and personally to reach their fullest potential.
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