The Best Private Schools in Purcell, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Purcell. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
St. John's Episcopal School is an acclaimed private school serving families from Purcell and the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area. The school offers an International Baccalaureate program from early childhood through 8th grade, providing a globally-focused education that emphasizes critical thinking and inquiry-based learning. The campus features innovative learning spaces, dedicated STEM labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning environments. St. John's maintains small class sizes with specialized instruction in Spanish, music, art, and physical education. The school is particularly noted for its strong community atmosphere, exceptional teacher quality, and comprehensive approach to whole-child education that balances academic excellence with character development.
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Community Christian School
Independent Christian School
Community Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Purcell and greater Norman area. With over 40 years of educational excellence, CCS offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with strong emphasis on both academic rigor and character development. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and athletic complexes. Their robust athletic program competes in the OSSAA and offers multiple sports. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, ensuring personalized attention. CCS graduates consistently achieve above-average ACT scores and gain acceptance to competitive colleges and universities.
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Mount St. Mary High School
Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Mount St. Mary High School is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Purcell and throughout central Oklahoma. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and a specialized STEM Academy. The campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Mount St. Mary emphasizes leadership development through comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, fine arts, and community service initiatives. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Purcell, Oklahoma
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Purcell, Oklahoma?
While Purcell itself is home to Community Christian School, which serves Pre-K through 12th grade, families in the area often also consider nearby Oklahoma City schools accessible via a commute. Notable options include Mount St. Mary High School (a Catholic, all-girls school in OKC) and St. John's Episcopal School (a Pre-K through 8th grade school in OKC). This means Purcell residents have a mix of local community-based education and the option for specialized religious or single-gender education in the broader metro area, requiring consideration of daily travel logistics.
How does tuition at Purcell's Community Christian School compare to regional norms, and what financial aid options exist for Oklahoma families?
Tuition at Community Christian School in Purcell is generally lower than that of many larger private schools in Oklahoma City, reflecting its community-based model and location. Specific rates vary by grade level. Oklahoma offers several state-specific financial aid programs that can help, such as the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship, which provides tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, benefiting eligible families. It's crucial to inquire directly with the school about their own financial aid, scholarships, and potential payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Purcell, OK, students?
Programs vary significantly between the local and commuter options. Community Christian School in Purcell emphasizes a Christian worldview integrated into a standard curriculum and may offer smaller, personalized athletics and arts programs. In contrast, Mount St. Mary High School in OKC provides advanced college preparatory programs, extensive AP courses, and unique electives aligned with its Catholic mission. St. John's Episcopal School focuses on a strong foundational liberal arts education. Parents should assess which school's specific program offerings—from STEM to theology to arts—best match their child's needs and the family's educational values.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Community Christian School in Purcell?
Enrollment timelines for private schools in the Purcell area often begin in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. Community Christian School likely has a rolling admissions process but encourages early application to secure a spot, especially in limited-seating grades. The process typically involves an application form, submission of past academic records, a family interview, and possibly a student assessment. For schools like Mount St. Mary or St. John's in OKC, deadlines can be stricter, and may include entrance exams for older students. Contacting the schools directly by January is highly advisable.
For a family in Purcell, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school option?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, class size, and cost. Purcell Public Schools offer a tuition-free, comprehensive education with diverse extracurriculars. Choosing a private school like Community Christian School involves a commitment to a faith-based environment, potentially smaller class sizes for more individual attention, and tuition costs. For schools in OKC, the daily commute (30-45 minutes) is a major factor. Families must weigh the value of a specific religious or pedagogical approach against the convenience, cost, and community integration provided by the local public system. Visiting both types of schools in the Purcell area is essential for comparison.