The Best Private Schools in Kiowa, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kiowa. 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
Catholic Diocese of Tulsa
St. Mary's Catholic School in nearby McAlester serves families throughout Pittsburg County including Kiowa, offering a comprehensive Catholic education from pre-K through 8th grade. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, emphasizing faith formation alongside rigorous academics. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, library, and gymnasium. The school offers competitive sports programs, music education, and community service opportunities, creating a well-rounded educational experience with strong parent involvement and high student achievement scores.
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Hartshorne Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Located just 15 minutes from Kiowa, Hartshorne Christian Academy provides a Christ-centered education for students from pre-K through 12th grade. The academy features a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and career technology education. The campus includes modern facilities with science laboratories, computer labs, athletic fields, and a performing arts center. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and academic excellence, with graduates consistently achieving above-average ACT scores and college acceptance rates.
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Eufaula Christian School
Independent Christian School
Serving students from Kiowa and surrounding communities, Eufaula Christian School offers education from kindergarten through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and Christian values. The school features a robust STEM program, competitive athletic teams, and comprehensive fine arts offerings including band, choir, and visual arts. Facilities include technology-enhanced classrooms, science laboratories, a gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes with individualized attention and offers dual credit courses through partnerships with local colleges, preparing students for college success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kiowa, Oklahoma
What are the private school options for families living in Kiowa, Oklahoma, and are there any located directly in town?
There are no private schools physically located within the town limits of Kiowa, Oklahoma. However, families in Kiowa commonly consider several well-regarded private and parochial schools in the broader Pittsburg County and surrounding area. The top options include St. Mary's Catholic School in nearby McAlester (approx. 20 miles away), Hartshorne Christian Academy in Hartshorne (approx. 15 miles away), and Eufaula Christian School in Eufaula (approx. 30 miles away). These schools provide the primary private education alternatives for Kiowa residents, necessitating consideration of daily transportation logistics.
How does tuition at private schools near Kiowa, OK, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools serving the Kiowa area is generally below the national average, reflecting Oklahoma's lower cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition at schools like Hartshorne Christian Academy and Eufaula Christian School often ranges from $4,000 to $6,500 annually for elementary grades. St. Mary's Catholic School may have slightly higher fees due to its diocesan affiliation. Financial aid is commonly available through need-based scholarships, multi-child discounts, and, importantly, the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act. This state tax credit program provides scholarships for eligible students attending private schools, making private education more accessible for many Kiowa-area families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Kiowa offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Kiowa region often emphasize specific educational philosophies and smaller community environments. St. Mary's Catholic School integrates faith-based education with a standard curriculum and may offer sacramental preparation. Hartshorne Christian Academy typically provides a Bible-centered curriculum with an emphasis on character development. Eufaula Christian School often highlights its small class sizes and individualized attention. While public schools in Kiowa are part of the Kiowa Public Schools district, these private alternatives offer distinct religious education, potentially different curricular approaches (like ACE or Abeka), and a consistent community environment that can be appealing to parents seeking an alternative to the rural public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Kiowa, Oklahoma, and when should parents apply?
The enrollment process for area private schools usually begins in early spring (January-March) for the following academic year. Since these schools have limited capacity and serve multiple communities, including Kiowa, it is advisable to initiate inquiries by January. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing past academic records, possibly undergoing an entrance assessment, and participating in a family interview. Many schools operate on a rolling admissions basis but prioritize re-enrollment of current students and siblings. Given the limited seats and the fact that families from Kiowa are competing for spots with those from the school's immediate town, applying early is crucial to secure a place.
For a family in Kiowa, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between Kiowa Public Schools and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. First is **commute**: attending a private school means a daily round-trip drive of 30 to 60 miles to Hartshorne, McAlester, or Eufaula, impacting time and transportation costs. Second is **community involvement**: Kiowa Public Schools offer deep local integration, with easy access to school events and activities. In contrast, a private school may foster a different community based on shared values but requires extra effort for parental involvement from a distance. Third is **cost**: comparing no-tuition public education against private tuition plus transportation. Finally, consider **educational focus**: Kiowa Public Schools provide a standard public education, while private options offer specific religious or pedagogical approaches. Many families blend these options, with younger children in local public school and older students commuting for private high school programs not available in Kiowa.