The Best Private Schools in Crawford, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Crawford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
McAlester Catholic School
St. John's Catholic Parish
McAlester Catholic School provides a comprehensive PreK-8 education rooted in Catholic traditions and academic excellence. Serving students from Crawford and surrounding communities, the school offers small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, literature, science labs, and religious education. The campus features modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and athletic facilities. Extracurricular activities include basketball, volleyball, choir, and academic competitions, fostering both spiritual and intellectual development in a nurturing environment.
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Eastern Oklahoma Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Eastern Oklahoma Christian Academy provides a distinctive educational approach using the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum, serving students from Crawford and surrounding rural communities. The school offers individualized learning plans that allow students to progress at their own pace while maintaining high academic standards. The program emphasizes character development, leadership skills, and biblical worldview integration. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer stations, and recreational areas. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and strong community involvement, making it a popular choice for families seeking personalized Christian education.
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Trinity Baptist School
Trinity Baptist Church
Trinity Baptist School offers a Christ-centered education for students in PreK-12, serving families from Crawford and the broader Pittsburg County area. The school emphasizes academic rigor with college preparatory courses, Advanced Placement options, and dual enrollment opportunities. Facilities include science laboratories, computer labs, a gymnasium, and athletic fields. The comprehensive program integrates technology, fine arts, and competitive sports with biblical principles. Parent satisfaction remains high due to strong teacher-student relationships and consistent academic outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Crawford, Oklahoma
What are the private school options for families living in Crawford, Oklahoma, and how accessible are they?
For families in Crawford, OK, the primary private school options are in nearby communities, as Crawford itself is a very small town. The most prominent schools include McAlester Catholic School (Pre-K-8) and Trinity Baptist School (K-12) in McAlester, and Eastern Oklahoma Christian Academy (K-12) in Hartshorne. These schools typically serve families from across Pittsburg County. Accessibility requires planning for transportation, as these schools are a commute from Crawford. It's important to contact each school directly to confirm they are accepting students from your specific district and to inquire about potential carpool arrangements with other local families.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools near Crawford, OK, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for private schools in the Crawford area varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $4,500 to $7,500 annually for K-12 programs, with preschool often being separate. A key Oklahoma-specific financial aid program is the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, which provides refundable tax credits to families based on income, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, many schools offer sibling discounts, need-based scholarships, and payment plans. It's crucial to ask each school for their current fee schedule and for guidance on applying for the state tax credit.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Crawford, Oklahoma, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Crawford area often provide distinctive programs shaped by their missions. McAlester Catholic School integrates faith-based education with a strong core curriculum. Trinity Baptist School and Eastern Oklahoma Christian Academy typically offer Bible-based curricula, smaller class sizes for individualized attention, and may have robust music, art, or athletic programs that compete in the Oklahoma Christian School Athletic Association. These schools often emphasize character education and a close-knit community environment, which can be a defining difference from the larger regional public school districts that serve Crawford.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Crawford, OK, families?
The enrollment process for schools like McAlester Catholic, Trinity Baptist, and Eastern Oklahoma Christian Academy usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester. The timeline is critical, as some grades fill quickly. The process typically involves: 1) Scheduling a campus tour and meeting, 2) Submitting an application with a fee, 3) Providing academic records and possibly standardized test scores, 4) A student interview or assessment (for some grades), and 5) A family interview, especially for faith-based schools. We recommend initiating contact with schools by January or February to secure a spot and understand any specific requirements for transferring from a Crawford public school.
For a family in Crawford, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. The Crawford public school is part of a consolidated district, offering proximity and no tuition. Choosing a private school in McAlester or Hartshorne means committing to a daily commute (15-30+ minutes), factoring in fuel costs and time. Academically, you are choosing a specific religious or pedagogical environment versus a state-funded curriculum. Socially, your child will build friendships outside their immediate neighborhood. Financially, the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit can make private school more feasible. Ultimately, it's a balance of values, educational goals, logistics, and budget unique to your family's situation in rural Pittsburg County.