The Best Private Schools in Catoosa, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Catoosa. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Monte Cassino School
Independent Catholic School
Monte Cassino School is a highly-regarded independent Catholic school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, with many families commuting from Catoosa. Founded by the Benedictine Sisters in 1926, the school combines Montessori principles in early childhood with traditional college-preparatory curriculum in upper grades. The campus features state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Academic excellence is complemented by strong programs in robotics, foreign languages, and performing arts. The school emphasizes character education and community service, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention. Monte Cassino graduates consistently test above national averages and transition successfully to top high schools.
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Bishop Kelley High School
Catholic Diocese of Tulsa
Bishop Kelley High School is a premier Catholic college-preparatory school serving the greater Tulsa area, including Catoosa families. Established in 1960, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive STEM offerings. The 54-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school emphasizes individualized attention and character development. Extracurricular programs include championship athletics, robotics, debate, and numerous clubs. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and is consistently ranked among Oklahoma's top private high schools.
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Trinity Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
Trinity Episcopal School provides an exceptional private education for students from early childhood through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Tulsa metropolitan area including Catoosa. Founded in 1970, the school offers a balanced academic program rooted in Episcopal traditions while embracing innovative teaching methods. The curriculum includes dedicated STEM lab instruction, comprehensive arts education, and outdoor learning experiences. The 14-acre campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and extensive playgrounds. With a focus on developing the whole child, Trinity emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement. The school maintains small class sizes and boasts strong middle school preparation for competitive high school placements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Catoosa, Oklahoma
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Catoosa, Oklahoma, and are they located within the city limits?
While Catoosa itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families in the area primarily look to highly-regarded institutions in nearby Tulsa. The most frequently considered schools include Bishop Kelley High School (Catholic, grades 9-12), Monte Cassino School (Catholic, PK-8), and Trinity Episcopal School (Episcopal, PK-8). None of these are located within Catoosa city limits; they are all in Tulsa, approximately a 15-25 minute commute. This means Catoosa parents must factor in transportation logistics. Some families also explore smaller Christian academies in the broader Tulsa metro area. There are typically no private high schools within Catoosa itself, making the commute to Tulsa a standard consideration.
How does tuition for top private schools near Catoosa, OK, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition for the leading Tulsa-area private schools accessible to Catoosa families is generally above the Oklahoma state average for private education, reflecting their resources and reputations. For the 2024-2025 school year, expect ranges of approximately $10,000-$15,000 for elementary grades and $13,000-$16,000 for high school at schools like Monte Cassino and Bishop Kelley. Oklahoma has two key financial aid programs that Catoosa residents can utilize: the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarships (OEOES), which provide tax credits for donors to scholarship-granting organizations, and the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for students with disabilities. Additionally, each school offers its own need-based financial aid. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Catoosa students offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in Tulsa that Catoosa families attend often provide specialized programs not always available in Catoosa Public Schools. Bishop Kelley High School is renowned for its robust engineering and biomedical science programs through Project Lead The Way, and its extensive campus ministry and service requirements. Monte Cassino School offers a classical education model with a strong emphasis on writing, Latin, and the arts from an early age. Trinity Episcopal School highlights its inquiry-based learning and global studies curriculum. All three schools typically have smaller class sizes, more uniform arts and language offerings, and distinct faith-based education (Catholic or Episcopal) that integrates values into the daily curriculum, which is a primary draw for many Catoosa-area parents.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Bishop Kelley or Monte Cassino for a family residing in Catoosa?
The enrollment process for the top Tulsa private schools is competitive and begins almost a full year in advance. For a fall start, the key timeline is: Applications open in August/September, with priority deadlines often in late January or early February. The process usually includes a completed application, student and parent interviews, teacher recommendations, and entrance exams (like the HSPT for high school). Admissions decisions are typically released in March. As a Catoosa resident, it's especially important to inquire about transportation and carpool options early, as the school will not provide bus service from your district. Many schools host open houses in the fall, which are highly recommended for families to attend to assess the commute.
For a Catoosa family considering the choice, what are the practical pros and cons of sending a child to a Tulsa private school versus staying in the Catoosa Public School district?
The decision involves weighing several local factors. Pros of a Tulsa private school include: access to specialized academic/faith-based curricula, often smaller class sizes, and extensive extracurricular networks. Cons include: a significant daily commute (adding 30-50 minutes of drive time each way), annual tuition costs, and less direct connection to the immediate Catoosa community. Catoosa Public Schools offer the advantages of proximity, no tuition, and strong local community ties, with programs like their aviation and aerospace pathway that leverage the area's connection to the Tulsa International Airport. The choice often comes down to a family's priority on a specific educational philosophy/religious foundation versus the value of convenience, cost savings, and community-based schooling. Many families visit both their local public school and the Tulsa private options before deciding.