The Best Private Schools in Temple, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Temple. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lawton Christian School
Independent Christian School
Lawton Christian School is a highly-regarded private institution serving southwest Oklahoma, including the Temple area. Established in 1979, this accredited school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and dedicated faculty providing individualized attention. Their robust academic program includes Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The school maintains high academic standards with a Christian worldview integrated throughout the curriculum, making it a popular choice for families seeking both academic excellence and character development.
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Good Shepherd Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Oklahoma City
Good Shepherd Catholic School has been serving the Lawton-Fort Sill region, including Temple families, for over six decades. This accredited Catholic school provides education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with a reputation for academic excellence and strong community values. The school features updated technology labs, modern classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Their curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, moral development, and academic achievement, with students consistently performing above national averages on standardized testing. The school offers extensive extracurricular programs including music, drama, sports, and community service opportunities, creating a well-rounded educational experience for students throughout the area.
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Lawton Academy of Arts & Sciences
Independent Charter School
Lawton Academy of Arts & Sciences is a distinguished private school serving gifted and high-achieving students from Temple and surrounding communities. Founded in 1999, this specialized institution offers unique educational programs for students from elementary through high school levels. The academy is renowned for its accelerated curriculum, emphasis on critical thinking, and integration of arts with rigorous science and mathematics education. Their approach includes project-based learning, advanced technology integration, and individualized learning plans. The school maintains small class sizes with highly qualified teachers and offers extensive enrichment programs including robotics, advanced arts, and competitive academic teams, making it a top choice for academically advanced students in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Temple, Oklahoma
What are the private school options for families living in Temple, Oklahoma, and are they located in Temple itself?
Temple, Oklahoma, is a small community, and there are no private schools physically located within the city limits of Temple. Families typically look to nearby cities, primarily Lawton (about a 30-minute drive), for private education. The top-regarded options in the area include Lawton Christian School (PreK-12), Good Shepherd Catholic School (PreK-8), and Lawton Academy of Arts & Sciences (K-12). This means commuting is a necessary consideration for Temple residents seeking private schooling, and exploring each school's transportation policies is important.
How does tuition at private schools near Temple, OK, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools in the Lawton area serving Temple families is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional Oklahoma costs. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at schools like Good Shepherd Catholic School and Lawton Christian School often ranges from approximately $5,000 to $8,000 annually for elementary grades. Oklahoma offers the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship, which provides tax credits to donors who fund scholarships, making need-based financial aid more accessible at participating private schools. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition rates, payment plans, and scholarship application processes.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by private schools accessible to Temple, OK, students?
The private schools near Temple distinguish themselves through specialized curricula. Lawton Academy of Arts & Sciences is particularly notable for its gifted and talented focus, project-based learning, and robust arts integration. Lawton Christian School offers a Bible-based curriculum with standard college-prep tracks and extracurriculars like athletics and fine arts. Good Shepherd Catholic School provides a faith-based education with a strong emphasis on core academics and character development. For Temple families, these specialized environments offer alternatives to the standard public school curriculum, allowing parents to choose a school that aligns with their child's learning style or religious values.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Lawton area that serve Temple residents?
Enrollment timelines for private schools near Temple, such as those in Lawton, often begin in January or February for the following fall semester. The process usually involves an application, submission of past academic records, a family interview, and sometimes placement testing (particularly for Lawton Academy). Many schools host open houses in the winter. Due to limited seats, especially in popular early grades, it is highly advisable for Temple parents to initiate inquiries by early winter. Some schools may have rolling admission if spaces remain, but waiting lists are common. Contacting the admissions office directly is the best first step.
For a family in Temple, what are the key factors when comparing local public schools to private schools in Lawton?
The primary comparison factors for Temple families involve logistics, educational approach, and cost. Temple Public Schools offer the convenience of a very short commute. Opting for a private school in Lawton adds a significant daily commute but provides choice in religious affiliation (Christian or Catholic), potentially smaller class sizes, and specialized programs like gifted education. Financially, public school is tuition-free, while private school requires tuition, though financial aid may be available. Parents must weigh the value of a specific educational philosophy or environment against the added time and cost of transportation to Lawton. Visiting both the local public school and the private options is essential for an informed decision.