The Best Private Schools in T A F B, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in T A F B. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mount St. Mary High School
Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Mount St. Mary High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Oklahoma City area, including Tinker AFB families. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 19 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The campus features modern science labs, athletic facilities, and technology integration throughout. Military families appreciate the supportive community and transportation options from surrounding areas.
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Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School
Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School is a distinguished college preparatory school serving the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, including military families from Tinker AFB. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and outstanding fine arts facilities including a state-of-the-art performing arts center. With a commitment to faith formation and academic excellence, the school maintains a 99% college acceptance rate. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic complexes, and extensive technology resources to support student learning and development.
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Harding Charter Preparatory High School
Oklahoma City Public Schools (Charter)
Harding Charter Preparatory is a highly-rated public charter school with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that serves students from across Oklahoma County, including Tinker AFB. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, with 100% of graduates accepted to colleges and universities. Known for its academic excellence, the school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong extracurricular programs including robotics, debate, and athletics. The school has received numerous state and national recognitions for academic achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in T A F B, Oklahoma
What are the primary private high school options available for families in or near Tinker Air Force Base (T A F B), Oklahoma?
The immediate Tinker AFB area in Oklahoma City is served by several highly-regarded private high schools, with the most prominent being Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, Mount St. Mary High School, and Harding Charter Preparatory High School. Bishop McGuinness and Mount St. Mary are Catholic, co-educational institutions offering college-prep curricula and extensive extracurriculars. Harding Charter Prep is a public charter school with a rigorous, advanced placement-focused program, which, while not private in the tuition-based sense, is a sought-after alternative to standard district schools. For families stationed at T A F B, these schools offer structured environments and are accessible from base housing and surrounding suburbs like Midwest City and Edmond.
How does tuition for private schools near Tinker AFB, OK, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options for military families?
Tuition for private high schools like Bishop McGuinness and Mount St. Mary near Tinker AFB typically ranges from approximately $10,000 to $12,000 per year, which is generally in line with or slightly above the Oklahoma state average for private secondary education. Both Catholic schools offer need-based financial aid, and many have specific scholarship programs. Military families stationed at T A F B should inquire about diocesan or school-specific discounts for service members. Additionally, Oklahoma does not have a state-funded voucher program for private school tuition, so exploring aid directly through the schools and military support organizations is crucial for managing costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Tinker AFB offer that align with a STEM-focused community?
Reflecting the high-tech environment of Tinker Air Force Base, area private schools have developed strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiatives. Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School features a robust engineering program and competitive robotics team. Mount St. Mary High School offers advanced science and math courses and has partnerships with local universities. Harding Charter Preparatory High School, known for its AP-centric model, provides deep dives into computer science and calculus. These programs are particularly appealing to T A F B families with ties to aerospace, engineering, and logistics, providing a seamless academic connection to the local defense industry.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in the Tinker AFB area, and how should military families plan for PCS moves?
The enrollment process for schools like Bishop McGuinness and Mount St. Mary near Tinker AFB usually begins in the fall for the following academic year, with application deadlines often in January or February. This includes submitting transcripts, standardized test scores, recommendations, and sometimes attending an interview. For military families undergoing a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to or from T A F B outside this window, it is critical to contact the school's admissions office directly. These schools are generally accustomed to working with military families and may have flexible mid-year enrollment procedures, but spaces are subject to availability. Starting communication as soon as orders are received is highly advised.
How do the private and public school options in the Tinker AFB area compare in terms of college preparation and campus culture?
In the Tinker AFB area, families often compare top-rated public schools in the Midwest City or Edmond districts with private options like Bishop McGuinness and Mount St. Mary. The private schools typically offer smaller class sizes, a strong emphasis on moral or religious formation, and a consistent college-preparatory curriculum across all students. Public schools, including high-performing charters like Harding Charter Prep, offer strong academics with no tuition but can have larger student bodies. The culture at Catholic schools is often characterized by community service and faith integration, while the culture is highly academic and structured at Harding. The choice often hinges on a family's priorities for values-based education, specific academic intensity, and budget, with all options providing pathways to college.