The Best Private Schools in Preston, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Preston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Cascia Hall Preparatory School
Independent Catholic School
Cascia Hall is a highly-regarded independent Catholic school serving students from Preston and throughout northeastern Oklahoma. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 22 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, personalized attention and academic excellence are hallmarks of the Cascia Hall experience. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and is consistently ranked among Oklahoma's top private schools.
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Holland Hall School
Independent Episcopal School
Holland Hall is a prestigious independent Episcopal school that serves families from Preston and the greater Tulsa metropolitan area. The school offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. With a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Holland Hall provides exceptional individualized learning experiences. The 162-acre campus features advanced STEM laboratories, extensive arts facilities, and outdoor learning spaces. The school is known for its diverse community, global perspective, and commitment to developing well-rounded students through academic rigor, character education, and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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St. Anthony Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Tulsa
St. Anthony Catholic School provides quality private education to students from Preston and surrounding Okmulgee County communities. Serving grades Pre-K through 8, the school offers a strong faith-based education integrated with comprehensive academic programming. The curriculum emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) with modern technology integration across all grade levels. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships. Extracurricular activities include sports teams, academic competitions, and community service programs. The school is known for its safe, nurturing environment and commitment to developing students' academic, spiritual, and social growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Preston, Oklahoma
What are the primary private school options available for families in Preston, Oklahoma, and are they located within the town itself?
While Preston, OK, is a small community, the most prominent and highly-regarded private schools serving the area are located in nearby Tulsa. These include Cascia Hall Preparatory School (Catholic, co-ed, grades 6-12), Holland Hall School (Episcopal, PK-12), and St. Anthony Catholic School (PK-8). Families in Preston typically commute to Tulsa for these options, as they represent the closest and most established private institutions. There are limited, if any, private school facilities physically located within the Preston town limits, making transportation an important consideration for local parents.
How does tuition for top private schools near Preston, OK, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for schools like Cascia Hall and Holland Hall is significantly higher than the Oklahoma private school average, reflecting their extensive facilities and college-preparatory programs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition at these schools can range from approximately $20,000 to $25,000. However, Oklahoma offers specific financial mechanisms to help. The Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act provides tax credits for donors to scholarship-granting organizations, which in turn provide need-based scholarships for private school students. Additionally, each school has its own substantial financial aid program. It's crucial for Preston families to apply for aid early and inquire about these state-sponsored scholarship opportunities.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving the Preston area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible from Preston provide specialized programs not commonly found in smaller public school districts. For example, Cascia Hall has a strong emphasis on Augustinian values and a comprehensive engineering track. Holland Hall is known for its global studies curriculum, extensive arts programs, and a campus that includes a farm and environmental science center. St. Anthony offers a dedicated Spanish program from preschool onward. These schools also typically feature smaller class sizes, more robust college counseling, and a wider array of advanced placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses compared to rural public schools in the Preston vicinity.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for families in Preston applying to Tulsa-area private schools like Cascia Hall or Holland Hall?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry in the fall, the application timeline typically opens in August or September of the prior year. Key steps include attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January or February, and completing student assessments and interviews. Admissions decisions are usually communicated in March. For Preston families, it's vital to plan for the logistics of campus visits and interviews, which require a commute to Tulsa. Many schools also require teacher recommendations and transcripts from the student's current school. Starting the process 12-18 months in advance is strongly advised, especially for competitive entry grades.
For a family living in Preston, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Tulsa?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. First is the daily commute, which can be 30-60 minutes each way to Tulsa, impacting family schedules and transportation costs. Second is community connection: attending a local public school keeps children within the Preston community for activities and friendships, while a private school places them in a different social and extracurricular network in Tulsa. Academically, the private schools offer more diverse advanced coursework and resources, which may be a priority for college preparation. Financially, it requires weighing the significant tuition investment against the no-cost public option. Many families find a hybrid approach, participating in local community activities while commuting for school, but it requires careful logistical planning.