The Best Private Schools in Lawton, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lawton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Family Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Oklahoma City
Holy Family Catholic School is Lawton's premier private Catholic school offering comprehensive education from Pre-K through 8th grade. The school provides a strong academic foundation with integrated faith formation, small class sizes, and dedicated faculty. Facilities include modern classrooms, science lab, library, and gymnasium. The curriculum emphasizes core academics while offering robust STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parent satisfaction is high with families appreciating the safe, nurturing environment and strong community values.
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Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School
Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
While located in Oklahoma City, Bishop McGuinness serves families throughout central Oklahoma including Lawton area students. This highly-regarded Catholic high school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. The school maintains a strong academic reputation with high college acceptance rates and comprehensive extracurricular programs including championship athletics, fine arts, and community service opportunities.
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Duncan Christian School
Independent Christian School
Located approximately 30 minutes from Lawton in Duncan, this well-established Christian school serves families throughout southwest Oklahoma. Duncan Christian School provides comprehensive K-12 education with a biblical worldview integrated throughout the curriculum. The school features small class sizes, dedicated Christian faculty, and strong academic programs preparing students for college success. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school offers diverse extracurricular activities including music, drama, and competitive sports programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lawton, Oklahoma
What are the primary private school options available for families in Lawton, Oklahoma, and what grade levels do they serve?
Lawton, OK, offers a few core private school options, primarily with religious affiliations. Holy Family Catholic School serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade, providing a continuous elementary and middle school education. For high school, many Lawton families look to Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Oklahoma City, which involves a commute. Another nearby option is Duncan Christian School in Duncan, OK, serving Pre-K through 12th grade, which is about a 30-minute drive from Lawton. The selection within Lawton city limits itself is limited, making it important for parents to consider commuting to neighboring communities for a full K-12 private education pathway.
How does tuition at private schools in the Lawton, Oklahoma, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in and around Lawton is generally below the national average, reflecting Oklahoma's cost of living. For example, local elementary schools like Holy Family Catholic School often have annual tuition ranging from $5,000 to $7,000. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and Oklahoma has two key state-sponsored programs that Lawton families can utilize: the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship (providing tax credits for donors to scholarship-granting organizations) and the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for students with disabilities. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Lawton area offer that leverage the local military and cultural environment?
Given Lawton's proximity to Fort Sill, several private schools are adept at serving military families, offering flexible enrollment and strong support systems for students transitioning in and out. Academically, programs often emphasize core fundamentals with integrated faith-based education. While specialized high school programs like advanced STEM or arts are more commonly found at larger private schools in Oklahoma City, local schools may offer robust music, athletics, and community service programs that connect with the local culture. Duncan Christian School, for instance, may offer agricultural or vocational programs reflective of the region's character.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Lawton, Oklahoma, and how does being in a military community affect it?
The enrollment process for Lawton-area private schools often begins in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with deadlines for financial aid applications typically in the spring. However, a key feature of Lawton's private schools is their understanding of the military cycle at Fort Sill. Many schools have rolling admissions and are accommodating to mid-year transfers, requiring records from previous schools, standardized test scores, and often a family interview or student assessment. It's highly recommended to contact schools as soon as a move to or from Lawton is anticipated, as spaces, particularly in specific grades, can be limited.
For a family in Lawton, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school district and the available private school options?
The decision in Lawton often centers on class size, religious education, and consistency. Lawton Public Schools serve a large and diverse population, while private options offer smaller class sizes and a specific value-based environment. A major consideration for families, especially those at Fort Sill, is stability; a private school can provide a consistent educational approach even if the family moves within the Lawton area. However, the private options require tuition and potentially a commute for higher grades. Parents should evaluate the specific academic offerings, extracurriculars, and school culture against their child's needs, as the range of private specialized programs (e.g., for advanced learners) is more limited in Lawton compared to larger metro areas.
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