The Best Private Schools in Castle, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Castle. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holland Hall School
Independent
Holland Hall is a prestigious independent college preparatory school serving the greater Tulsa area, including Castle residents. The school offers a comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with small class sizes, exceptional faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. Known for academic excellence, the school features rigorous college preparatory curriculum, extensive AP course offerings, competitive athletics, and robust arts programs. The 162-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities.
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Cascia Hall Preparatory School
Augustinian
Cascia Hall is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving grades 6-12 in the Tulsa metropolitan area. The school combines rigorous academics with character formation in the Augustinian tradition. Features include advanced STEM programs, competitive athletics, extensive fine arts offerings, and a strong community service component. The campus features historic buildings combined with modern academic facilities, including recently renovated science labs and technology centers. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Bishop Kelley High School
Catholic Diocese of Tulsa
Bishop Kelley High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving students throughout the Tulsa region, including Castle area families. The school offers a balanced education emphasizing academic excellence, spiritual formation, and extracurricular engagement. Academic programs include honors and AP courses, robust STEM curriculum, and college counseling services. The 50-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities including stadiums and gymnasiums, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and successful athletic programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Castle, Oklahoma
What are the primary private school options for families living in or near Castle, Oklahoma, and are they located directly in Castle?
While Castle itself is a small community, families in the area typically look to nearby Tulsa for private school options. The most prominent schools include Holland Hall School (PreK-12, Episcopal-affiliated), Cascia Hall Preparatory School (6-12, Catholic Augustinian), and Bishop Kelley High School (9-12, Catholic). These schools are all located in Tulsa, approximately a 30-45 minute commute from Castle. There are very few, if any, private school institutions physically located within the town limits of Castle, so commuting is a standard expectation for families seeking private education in this region of Oklahoma.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Castle, OK, compare to the Oklahoma state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the leading Tulsa-area private schools is generally above the Oklahoma state average for private education. For the 2023-2024 academic year, high school tuition at these schools often ranges from approximately $15,000 to $25,000. All three major schools—Holland Hall, Cascia Hall, and Bishop Kelley—offer robust need-based financial aid programs for qualifying families. Additionally, Oklahoma's Tax Credit Scholarship program, such as the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship, allows donors to fund scholarships for eligible students, which can significantly offset costs. It's crucial for Castle families to apply for financial aid early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Castle, OK, offer that differentiate them from each other and from public options?
Each school near Castle has distinct strengths. **Holland Hall** is known for its extensive college-prep curriculum, global studies programs, and a 120-acre campus with robust arts and athletics. **Cascia Hall** emphasizes a liberal arts education within a Catholic framework and has a strong tradition in community service and speech/debate. **Bishop Kelley** is renowned for its engineering and STEM academies, extensive athletic programs, and a large, active alumni network. Compared to the local public schools in the Castle area, these private institutions typically offer smaller class sizes, more specialized college counseling, and a wider array of Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) options, with Holland Hall offering the IB Diploma Programme.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Cascia Hall or Holland Hall for a family residing in Castle?
The enrollment process for these competitive Tulsa schools begins early. Prospective families should initiate inquiries in the fall, one to two years before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held in October-November), submitting applications by January or February for the following fall, completing student assessments/interviews, and providing transcripts and teacher recommendations. Admissions decisions are typically communicated in March. For Castle residents, it's vital to factor in the commute during shadow day visits. We recommend contacting admissions offices the spring before you intend to apply to ensure you meet all deadlines and understand any specific requirements for non-Tulsa residents.
For a family in Castle, OK, what are the major considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in Tulsa?
The decision hinges on several factors unique to the Castle location. **Commute:** A daily drive to Tulsa (30-45+ minutes each way) is a significant commitment for both students and parents. **Cost:** Public schools in the Castle area are tuition-free, while private schools represent a major financial investment. **Educational Environment:** Private schools offer religious education (if desired), smaller class sizes, and often more resources for college preparation. **Community:** Attending a local public school means your child is educated with neighbors, while a private school creates a social circle that may be geographically dispersed. Many Castle families choose private schools for a specific academic focus, religious foundation, or perceived opportunities that may not be as readily available in smaller, rural public school districts.