The Best Private Schools in Burlington, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Burlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Emmanuel Christian School
Emmanuel Christian School
Emmanuel Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the broader Northwest Oklahoma region, including Burlington area families. The school offers comprehensive K-12 education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence integrated with Christian values. Features include small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, competitive athletic programs, and robust fine arts offerings. The school maintains high academic standards with college preparatory focus and has established a strong reputation for character development and community involvement.
Programs:
Oklahoma Bible Academy
Oklahoma Bible Academy
Oklahoma Bible Academy is a prestigious private Christian school that has served Northwest Oklahoma communities for decades, drawing students from Burlington and surrounding areas. The academy provides rigorous college preparatory education within a faith-based environment. The school features modern facilities, experienced faculty, and diverse extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic programs, comprehensive fine arts, and mission outreach programs. OBA is known for its strong academic outcomes and close-knit community atmosphere.
Programs:
St. Joseph Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Oklahoma City
St. Joseph Catholic School is a well-established private institution serving families throughout Northwest Oklahoma, including those from Burlington seeking quality private education. The school offers PreK through 8th grade education with a strong foundation in Catholic values and academic excellence. Features include dedicated certified teachers, modern classroom technology, comprehensive STEM curriculum, and strong community involvement. The school is particularly noted for its family-oriented environment, individualized attention, and preparation of students for success in high school and beyond.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Burlington, Oklahoma
What are the primary private school options available for families in Burlington, Oklahoma, and what are their core affiliations?
Burlington, OK, is served by three main private institutions, each with a distinct character. Emmanuel Christian School offers a Protestant Christian education from a non-denominational perspective. Oklahoma Bible Academy, located in nearby Meno but serving the broader area including Burlington, is a ministry of the Mennonite Brethren Church providing education for grades K-12. St. Joseph Catholic School in nearby Enid (a common destination for Burlington families) provides a faith-based education rooted in the Catholic tradition. Given Burlington's small size, some families also consider private schools in larger nearby towns like Alva or Enid, factoring in commute times.
How does tuition at private schools in the Burlington, Oklahoma, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools serving Burlington tends to be below the national average, reflecting Oklahoma's lower cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, typical annual tuition ranges from approximately $4,000 to $7,000 for elementary grades. Oklahoma offers the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act, which provides tax credits for donors to scholarship-granting organizations. This act funds need-based scholarships that many local families utilize. Additionally, individual schools like Oklahoma Bible Academy and Emmanuel Christian School often have internal scholarship funds and offer multi-child discounts, making private education more accessible for local families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Burlington area offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools in the Burlington area leverage their small size to offer personalized attention and faith-integrated curricula. A notable differentiator is robust agriculture and FFA programs, which align with the region's rural economy. Oklahoma Bible Academy, for instance, has strong agricultural science offerings. Additionally, these schools often emphasize fine arts, including music and drama, as core components of their education. Their faith-based foundations allow for character education and ethics to be woven into all subjects, which is a primary draw for many local parents. Sports programs, while smaller, often feature cooperative agreements allowing students to participate in a wider range of athletic activities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Burlington, Oklahoma, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for schools like Emmanuel Christian School and Oklahoma Bible Academy typically begins in early spring (February-March) for the following academic year. Due to the small class sizes in this rural community, it is advisable to apply as early as possible, though rolling admission is often available if spots remain. The process usually involves an application form, submission of past academic records, a family interview, and a pastoral reference for faith-based schools. While severe waitlists are less common than in urban areas, popular grade levels can fill up. St. Joseph Catholic School in Enid may have a more structured timeline with a priority period for parish families.
For a family in Burlington, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school option?
The key considerations for Burlington families include educational philosophy, class size, and commute. Burlington Public Schools offer the convenience of a very short commute and strong community ties. The decision to choose a private school often centers on the desire for a specific religious education and smaller student-to-teacher ratios, which can be significantly lower. Families must also weigh the cost of tuition against the value of the specialized programs. Furthermore, for the private options, transportation is almost always the family's responsibility, which is a significant logistical factor in rural Oklahoma. Many families value the close-knit, disciplined environment of the local private schools as a complement to the community's rural values.