The Best Private Schools in Durant, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Durant. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Tulsa
St. Mary's Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving the Durant community for over six decades. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education grounded in Catholic values and traditions. Academically strong with a well-rounded curriculum that includes STEM education, fine arts, and competitive athletics. The school maintains small class sizes for personalized attention and features modern facilities including technology-integrated classrooms. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and the school's emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence.
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Sherman Adventist School
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Located just across the state line in Sherman, Texas, Sherman Adventist School serves families throughout the Durant area with a comprehensive K-8 Christian education program. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring a balanced curriculum that includes strong academics, music education, and outdoor learning opportunities. Known for its dedicated teachers and family-like atmosphere, the school maintains high academic standards while fostering spiritual growth. The convenient location makes it accessible to Durant residents seeking quality private education options.
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Sacred Heart Catholic School
Diocese of Tulsa
Sacred Heart Catholic School in nearby Ardmore serves as a regional educational option for Durant families seeking exceptional private education. The school offers a complete Pre-K through 8th grade program with a strong academic foundation complemented by extensive fine arts and athletic programs. With modern facilities and technology resources, Sacred Heart provides a well-rounded education emphasizing both academic achievement and character formation. The school has earned a reputation for academic excellence and maintains active parent involvement, making it a popular choice for families throughout Southern Oklahoma.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Durant, Oklahoma
What are the primary private school options available for families in Durant, Oklahoma, and what grade levels do they serve?
Durant offers a few established private school options, primarily with religious affiliations. St. Mary's Catholic School serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade, providing a continuous elementary and middle school education. Sherman Adventist School, located just across the state line in Texas, is a common choice for Durant families and typically serves grades K-10. Sacred Heart Catholic School in nearby Bokchito, OK, is another option serving Pre-K through 8th grade. The availability of local private high school options is limited, so many families begin planning for boarding schools, online academies, or the transition to Durant Public Schools for grades 9-12.
How does tuition for private schools in Durant, OK, compare to the state average, and are there any Oklahoma-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition at Durant-area private schools is generally below the national average, reflecting the local cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, annual tuition for elementary grades typically ranges from $4,000 to $6,000. Oklahoma offers specific financial aid opportunities that Durant families can utilize. The most significant is the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, which provides a refundable tax credit for tuition expenses—up to $7,500 per child for families meeting income guidelines. Additionally, some schools offer parish subsidies for active church members and need-based scholarships funded by local donors.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Durant private schools offer that leverage the local community or environment?
Private schools in Durant often integrate the region's culture and resources into their programs. St. Mary's Catholic School, for example, may emphasize community service projects partnering with local organizations like the Choctaw Nation, reflecting Durant's identity as the capital of the Choctaw Nation. Agricultural science and FFA-related activities are a focus in some settings, connecting to the rural landscape of Bryan County. Furthermore, with Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, some schools arrange enrichment programs or facility access, providing unique academic exposure not always available in larger metropolitan areas.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Durant, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Durant private schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. St. Mary's Catholic School typically hosts open houses in early spring. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastoral reference (for parishioners), and often a family interview. Due to the small size of these schools, popular grades (like Kindergarten and Pre-K) can fill quickly, leading to waitlists by March or April. Sibling and parish member enrollment is usually prioritized. It's highly recommended to contact the school office directly by December to express interest and get on their communication list.
For families considering the choice, what are the notable differences between Durant Public Schools and the local private school options?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum framework, and community environment. Durant Public Schools offer a comprehensive K-12 system with diverse extracurriculars, including competitive athletics and advanced placement courses at the high school level. Local private schools offer much smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), a values-based education rooted in specific religious traditions, and a tight-knit community feel. Academically, private schools in Durant often use standardized curricula like the Diocese of Tulsa's standards (for Catholic schools) or the Adventist curriculum, which may differ in pacing and content emphasis from the Oklahoma State Department of Education standards used by public schools. Transportation is another major factor, as Durant Public Schools provide busing, while private schools typically require parent-provided transportation.