The Best Private Schools in Jennings, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Jennings. 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 offering a comprehensive educational experience from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program alongside Advanced Placement courses, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. The 162-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science and technology centers, arts facilities, and athletic complexes. Holland Hall emphasizes global citizenship, critical thinking, and character development while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention.
Programs:
Cascia Hall Preparatory School
Augustinian Order
Cascia Hall is a highly-regarded Catholic, Augustinian, college preparatory school serving students from across northeastern Oklahoma. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 20+ Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Cascia Hall emphasizes character development and academic excellence. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Many graduates attend top-tier universities nationwide.
Programs:
Bishop Kelley High School
Catholic Diocese of Tulsa
Bishop Kelley High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving students throughout the Tulsa metropolitan area. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum with numerous honors and Advanced Placement courses, complemented by robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With a strong emphasis on faith formation and service learning, Bishop Kelley prepares students for college success and lifelong leadership.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Jennings, Oklahoma
What are the realistic private school options for families residing in Jennings, Oklahoma, given that top-rated schools like Cascia Hall and Holland Hall are in Tulsa?
While Jennings itself is a small community without its own private schools, families typically look to the greater Tulsa metropolitan area, approximately a 30-45 minute commute. The schools you mentioned—Cascia Hall Preparatory School, Holland Hall School, and Bishop Kelley High School—are the primary options. It's important to consider the daily commute and whether these schools offer transportation services from nearby areas. Some families in rural communities like Jennings also explore smaller parochial schools in closer towns like Claremore or Owasso as alternatives, though they may offer different program scales.
How does Oklahoma's school choice programs, like the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, affect tuition for Jennings families at private schools in Tulsa?
Oklahoma's Parental Choice Tax Credit, enacted in 2023, is a significant financial consideration. It provides a refundable tax credit for private school tuition, with amounts based on household income. For a family in Jennings sending a child to a Tulsa private school, this can offset a portion of the annual tuition, which ranges from approximately $10,000 to $25,000+ at the top schools. It's crucial to apply for the tax credit through the Oklahoma Tax Commission and to also inquire directly with schools like Bishop Kelley about their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidy programs, which can be layered with the state credit.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs at Tulsa-area private schools might be particularly appealing to a student from a rural community like Jennings?
Schools like Holland Hall and Cascia Hall offer robust programs that can provide expansive opportunities not typically available in smaller public school districts. For a Jennings student, standout programs might include Holland Hall's extensive global studies and travel programs, Cascia Hall's strong engineering and robotics curriculum, or Bishop Kelley's comprehensive career and technical education (CTE) pathways. These schools also offer consistent access to high-level arts, athletics, and college counseling, which can be a major draw for families seeking a broader preparatory experience than their local district may provide.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a Jennings family applying to a competitive Tulsa private school like Cascia Hall?
The process is highly structured and requires early planning, often beginning 12-18 months before the desired entry date (usually for the fall semester). For schools like Cascia Hall, Holland Hall, and Bishop Kelley, the key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting an application by a January or February deadline, providing transcripts and teacher recommendations, and having the student complete an entrance exam and interview. For Jennings families, it's vital to factor in travel for these multiple visits. Admission decisions are typically released in March. We recommend initiating contact with the admissions office the spring prior to application to demonstrate interest and understand any specific considerations for out-of-district applicants.
From a community perspective, how do families from Jennings integrate into the social and community life of a larger Tulsa private school?
Integration is a common consideration. Tulsa private schools are accustomed to enrolling students from surrounding communities. They actively foster inclusion through orientation programs, advisory groups, and by organizing carpools or identifying family networks from similar areas. Extracurricular involvement is the fastest path to building connections; committing to sports teams, clubs, or arts performances creates natural community. However, parents should be prepared for the social logistics—playdates, parent association meetings, and school events will require travel into Tulsa. Many families find the community investment worthwhile, as it expands their child's network and provides a consistent peer group through graduation.