The Best Private Schools in Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bartlesville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John Catholic School
Diocese of Tulsa
St. John Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving Bartlesville for over six decades. The school offers comprehensive education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with low student-teacher ratios, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including music, art, and competitive sports. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with a reputation for developing well-rounded students prepared for high school success.
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Holland Hall School
Independent School
While located in Tulsa (approximately 45 minutes from Bartlesville), Holland Hall serves as a premier regional private school attracting families from throughout northeastern Oklahoma. This prestigious independent school offers comprehensive education from Pre-K through 12th grade with exceptional academic programs including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses. The 162-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. With small class sizes, highly qualified faculty, and a track record of graduates attending top universities nationwide, Holland Hall represents one of the top private educational options serving the greater Bartlesville region.
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Bartlesville Wesleyan College
Wesleyan Church
Bartlesville Wesleyan College provides a comprehensive Christian education from elementary through high school levels. The institution emphasizes college preparatory academics within a faith-based environment, featuring advanced placement courses, dual credit opportunities, and strong fine arts programs. The campus includes modern academic facilities, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Known for its strong community atmosphere and dedicated faculty, the school focuses on character development alongside academic excellence, with graduates consistently achieving high college acceptance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bartlesville, Oklahoma
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Bartlesville, Oklahoma?
Bartlesville offers a few distinct private school options, each with a different focus. For a traditional K-8 Catholic education, St. John Catholic School is the primary choice. For families seeking a Protestant Christian environment, Bartlesville Wesleyan College (often referred to as OKWU) offers a K-12 academy integrated with its college campus. It's important to note that Holland Hall School is actually located in Tulsa, about 45 minutes away, and is a common consideration for Bartlesville families willing to commute for its prestigious Pre-K through 12th grade program. The private school landscape in Bartlesville is characterized by smaller, faith-based institutions rather than a wide array of large independent schools.
How does tuition for private schools in Bartlesville, OK, compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at Bartlesville's private schools is generally at or slightly below the Oklahoma state average for private education, reflecting the area's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, St. John Catholic School's tuition is approximately $5,000-$7,000, while Bartlesville Wesleyan College Academy's tuition ranges from $6,000 to $9,000 depending on grade level. Both schools offer need-based financial aid, scholarships, and multi-child discounts. Additionally, Oklahoma's Tax Credit Scholarship program, which allows donors to receive tax credits for funding scholarships, is a key resource for eligible families to reduce out-of-pocket costs at these qualifying private schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Bartlesville private schools offer that leverage local resources?
Bartlesville private schools capitalize on the city's unique corporate and cultural heritage. Given Bartlesville's history as the home of Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips, schools like Bartlesville Wesleyan College Academy often have strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) initiatives and connections to local engineers for mentorship. St. John Catholic School integrates community service projects with local organizations like the Bartlesville Salvation Army and Mary Martha Outreach. Furthermore, both schools utilize local amenities like the Bartlesville Community Center and the Price Tower for arts education, and some participate in athletic conferences with other small private schools in northeast Oklahoma.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Bartlesville, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process in Bartlesville typically begins in January or February for the following fall semester, with re-enrollment for current families taking priority. St. John Catholic School and Bartlesville Wesleyan College Academy both require an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview or campus visit. Due to their smaller sizes, some grades—particularly early elementary—can fill quickly, leading to waitlists. It's advisable to initiate inquiries by November. Unlike larger urban districts, Bartlesville private schools often have more rolling admission flexibility if spaces remain available, but early application is strongly recommended for guaranteed placement.
For a family considering both public and private options, what are the defining characteristics of the Bartlesville Public School District versus the local private schools?
The Bartlesville Public School District (BPSD) is a large, comprehensive district with multiple elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school (Bartlesville High School) known for robust AP course offerings, a renowned band program, and diverse extracurriculars. The local private schools, by contrast, offer much smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), a specific faith-based education integrated into the daily curriculum, and a close-knit community feel. The decision often hinges on priorities: BPSD provides greater scale and program variety, while private schools in Bartlesville offer personalized attention and a values-based environment. Transportation is also a key differentiator, as BPSD provides busing, whereas private schools typically require parent-provided transportation.
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