The Best Private Schools in Perry, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Perry. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph's Catholic School
Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
St. Joseph's Catholic School is Perry's premier private education institution, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. With over eight decades of educational excellence, this school provides a strong foundation in Catholic values combined with rigorous academics. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science labs, and comprehensive language arts. Extracurricular programs include basketball, volleyball, choir, and various academic competitions. The school is known for its tight-knit community atmosphere and high parent satisfaction rates, with many graduates successfully transitioning to competitive high schools throughout the region.
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Stillwater Christian School
Independent Christian School
Located approximately 30 minutes from Perry, Stillwater Christian School serves families throughout north-central Oklahoma with a comprehensive K-12 Christian education program. The school emphasizes college preparatory academics integrated with biblical worldview training. Features include advanced placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, state-of-the-art science labs, and comprehensive fine arts programs. Athletic offerings include basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and has a strong record of college acceptance for graduates. Many Perry families commute to Stillwater for this highly-regarded Christian education option.
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Emmanuel Christian School
Independent Christian School
Serving families throughout north-central Oklahoma including Perry, Emmanuel Christian School in Enid (approximately 45 minutes away) offers a classical Christian education for students in pre-K through 12th grade. The school employs the time-tested classical education model with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, logic, rhetoric, and classical languages. The rigorous academic program includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive science curriculum, and extensive literature studies. Extracurricular opportunities include competitive athletics, drama productions, music programs, and various academic clubs. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, and athletic complexes, making it a regional destination for families seeking high-quality Christian education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Perry, Oklahoma
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Perry, Oklahoma?
Within Perry and the surrounding Noble County area, the main private school options are faith-based institutions. These include St. Joseph's Catholic School (Pre-K through 8th grade) in Perry itself, which is part of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Many families also consider schools in nearby communities, such as Stillwater Christian School (Pre-K through 12th) in Stillwater, about a 30-minute drive, and Emmanuel Christian School in Enid, roughly a 40-minute drive. The selection is limited within Perry's city limits, so commuting is a common consideration for parents seeking private education in this region of Oklahoma.
How does tuition at private schools in the Perry, OK, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for Perry-area private schools is generally below the national average but aligns with Oklahoma's lower cost of living. For example, St. Joseph's Catholic School in Perry typically has lower tuition than larger urban private schools in Oklahoma City or Tulsa. Most schools, including those in nearby towns, offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for church members, and multi-child discounts. Oklahoma also has the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act, which provides tax credits for donors to scholarship-granting organizations, increasing the availability of tuition assistance for qualifying families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Perry area offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools in the Perry area often emphasize small class sizes and specific value-based education. St. Joseph's integrates Catholic teachings across its curriculum and may offer specialized religion classes. Stillwater Christian School, while a commute, provides a full K-12 pathway with a college-prep focus and likely has more extensive secondary-level extracurriculars than a local K-8 school. A key differentiator is the consistent, faith-based environment and community, which is a primary draw for families in this rural part of Oklahoma. However, Perry Public Schools may offer a wider range of vocational-agricultural programs and larger-scale sports teams.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for a private school like St. Joseph's in Perry, OK?
For St. Joseph's Catholic School in Perry, the enrollment process typically begins in early spring for the following academic year. Priority is often given to registered parishioners of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, then to other Catholic families, and finally to the general community if space allows. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), academic records from previous schools, and possibly a family interview. It's crucial to contact the school office directly by March or April, as classes are small and can fill quickly. Some schools may also require a placement assessment for incoming students.
For a family in Perry, what are the main practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several Perry-specific factors. Perry Public Schools offer the convenience of no tuition, comprehensive transportation, and strong local community ties, including renowned wrestling and FFA programs. Opting for a local private school like St. Joseph's means committing to a faith-based education with very small class sizes but likely involves tuition, arranging your own transportation, and planning for the transition after 8th grade. Choosing a private school in Stillwater or Enid adds a significant daily commute. Families must weigh their educational priorities, budget, and willingness to commute against the desire for a specific religious or pedagogical environment not available in the public system.