The Best Private Schools in Norman, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Norman. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Casady School
Independent Episcopal School
Casady School is a prestigious independent Episcopal school located in nearby Oklahoma City that serves families throughout the metro area, including Norman. The school offers a rigorous academic program with both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate options. Casady features exceptional facilities including a 100-acre campus, state-of-the-art science centers, athletic complexes, and arts facilities. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and offers extensive extracurricular activities including championship athletics, comprehensive arts programs, and global education opportunities.
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Community Christian School
Independent Christian School
Community Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving Norman and surrounding communities. The school offers comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory curriculum. CCS features modern facilities including science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, robotics, theater, and community service opportunities.
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Trinity School
Independent Episcopal School
Trinity School is an esteemed independent Episcopal school in Oklahoma City that serves the broader metropolitan area including Norman families. The school provides a classical liberal arts education with strong emphasis on critical thinking and character development. Trinity offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention. The campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and commitment to developing well-rounded students through academics, arts, and athletics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Norman, Oklahoma
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Norman, Oklahoma, and do I need to commute to Oklahoma City?
Families in Norman have several strong private school options, though many of the most prominent are located in the broader Oklahoma City metro area. Within Norman itself, Community Christian School (CCS) offers a K-12 Christian education. For families willing to commute north to Oklahoma City (about a 20-30 minute drive), highly-regarded options include Casady School (Pre-K-12, Episcopal-affiliated, independent college prep) and Trinity School (a private, independent school). This means Norman residents often consider both local and metro-area schools, making transportation and daily commute time a significant factor in the decision-making process.
How does tuition for private schools in the Norman/OKC area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Norman/Oklahoma City area varies widely. For the 2024-2025 academic year, schools like Casady and Trinity have tuition that can exceed $20,000 for upper grades, reflecting their extensive facilities and programs. Community Christian School in Norman is often more moderate, with tuition typically ranging from $8,000 to $12,000. Oklahoma has a relatively low cost of living, but private school tuition is a major investment. Importantly, most schools offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need, and Oklahoma also has the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act, which provides tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, increasing financial aid availability for qualifying families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Norman area specialize in?
Private schools in the Norman area leverage both local and regional resources to offer distinctive programs. Community Christian School in Norman emphasizes STEM and biblical integration, and its location near the University of Oklahoma (OU) can provide unique enrichment opportunities. Casady School, with its expansive campus, is known for its strong college preparatory curriculum, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. Trinity School focuses on a classical education model with a strong emphasis on language and critical thinking. Furthermore, proximity to OU in Norman allows some schools to facilitate partnerships for advanced research, guest lectures, and use of university facilities, which is a notable regional advantage.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Community Christian, Casady, and Trinity in the Norman/OKC region?
The enrollment process for these schools is competitive and typically begins almost a full year in advance. Key dates generally fall between September and February for the following academic year. The process usually involves: 1) Attending an open house or tour (often in the fall), 2) Submitting an application by a January/February deadline, 3) Completing student assessments and interviews, and 4) Financial aid applications (if applicable). For Casady and Trinity, which draw from the entire metro, applying early is crucial due to limited space. Community Christian in Norman may have more flexibility but still encourages early application. Sibling and legacy preferences are common, so it's important to contact admissions offices directly for their specific calendar.
For a family living in Norman, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district to private school options?
Norman is home to a well-regarded public school district, Norman Public Schools (NPS), which offers advanced placement, STEM academies, and strong arts programs. Key considerations for comparing NPS to private options include: **Curriculum & Values:** Private schools like CCS offer a specific religious foundation, while Casady and Trinity offer independent college-prep or classical models with potentially smaller class sizes. **Cost:** This is the most direct comparison, as NPS is tuition-free. **Extracurriculars:** NPS offers large-scale athletic and activity programs, while private schools may offer more niche opportunities. **Logistics:** Attending a Norman public school means no commute, whereas a private school in OKC adds daily travel time. Many families base their decision on whether they seek a specific educational philosophy or religious integration that the public system cannot provide.
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