The Best Private Schools in Ashland, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ashland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Siskiyou School
Waldorf Education
The Siskiyou School is a renowned Waldorf school serving students from early childhood through 8th grade. Located in the heart of Ashland, the school emphasizes holistic education with strong academic foundations, artistic expression, and practical skills. The curriculum integrates arts, music, movement, and foreign languages throughout all subjects. The school features beautiful campus facilities including gardens, outdoor classrooms, and dedicated art studios. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and the well-rounded education that fosters critical thinking and creativity.
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St. Mary's School
Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the entire Rogue Valley, including Ashland families. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with an International Baccalaureate program and extensive Advanced Placement courses. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic complex, and modern classrooms. The school maintains small class sizes and provides robust extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams, robotics, theater, and community service programs. Academic excellence and character development are central to the school's mission.
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Cascade Christian Schools
Cascade Christian Schools
Cascade Christian Schools is a comprehensive Christian educational system serving the Rogue Valley with campuses in Medford, Grants Pass, and Jacksonville. The system serves many Ashland families and offers programs from preschool through high school. The curriculum integrates faith-based education with rigorous academics, including Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, performance spaces, and athletic fields. The school community emphasizes spiritual growth, academic achievement, and character development within a supportive Christian environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ashland, Oregon
What are the primary private school options available in Ashland, Oregon, and what distinguishes them from one another?
Ashland offers a few distinct private school options, each with a unique educational philosophy. The Siskiyou School is a Waldorf-inspired institution serving grades K-8, emphasizing arts-integrated, developmental learning in a nature-rich setting. St. Mary's School is a Catholic, college-preparatory school serving preschool through 8th grade, offering a structured academic environment with faith-based values. Cascade Christian Schools, while headquartered in nearby Medford, serves many Ashland families and provides a Protestant Christian education from preschool through 12th grade, with a strong emphasis on academics, athletics, and spiritual development. This limited selection means parents in Ashland often choose based heavily on pedagogical alignment (Waldorf vs. traditional) and religious affiliation.
How does tuition for private schools in Ashland, Oregon, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Ashland tends to be moderately high, reflecting the city's cost of living and the specialized nature of its schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $12,000 to $18,000 for elementary grades. This is somewhat above the Oregon private school average, particularly for schools with unique models like Waldorf education. All major schools in Ashland offer need-based financial aid, and Oregon's "Opportunity Grant" for college does not apply to K-12. However, some schools participate in state tax-credit scholarship programs for donors. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as funds are limited and often allocated on a first-come, first-served basis specific to each institution.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Ashland's private schools offer that leverage the local culture and environment?
Ashland's private schools deeply integrate the city's renowned arts and natural environment. The Siskiyou School, for example, has a strong outdoor education program utilizing the nearby Siskiyou Mountains and Rogue Valley for ecological studies. Its curriculum heavily features performing and visual arts, resonating with Ashland's identity as home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. St. Mary's and Cascade Christian often incorporate theater arts and leverage partnerships with local cultural institutions. Furthermore, several schools emphasize sustainability and environmental science, aligning with Southern Oregon's eco-conscious community. This local integration provides an education that is both academically rigorous and contextually rich.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Ashland, and are there long waitlists?
The enrollment process in Ashland typically begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year, with application deadlines often between January and March. Due to the small size and high demand—especially for early grades and popular models like The Siskiyou School—waitlists are common and can be lengthy. The process usually involves an application, school records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and a student visit or assessment. Sibling and legacy applicants often receive priority. It's highly advisable for parents to attend open houses (usually held in the fall) and initiate contact with admissions offices well over a year in advance for the best chance of securing a spot.
For families considering both, what are the key differences between the Ashland School District public schools and the private school options in town?
The Ashland School District is highly regarded, which makes the private school choice one of specific philosophy rather than fleeing a failing system. Key differences include class size (private schools often have 15-20 students vs. public's 25-30), curriculum flexibility (private schools are not bound by all state standards, allowing for Waldorf or accelerated religious curricula), and community culture. Public schools offer broader elective choices in higher grades and extensive extracurriculars. Private schools provide a consistent, mission-driven environment from preschool through middle school (or high school with Cascade Christian), whereas public schooling involves transitions between elementary, middle, and high school campuses. The choice often hinges on a desire for a specific value-based or pedagogical approach versus the diverse, comprehensive, and tuition-free public system.