The Best Private Schools in Astoria, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Astoria. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Star of the Sea School
Archdiocese of Portland Catholic Schools
St. Mary Star of the Sea School is Astoria's premier Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. With over 70 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum rooted in Catholic values while emphasizing academic rigor. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and modern facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms. Programs include STEM education, music and arts, religious formation, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school is known for its strong community involvement and family-oriented atmosphere, with many graduates successfully transitioning to regional high schools.
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Seaside Adventist School
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Serving the broader North Coast region including Astoria families, Seaside Adventist School provides Christian education for students from kindergarten through 8th grade. The school focuses on whole-child development with a balanced approach to spiritual, academic, physical, and social growth. The curriculum includes strong academic foundations, music education, technology skills, and regular community service projects. With small class sizes and individualized attention, the school has maintained consistent high ratings for teacher quality and parent satisfaction. Many Astoria families commute to this school for its strong values-based education and supportive learning environment.
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Warrenton Grade School
Warrenton-Hammond School District
Located just minutes from Astoria in neighboring Warrenton, this highly-rated public charter school option serves many Astoria families seeking alternative education. The school emphasizes project-based learning and hands-on education with a strong focus on outdoor and environmental education unique to the North Coast region. Features include modern technology integration, dedicated teaching staff, and comprehensive athletic programs. The school has built a reputation for strong parent-teacher collaboration and community engagement, with many Astoria families choosing this option for its innovative approach to education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Astoria, Oregon
What are the private school options for families living directly in Astoria, Oregon, and what are the commuting realities?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within Astoria's city limits. The primary options are in nearby communities, requiring a commute. St. Mary Star of the Sea School (Pre-K-8) is in nearby Seaside, approximately a 20-minute drive south. Warrenton Grade School (K-8) is in Warrenton, about a 10-minute drive north across the Youngs Bay bridge. Seaside Adventist School (K-10) is also in Seaside. For high school, families often look at private options in larger cities like Portland or consider online academies. This geographic distribution is a key factor for Astoria families, as weather and bridge crossings can impact daily travel.
How does tuition at private schools near Astoria, Oregon, compare to the state average, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the private schools serving the Astoria area is generally below the Oregon state average for private education, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, expect ranges of approximately $4,500-$7,500 annually for elementary/middle grades. Oregon offers two key financial aid programs: the "Opportunity Grant" for low-income college students (which can be a future consideration) and, more relevantly, many schools participate in the "Tax Credit Scholarship" program. This allows Oregon taxpayers to direct a portion of their state taxes to scholarship organizations that fund private school tuition, increasing the availability of need-based aid for local families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Astoria offer that leverage the local coastal environment and culture?
Schools in this region often integrate the unique Pacific Northwest coastal environment into their curricula. St. Mary Star of the Sea and Seaside Adventist School, both in Seaside, may incorporate marine biology, coastal ecology, and local history (like the Lewis & Clark Expedition) into science and social studies. Given Astoria's rich maritime heritage, projects related to fisheries, forestry, and Columbia River history are common. Extracurriculars often emphasize outdoor activities; however, competitive athletic leagues can be limited due to the small size of the schools, with some collaborating with local public schools or forming co-op teams for sports.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Astoria, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Mary Star of the Sea, Warrenton Grade School, and Seaside Adventist School typically begins in January or February for the following fall. Priority is often given to siblings of current students and members of the affiliated church or parish. Due to the small size of these schools (often fewer than 150 students total), space is limited, and waitlists for certain grades are common, especially in the lower elementary years. It is highly recommended for Astoria parents to initiate inquiries by early winter, schedule a tour, and complete applications by March to secure a spot. Rolling admission may occur if spaces remain.
For an Astoria family, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision often hinges on commute, educational philosophy, and specific student needs. Astoria School District public schools offer the convenience of neighborhood attendance, diverse extracurriculars, and no tuition. Choosing a private school like those in Warrenton or Seaside involves a daily commute but may offer smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), a specific religious foundation (Catholic or Seventh-day Adventist), and a tightly-knit community. Academically, private schools here may not have the same breadth of Advanced Placement courses or specialized services (like extensive special education programs) as the public high school, making a child's individual needs a paramount factor. Many families value the private option for consistent, values-based education from K-8 before transitioning to Astoria High School.