The Best Private Schools in Skiatook, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Skiatook. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Monte Cassino School
Catholic Diocese of Tulsa
Monte Cassino is a highly-regarded Catholic independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Founded by the Benedictine Sisters, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on faith formation, character development, and academic excellence. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. The school serves families throughout the Tulsa metropolitan area, including Skiatook, with many students commuting from surrounding communities. Monte Cassino is known for its rigorous curriculum, dedicated faculty, and strong community atmosphere.
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Riverfield Country Day School
Independent
Riverfield Country Day School is an independent, coeducational school serving students from age 2 through 8th grade. Located on a 70-acre campus in south Tulsa, the school offers a balanced approach to education combining rigorous academics with extensive outdoor and experiential learning opportunities. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive programs in arts, athletics, and technology. Riverfield serves families from throughout the Tulsa area, including Skiatook, with a reputation for developing well-rounded students prepared for future academic success. The school's outdoor education program is particularly notable, utilizing the expansive campus for hands-on learning.
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Trinity School
Independent
Trinity School is a classical Christian school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. The school follows the classical education model with a strong emphasis on developing critical thinking, communication skills, and moral character through a Christian worldview. The curriculum includes rigorous study of classical languages, literature, history, mathematics, and sciences. Located in south Tulsa, Trinity serves families from across the metropolitan area, including Skiatook, with many families commuting for the distinctive classical education approach. The school is known for its academic rigor, close-knit community, and preparation of students for college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Skiatook, Oklahoma
What are the primary private school options for families living in Skiatook, Oklahoma, and are they located within the town itself?
While Skiatook itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families commonly look to nearby Tulsa for premier options. The top schools often considered include Monte Cassino School (a Catholic, co-ed Pre-K-8 school in Tulsa), Riverfield Country Day School (an independent, co-ed Pre-K-12 school in Tulsa), and Trinity School (a private, Episcopal-affiliated school in Tulsa). Many Skiatook families commute to these Tulsa schools, which are approximately a 30-minute drive. It's important to research each school's transportation policies, as some may offer bus services that extend to the Skiatook area.
How does tuition for private schools in the Tulsa/Skiatook, Oklahoma area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for top private schools in the Tulsa metro area, serving Skiatook residents, is generally competitive but can vary widely. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for schools like Monte Cassino, Riverfield, and Trinity can range from approximately $12,000 to over $20,000 annually depending on the grade level. This is often above the Oklahoma state average for private schools due to their extensive programs and facilities. Importantly, these schools typically offer robust financial aid and scholarship programs based on need and merit. Additionally, Oklahoma's Parental Choice Tax Credit program provides significant state tax credits for families who choose private school, which can substantially offset tuition costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Skiatook, OK, offer that might not be available in local public schools?
The private schools in the Tulsa area provide specialized programs that attract Skiatook families. For example, Monte Cassino offers a strong Montessori-based early childhood program and a focus on Catholic values. Riverfield Country Day School is known for its innovative "Riverfield Method," project-based learning, and a 40-acre campus with outdoor education. Trinity School emphasizes a classical education model and has a renowned arts program. These schools often feature smaller class sizes, foreign language instruction starting in lower grades, and distinctive offerings like robotics, equestrian programs, or competitive speech and debate teams that may be more limited in Skiatook Public Schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Tulsa area that serve Skiatook, OK, students?
The enrollment process for competitive Tulsa private schools is often cyclical and begins early. For a fall start, the application window typically opens in September or October of the prior year, with deadlines for financial aid applications by January or February. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and a student assessment or visit day. It is crucial for Skiatook families to plan ahead, as spaces, especially in entry-level grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade), can fill quickly. Many schools host open houses in the fall, which is an excellent first step for parents to take without committing to a lengthy commute prematurely.
For a family in Skiatook, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school district and a private school in Tulsa?
The decision hinges on several Skiatook-specific factors. The commute (25-45 minutes each way to Tulsa) is a major practical consideration, impacting daily schedules and extracurricular participation. Financially, families must weigh private tuition against the no-cost option of Skiatook Public Schools, which are generally well-regarded. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy: Skiatook Public Schools offer a comprehensive, community-centered education with strong athletics, while Tulsa private schools provide alternative pedagogies (Montessori, classical, project-based), specific religious instruction, and often more resources in arts or specialized academics. Utilizing Oklahoma's tax credit can make the private option more feasible, but the sense of local community versus a broader, mission-driven environment is a key personal decision.