The Best Private Schools in Bend, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bend. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Cascade Christian Schools - Bend Campus
Cascade Christian Schools
Cascade Christian Schools operates a highly-rated Bend campus serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes rigorous academic preparation with a Christian worldview, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus offers comprehensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive arts opportunities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and well-rounded educational approach that prepares students for high school success. The school maintains excellent facilities including modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic spaces.
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Seven Peaks School
Independent
Seven Peaks School is an independent, co-educational day school offering the International Baccalaureate program for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is known for its challenging academic curriculum combined with innovative outdoor education programs that leverage Central Oregon's natural environment. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes global citizenship, critical thinking, and character development, with graduates consistently gaining admission to top-tier colleges and universities.
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St. Francis School
Catholic
St. Francis School provides Catholic Montessori education for students from preschool through 8th grade. The school combines Montessori methodology with Catholic traditions, offering individualized learning paths while fostering spiritual development. The campus features Montessori classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and chapel facilities. Programs include comprehensive Spanish language instruction, hands-on science exploration, and community service initiatives. Parents appreciate the nurturing environment, strong academic foundation, and focus on developing independent, compassionate learners prepared for future academic challenges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bend, Oregon
What are the primary types of private school options available to families in Bend, Oregon?
Bend offers a diverse range of private school models catering to different educational philosophies. You'll find faith-based institutions like Cascade Christian Schools - Bend Campus, which provides a Protestant Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. For secular, independent education, Seven Peaks School offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program from Pre-K through 8th grade, emphasizing inquiry-based learning. St. Francis School provides a unique, progressive model with multi-age classrooms and a strong focus on experiential and outdoor education. This variety allows Bend parents to choose a school that closely aligns with their family's values and their child's learning style.
How does the tuition for private schools in Bend, OR, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Bend's top private schools is generally at or above the Oregon state average for private education, reflecting the city's cost of living and high demand. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000 to over $20,000 annually, depending on the grade level and school. Importantly, most schools have robust financial aid programs. For instance, Seven Peaks School and Cascade Christian Schools offer need-based financial assistance, and St. Francis School has a flexible tuition model. Additionally, Oregon's "Opportunity Grant" tax credit program for donations to scholarship-granting organizations can indirectly increase available aid for qualifying families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools in Bend due to the local environment and community?
Bend's private schools deeply integrate the Central Oregon landscape and culture into their programs. A standout feature is the emphasis on outdoor and environmental education. Schools like St. Francis and Seven Peaks utilize the nearby Deschutes National Forest, Cascade Lakes, and the High Desert for science, PE, and leadership programs. Many also have strong outdoor adventure clubs for skiing, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Furthermore, given Bend's growing tech and entrepreneurial sector, schools are enhancing their STEM and robotics offerings. The local focus on wellness and sustainability is also woven into curricula, from garden-to-table programs to studies in renewable energy.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Bend, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The enrollment process for Bend's sought-after private schools often begins a full year in advance. Key dates typically include: opening applications in September or October for the following fall, with priority deadlines between January and February. The process usually involves a campus tour, submission of an application with fees, student assessments or classroom visits, and family interviews. For schools like Seven Peaks and St. Francis, which have limited seats, applying by the priority deadline is crucial. It is highly recommended that families initiate research and tours in the fall, 18-12 months before desired enrollment, especially for entry-level grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade.
For families moving to Bend, how do the class sizes and educational approaches of private schools compare to the highly-rated public school district (Bend-La Pine Schools)?
The most distinct difference lies in class size and specialized educational approaches. While Bend-La Pine public schools are well-regarded, class sizes can often be 25-30 students. Private schools in Bend typically maintain ratios of 10:1 to 15:1, allowing for more individualized attention. Pedagogically, private options offer specific models not found in the standard public curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate at Seven Peaks or the developmental, project-based learning at St. Francis. This can be a major draw for families seeking an alternative to the larger, standards-based public system. However, the public district offers extensive advanced placement (AP) courses and extracurriculars at the high school level that some smaller private high schools may not match in breadth.