The Best Private Schools in Okc, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Okc. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Casady School
Independent
Casady School is a prestigious independent Episcopal day school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Founded in 1947, the school features a 80-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The academic program emphasizes rigorous college preparation with a 100% college acceptance rate. Casady offers a comprehensive curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1 and emphasizes character development through community service and leadership opportunities.
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Heritage Hall
Independent
Heritage Hall is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Established in 1969, the school is known for its rigorous academic program and exceptional college placement record. The campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, performing arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. Heritage Hall offers a comprehensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, championship athletic teams, and outstanding fine arts opportunities. The school emphasizes character education and community involvement while maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, ensuring personalized attention for each student.
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Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School
Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the Oklahoma City metropolitan area since 1956. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and a 100% college acceptance rate. Students benefit from a faith-based education that integrates spiritual formation with academic excellence. The campus features modern science labs, technology centers, fine arts facilities, and competitive athletic programs. Bishop McGuinness maintains a strong tradition of academic achievement, community service, and extracurricular involvement with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, providing a supportive learning environment grounded in Catholic values.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Okc, Oklahoma
What are the main types of private schools available in Oklahoma City, and how do they differ in educational approach?
Oklahoma City offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily falling into three categories: independent college-preparatory schools, faith-based institutions, and specialized academies. Top schools like Casady School and Heritage Hall are independent, secular schools with rigorous college-prep curricula, often featuring advanced placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School represents the strong faith-based sector common in OKC, integrating religious education with academics. Additionally, OKC has schools with specific focuses like Montessori, classical education, or arts integration. The choice often comes down to a family's preference for a secular, values-driven, or pedagogically unique environment.
How does tuition for private schools in Oklahoma City compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for premier private schools in Oklahoma City, such as Casady or Heritage Hall, often ranges from approximately $20,000 to $25,000 annually for upper grades, which is above the state's private school average due to their extensive facilities and programs. Oklahoma has a unique financial aid landscape because it does **not** have a state-wide tax-credit scholarship or voucher program, unlike many other states. Therefore, aid is primarily offered directly by the schools through need-based grants and merit scholarships. Many OKC private schools have substantial endowment funds dedicated to financial assistance, and it's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission. Some schools also offer multi-child discounts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Oklahoma City area?
The enrollment process for top OKC private schools like Casady, Heritage Hall, and Bishop McGuinness is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. Most schools open applications in August or September for the following academic year. Key steps include: attending fall open houses, submitting applications by January or February, completing student assessments or interviews, and receiving decisions in March. Many schools have a "re-enrollment" period for current families in early spring, which determines how many spots are available for new students. For the most competitive grades (like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), starting the process early is essential. Some schools also maintain waiting lists.
Are there notable academic or extracurricular specializations that distinguish Oklahoma City private schools?
Yes, several OKC private schools have developed notable specializations. Casady School, for instance, has a strong global studies emphasis and a renowned service-learning program. Heritage Hall is recognized for its robust STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) initiatives and championship-caliber academic teams. Bishop McGuinness offers distinctive programs within its Catholic framework, such as specific theology courses and community service requirements. Furthermore, given OKC's growing biotechnology and energy sectors, many schools have strengthened partnerships with local institutions like the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation or the Devon Energy headquarters to provide unique internships and project-based learning opportunities not always available elsewhere in the state.
For families considering both options, what are some key practical differences between top-rated OKC public school districts (like Edmond or Putnam City) and major private schools?
Key differences include class size, curriculum flexibility, and resource allocation. Top OKC-area public districts (Edmond, Putnam City, Deer Creek) offer excellent academics, extensive extracurriculars, and no tuition. However, private schools in OKC typically have significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-18 students vs. 25-30+), allowing for more individualized attention. Private schools have more autonomy over their curriculum, often enabling faster adoption of innovative teaching methods or specialized programs. Financially, public schools are funded by tax dollars and bond issues, while private schools rely on tuition, donations, and endowments, which can directly impact facility upgrades and program funding. The choice often hinges on a family's priority for a specific educational philosophy, community culture, and the value placed on small-scale learning environments versus the diverse, large-scale offerings of a major public district.
Private Education Insights
Top Secular Private Schools in OKC: A Parent's Guide to Local Options
When Oklahoma City parents begin searching for "secular private schools near me," they are often seeking an educational environment that aligns with their family's values without a specific religious affiliation. This search can feel particularly nuanced in our community, where many excellent private schools have religious foundations. Understanding the landscape of non-sectarian education in OKC is the first step toward finding the right fit for your child. The distinction is important: secular private schools offer a rigorous, values-based education—often emphasizing critical thinking, ethical development, and community service—without integrating a particular religious doctrine into the core curriculum. This provides a wonderful option for families who desire the small class sizes, enriched academics, and close-knit community of private education while maintaining a secular framework.
In Oklahoma City, the conversation about top-tier private education frequently includes names like Casady School and Heritage Hall. Both are independent, college-preparatory institutions that serve as prime examples of the secular private school model. Casady, located in the historic Crown Heights neighborhood, is an Episcopal school that welcomes families of all faiths and backgrounds, focusing on a holistic education that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit without mandatory religious instruction for all students. Similarly, Heritage Hall, situated near the Oklahoma City University area, is an independent school with no religious affiliation, renowned for its strong academic programs, championship athletics, and vibrant arts. It’s crucial for parents to visit and ask detailed questions about the role of faith in the school day; some schools with historical religious ties have a very light touch, while their core identity remains firmly academic and inclusive.
Your search for "secular private schools near me" in OKC should also consider the unique benefits our city offers. Many of these schools leverage Oklahoma City's renaissance, incorporating our growing arts scene, biomedical research at the Oklahoma Health Center, and entrepreneurial spirit into project-based learning and internships. When touring schools, inquire about how they connect classroom learning to the vibrant life of our city, from the Innovation District to the Boathouse District. Furthermore, the community within a secular private school here often reflects the diverse and welcoming spirit of Oklahoma City itself, creating a microcosm where students learn to collaborate with peers from varied backgrounds.
The process involves more than an internet search. We encourage parents to attend open houses, schedule shadow days for their children, and talk to current families. While Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School is an outstanding institution, it represents a different path, fully integrating Catholic teachings. For families prioritizing a non-sectarian approach, focusing on the independent school mission statements is key. The investment is significant, so understanding the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available at Oklahoma City's secular private schools is an essential part of the planning process. Ultimately, finding the right secular private school in OKC is about matching your child’s unique needs with an environment that will challenge them academically, support them socially, and prepare them to engage thoughtfully with the wider world, right here from the heart of Oklahoma.