The Best Private Schools in Dewar, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dewar. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holland Hall School
Holland Hall
Holland Hall is a prestigious independent college preparatory school serving the greater Tulsa area, including Dewar families. Founded in 1922, the school offers a comprehensive educational experience from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and extensive college counseling. Campus facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence, with a diverse student body and experienced faculty holding advanced degrees.
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Cascia Hall Preparatory School
Augustinian Order
Cascia Hall is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from across northeastern Oklahoma, including the Dewar area. Founded by the Augustinian Order, the school provides a values-based education grounded in Catholic tradition while welcoming students of all faiths. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing skills, and moral development. Students benefit from a 10:1 student-teacher ratio, extensive AP course offerings, and robust extracurricular programs including championship athletics, fine arts, and community service opportunities. The school consistently achieves high college acceptance rates to prestigious universities nationwide.
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St. Joseph Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Tulsa
St. Joseph Catholic School in nearby Muskogee serves families throughout the region, including Dewar residents seeking private education options. As one of the oldest continuously operating Catholic schools in Oklahoma, it offers a classical education model from pre-K through 8th grade with a focus on academic excellence and faith formation. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, literature, and religious studies. Students participate in annual standardized testing that consistently shows performance well above national averages. The school community emphasizes family involvement and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dewar, Oklahoma
What are the realistic private school options for families living in Dewar, Oklahoma, given that the top-named schools are in Tulsa?
While Dewar itself is a small town without a major private school campus, families commonly consider commuting to private institutions in the greater Tulsa area, approximately 70 miles away. The schools often considered include Holland Hall School (Pre-K-12, independent), Cascia Hall Preparatory School (6-12, Catholic), and St. Joseph Catholic School (Pre-K-8). For Dewar residents, this requires a significant daily commute or exploring boarding options at some schools. It's also advisable to investigate smaller, local parochial options in nearby communities like Henryetta or Okmulgee, which would involve a shorter drive. Transportation and time commitment are key factors for Dewar families.
How does tuition for Tulsa-area private schools compare to Oklahoma's average income, and what financial aid options are available for Dewar families?
Tuition at top Tulsa private schools like Holland Hall and Cascia Hall often ranges from $15,000 to $25,000+ annually, which is a substantial investment relative to the median household income in Dewar and Okmulgee County. However, these schools typically offer robust need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs. Oklahoma also has the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act, which provides tax credits for donors to scholarship-granting organizations, increasing funds available for families. Dewar parents should apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission and inquire about specific scholarships for students from rural communities.
Are there specialized academic or extracurricular programs at Tulsa private schools that might justify the commute from Dewar?
Yes, schools like Holland Hall and Cascia Hall offer specialized programs not typically available in smaller public school districts like Dewar. These can include extensive Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula, renowned arts and theater departments, competitive robotics and science olympiad teams, and elite athletic conferences. For a student with a specific talent or academic intensity, these resources can be a significant draw. It's important for Dewar families to assess if their child's interests align with these offerings to make the long commute worthwhile.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for a Dewar student applying to a Tulsa private school, and how competitive is it?
The process is highly structured and competitive. Applications for the following academic year typically open in August/September, with deadlines between January and February. The process includes standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), school records, teacher recommendations, interviews, and often a campus visit. As these schools draw from the entire Tulsa metro and beyond, competition for seats is significant. Dewar applicants are not at a geographic disadvantage per se, but they must demonstrate how they will contribute to the school community. Starting the process early—often 12-18 months before desired entry—is crucial for navigating testing, visits, and financial aid applications.
What are the primary considerations when choosing between Dewar Public Schools and commuting to a private school in Tulsa?
The decision hinges on several factors unique to living in Dewar. **Dewar Public Schools** offer a close-knit community, minimal commute, and strong local support. The trade-off is a smaller selection of courses and extracurriculars. Commuting to a **Tulsa private school** (1.5+ hours round-trip daily) provides vast academic resources and facilities but adds significant family logistics, fatigue, and reduced time for family activities or local community involvement. Financially, it includes tuition plus transportation costs. Parents must weigh their child's specific needs, the family's capacity for daily travel, and the value placed on a particular educational philosophy or peer environment against the benefits of a local, community-centered education.
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