The Best Private Schools in Weatherford, Oklahoma
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Weatherford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Oklahoma City
St. Mary's Catholic School is Weatherford's premier private school offering comprehensive education from Pre-K through 8th grade. With over 60 years of educational excellence, the school provides a strong faith-based curriculum combined with modern academic programs. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a well-rounded education that includes STEM initiatives, fine arts, and athletic programs. The campus includes modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, academic rigor, and strong community values.
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Southwest Covenant Schools
Southwest Covenant Schools System
Southwest Covenant Schools is a highly-regarded Christian private school located approximately 45 minutes from Weatherford, serving families throughout the region. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade college preparatory program with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and Christian values. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, athletic complexes, fine arts centers, and technology-integrated classrooms. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and offers extensive extracurricular programs including championship athletics, fine arts, and community service opportunities.
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Elk City Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Elk City Christian Academy, located approximately 30 minutes from Weatherford, has served families in Western Oklahoma for over three decades. The school provides a comprehensive biblical worldview education from Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. ECCA features accredited academic programs, dual enrollment opportunities with Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including competitive athletics, fine arts, and leadership development programs. The school is known for its family atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and commitment to developing students academically, spiritually, and socially.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Weatherford, Oklahoma
What are the primary private school options available for families in Weatherford, Oklahoma, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Weatherford, OK, offers a few key private school options, each with a distinct focus. **St. Mary's Catholic School** (Pre-K through 8th grade) provides a faith-based education integrating Catholic values with a standard academic curriculum. **Southwest Covenant Schools**, located in nearby Yukon but serving many Weatherford families, is a prominent Pre-K through 12th grade option offering a college-preparatory, Christian education. While not in Weatherford proper, **Elk City Christian Academy** (about 30 miles west) is another regional choice for a Bible-centered K-12 education. The availability is more limited compared to larger cities, so many Weatherford parents also consider private schools in nearby Clinton or Oklahoma City for a broader selection.
How does tuition at private schools in the Weatherford, Oklahoma, area compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options specific to Oklahoma?
Tuition in the Weatherford area is generally below the national average but aligns with Oklahoma's relatively low cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, expect ranges from approximately $4,000-$7,000 annually for elementary grades at local schools, with higher rates for secondary programs. A key financial consideration specific to Oklahoma is the **Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit**, enacted in 2023. This program provides refundable tax credits to families who enroll their children in private school, with amounts tiered based on household income. This can significantly offset tuition costs. Additionally, most schools, like St. Mary's and Southwest Covenant, offer their own need-based financial aid and parish/sibling discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Weatherford students that leverage the local community or region?
Private schools serving Weatherford often incorporate regional themes and partnerships. **Southwest Covenant Schools**, for instance, may integrate agricultural science or Oklahoma history in a distinctive way, potentially partnering with Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford for advanced STEM opportunities or fine arts collaborations. **St. Mary's Catholic School** often emphasizes community service projects within Weatherford itself. Given Oklahoma's strong focus on energy and agriculture, science curricula at these schools may include relevant units or field trips. Extracurriculars are often built around close-knit communities, with many schools offering robust athletics, music, and academic competitions through the Oklahoma Private School Association.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Mary's in Weatherford, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Weatherford-area private schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year. For **St. Mary's Catholic School**, priority is often given to active parishioners of the associated church, then to Catholic families from other parishes, and finally to the general community. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastor/teacher recommendation, and often a family interview. Due to smaller class sizes, popular grades can fill quickly, leading to waitlists, especially for kindergarten and early elementary. It's highly advised to contact the school's admissions office by early winter. Schools like Southwest Covenant have a similar timeline but may host open houses in the fall.
For a family in Weatherford, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school option?
The decision in Weatherford often hinges on several local factors. **Weatherford Public Schools** are well-regarded and offer diverse programs, including a connection to SWOSU. Choosing private school often centers on desire for a specific religious foundation (Catholic or Protestant), smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, and a particular community environment. A practical consideration is transportation, as private schools do not provide district busing, so commuting to Weatherford, Yukon, or Elk City is the family's responsibility. The new Oklahoma tax credit has made the financial aspect more competitive. Ultimately, the choice involves weighing the value of a faith-based or specialized pedagogical approach against the convenience, cost (after tax credits), and comprehensive extracurricular offerings of the larger public system.