The Best Private Schools in Stillwater, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Stillwater. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Crossings Christian School
Independent Christian School
Crossings Christian School is a highly-rated private institution located in Oklahoma City, serving students from preschool to 12th grade and attracting families from Stillwater and the broader region. The school is acclaimed for its rigorous academic curriculum integrated with Christian values, featuring advanced STEM programs, robust fine arts departments, and competitive athletics. State-of-the-art facilities include technology-enhanced classrooms, science labs, performance spaces, and extensive sports complexes. With a strong emphasis on holistic development and community engagement, Crossings Christian School maintains high parent satisfaction and a track record of academic excellence.
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Metro Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Metro Christian Academy is a prestigious private school in Tulsa, offering an International Baccalaureate program alongside a Christian educational framework. Serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, it draws families from Stillwater and surrounding areas due to its academic reputation and comprehensive offerings. The school features modern facilities, including science and technology labs, athletic fields, and arts studios, supported by a wide range of extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and community service. Known for its dedicated faculty and strong community values, Metro Christian Academy emphasizes college preparation and personal growth, resulting in high parent and student satisfaction.
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Stillwater Christian School
Independent Christian School
Stillwater Christian School is a well-established private institution providing a comprehensive Christian-based education from kindergarten through 12th grade. Renowned for its strong academic rigor and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes college readiness, character development, and a supportive community environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a library, and athletic fields. Extracurricular offerings encompass sports, music, drama, and various clubs, contributing to high parent satisfaction and student success. The school serves as a local cornerstone for families in Stillwater seeking a values-oriented education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Stillwater, Oklahoma
What are the primary private school options available within Stillwater, Oklahoma, and do I need to commute to a larger city for more choices?
Within Stillwater itself, Stillwater Christian School (PreK-12) is the primary local option, offering a biblically-integrated curriculum. For broader choices, many Stillwater families consider commuting to the Oklahoma City metro area, approximately an hour's drive. Popular schools there include Crossings Christian School in Oklahoma City and Metro Christian Academy in Tulsa (about 70 miles away), which offer extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs. The availability of nearby options means parents must weigh the benefits of a local community school against the expanded programs of a regional institution, factoring in daily commute times.
How does tuition at private schools in and around Stillwater, OK, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Stillwater area is generally at or slightly below the Oklahoma private school average. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Stillwater Christian School's tuition ranges from approximately $6,500 for elementary to $8,500 for high school. Crossings Christian and Metro Christian, being larger regional schools, have higher tuition, often ranging from $12,000 to $16,000. Oklahoma offers the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship, which provides tax credits to donors who fund scholarships, making significant need-based financial aid available at many participating schools. All mentioned schools have dedicated financial aid programs, and it's crucial to apply early.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Stillwater-area private schools offer that leverage local partnerships or community assets?
Private schools in the Stillwater region often create unique programs by leveraging proximity to Oklahoma State University (OSU). Stillwater Christian School and others in the broader area may facilitate dual-enrollment courses with OSU or nearby Northern Oklahoma College, allowing high school students to earn college credit. Extracurriculars can be enriched by OSU's facilities and expertise, with potential for specialized science fairs, engineering workshops, or access to sporting events and cultural performances. Additionally, agricultural science and animal science programs are notably strong in this region, reflecting Oklahoma's heritage.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Stillwater Christian School, and how far in advance should I apply?
The enrollment process for Stillwater-area private schools typically begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. Stillwater Christian School usually opens applications in January, with priority deadlines in March. The process often includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and a student assessment. For highly sought-after schools like Crossings Christian, applications may open as early as October, with deadlines in February. We recommend starting your research and campus visits at least a year in advance, especially for competitive grades like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, to ensure you meet all deadlines and financial aid application windows.
For a family living in Stillwater, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district with available private school options?
Key considerations include academic focus, class size, and values-based education. Stillwater Public Schools (SPS) are well-regarded and offer diverse programs, including advanced placement and a strong STEM focus through partnerships with OSU. Private options like Stillwater Christian provide smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) and a specific religious or philosophical educational framework. A major practical consideration is commute; SPS provides neighborhood schools, while a private option may involve driving across town or a lengthy commute to the OKC metro. Financially, you must weigh private tuition against the "free" public option, considering the potential savings from the Oklahoma tax credit scholarship program for private school.