The Best Private Schools in Beaverton, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Beaverton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Catlin Gabel School
Catlin Gabel School
Catlin Gabel School is one of the most prestigious independent schools in the Portland metropolitan area, serving numerous students from Beaverton. The school offers a progressive education focused on developing curious, creative, and compassionate learners. The 67-acre campus features exceptional facilities including innovation labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is renowned for its advanced STEM programs, comprehensive arts curriculum, and commitment to experiential learning. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Catlin Gabel provides a challenging academic environment that prepares students for top colleges while fostering intellectual curiosity and social responsibility.
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Oregon Episcopal School
Oregon Episcopal School
Oregon Episcopal School, while located in nearby Portland, serves many families from the Beaverton area and is consistently ranked among the top private schools in the Pacific Northwest. The school offers a challenging academic program with an emphasis on critical thinking, global citizenship, and ethical leadership. The 59-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, art studios, and extensive athletic fields. OES is particularly noted for its strong arts programs, competitive athletics, and unique outdoor education curriculum that includes wilderness experiences and environmental studies. The school maintains a diverse student body and strong college placement record.
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Valley Catholic School
Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries
Valley Catholic School is a comprehensive Catholic private school serving students from early learning through high school. Located in the heart of Beaverton, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with faith-based education. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Known for strong college preparatory programs, the school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular activities including robotics, music ensembles, and competitive sports. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Beaverton, Oregon
What are the main types of private schools available in Beaverton, Oregon, and how do they differ?
Beaverton, Oregon, offers a diverse range of private school options. The most prominent are independent college-preparatory schools like Catlin Gabel and Oregon Episcopal School (OES), which are located just outside Beaverton but serve the metro area with rigorous academics and extensive extracurriculars. Within Beaverton proper, Valley Catholic School provides a unique faith-based, Pre-K through 12th education on a single campus under the Catholic tradition. You'll also find smaller parochial schools, Montessori programs, and specialty schools. The key differences lie in educational philosophy (progressive vs. traditional), religious affiliation, campus size, and tuition structure, with schools like Catlin Gabel and OES being among the most expensive in the state.
How does the tuition for top private schools in the Beaverton area compare, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for the leading private schools serving Beaverton families varies significantly. For the 2024-25 school year, high school tuition at Catlin Gabel and Oregon Episcopal School exceeds $40,000, placing them at the premium end. Valley Catholic School in Beaverton is typically lower, with high school tuition around $18,000-$20,000. All these schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Importantly, Oregon has the "Opportunity Grant" tax credit program, which can provide a state tax credit for donations to organizations granting scholarships for private K-12 education, indirectly supporting financial aid. Parents should apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Beaverton area?
Beaverton-area private schools distinguish themselves with specialized programs. Catlin Gabel is renowned for its experiential, student-centered learning and outdoor education. Oregon Episcopal School (OES) features a renowned global studies program and a 46-acre campus with a robotics lab and arts center. Valley Catholic School leverages its single-campus model for strong vertical alignment and offers unique programs like its comprehensive music education and partnership with the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. Many schools also capitalize on Oregon's landscape with outdoor and environmental science programs. For STEM-focused families, several schools have strong partnerships with nearby tech companies in the Silicon Forest.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Beaverton, Oregon?
The process for top Beaverton-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For schools like Catlin Gabel, OES, and Valley Catholic, the main admission cycle for the following fall starts 12-18 months in advance. Key steps typically include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, student visits/testing in winter, and admission decisions released in March. Sibling and legacy applicants often have priority. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, parents are advised to start research two years ahead. Waiting lists are common, so meeting deadlines is crucial.
How do the class sizes and student-teacher ratios in Beaverton private schools compare to the highly-rated Beaverton Public School District?
This is a key differentiator. The Beaverton Public School District is one of Oregon's largest and highest-achieving, but class sizes can range from 25-30+ students. In contrast, private schools in the area offer significantly smaller settings. For example, Catlin Gabel and OES maintain average class sizes of 14-18 with student-teacher ratios near 8:1. Valley Catholic also offers smaller classes, typically in the low 20s. This allows for more individualized attention, differentiated instruction, and student participation. The choice often comes down to a parent's priority for the resources of a large, diverse public system versus the personalized environment and specific mission of a private school.