The Best Private Schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Tulsa. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holland Hall School
Independent School
Holland Hall is a prestigious independent school offering education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, state-of-the-art facilities including a recently renovated upper school campus, and comprehensive arts and athletic programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes academic excellence while fostering individual student growth and character development.
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Cascia Hall Preparatory School
Augustinian Order
Cascia Hall is a Catholic college preparatory school serving grades 6-12, operated by the Augustinian Order. The school combines rigorous academics with character formation in the Augustinian tradition. Features include advanced STEM programs, competitive athletics, extensive fine arts offerings, and a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus includes modern academic facilities, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes serving approximately 500 students.
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Bishop Kelley High School
Catholic Diocese of Tulsa
Bishop Kelley High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving grades 9-12. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, extensive extracurricular programs, and championship-caliber athletic teams. With a focus on faith formation and service learning, Bishop Kelley provides a supportive community environment while preparing students for college success. The campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced classrooms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma
What are the primary types of private schools available in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and how do they differ?
Tulsa offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily categorized as independent college-preparatory schools and Catholic diocesan schools. Top independent schools like Holland Hall (PreK-12) and Cascia Hall (6-12) offer rigorous, secular college-prep curricula with extensive extracurriculars and smaller class sizes. Bishop Kelley High School represents the Catholic tradition, offering a faith-based education with strong academics and values. Additionally, Tulsa has smaller parochial schools affiliated with other Christian denominations and specialized Montessori or progressive education models. This variety allows parents to choose based on educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and campus culture specific to the Tulsa community.
How does tuition at Tulsa's top private schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available locally?
Tuition at leading Tulsa private schools like Holland Hall and Cascia Hall typically ranges from approximately $20,000 to $25,000 annually for upper grades, which is above the Oklahoma state average for private schools but competitive with national independent school standards. Bishop Kelley's tuition is generally lower, often in the $10,000-$12,000 range, reflecting its diocesan model. Importantly, all these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarships funded through endowments and annual giving. Oklahoma also has the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act, which provides tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, increasing access to private schools for many Tulsa families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at Tulsa's premier private schools?
Tulsa's top private schools have developed distinctive programs leveraging local partnerships and resources. Holland Hall features a renowned Global Studies program and a comprehensive engineering and robotics curriculum tied to Tulsa's energy and aerospace industries. Cascia Hall emphasizes its Augustinian values through service-learning projects deeply integrated with Tulsa nonprofits. Bishop Kelley offers exceptional career-focused programs in engineering and biomedical sciences, with partnerships at institutions like the University of Tulsa and Saint Francis Health System. All three schools have strong arts programs, with Cascia and Holland Hall regularly producing state-champion speech and debate teams, a particular point of pride in Oklahoma's competitive circuit.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Tulsa, OK?
The enrollment process for Tulsa's sought-after private schools begins early, often 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Most schools, including Holland Hall, Cascia Hall, and Bishop Kelley, have application deadlines between January and February for the following fall. The process typically includes an application form, school records, teacher recommendations, a student visit or shadow day, and a standardized entrance exam (like the ISEE). For younger grades, there may be a developmental assessment. Admissions at these schools can be competitive, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades. It's highly recommended for Tulsa parents to attend fall open houses and begin inquiries the prior summer.
For families considering both options, what are the key practical differences between Tulsa Public Schools and the major private schools in terms of daily life and outcomes?
Key differences for Tulsa families include curriculum flexibility, resource allocation, and community scale. Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) follow state-mandated standards and testing, while private schools like Holland Hall and Cascia Hall use advanced, self-developed curricula often exceeding state requirements. Private schools generally have lower student-to-teacher ratios (e.g., 8:1 or 10:1 vs. TPS averages near 20:1) and newer facilities funded through tuition and philanthropy. Extracurricular access can be broader in private settings, as students don't have to "make the cut" for limited spots on teams. Post-graduation, Tulsa's top private schools consistently report 100% college matriculation rates, often to highly selective universities, whereas TPS's college-going rate varies widely by school. However, TPS offers unique magnet programs and the benefit of a more socioeconomically diverse student body. The decision often hinges on a family's priorities for class size, specific academic or religious focus, and budget.