The Best Private Schools in Clackamas, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clackamas. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oregon Episcopal School
Independent
Oregon Episcopal School is a highly regarded independent school serving the greater Portland metro area, including Clackamas. Founded in 1869, OES offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with International Baccalaureate programs, small class sizes averaging 15 students, and a 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The 59-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes global citizenship, ethical leadership, and academic excellence with graduates consistently attending top universities nationwide.
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Catlin Gabel School
Independent
Catlin Gabel is a premier independent school consistently ranked among Oregon's top private schools, serving students from Clackamas and the broader Portland area. The school offers a progressive, student-centered education from preschool through 12th grade with exceptional college preparation. Features include a 54-acre campus with modern academic facilities, extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and a strong emphasis on critical thinking and ethical development. The school maintains small class sizes and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions.
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Valley Catholic School
Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries
Valley Catholic School provides a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education with a strong Catholic identity while welcoming students of all faiths from Clackamas and surrounding communities. The school offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced STEM courses, extensive visual and performing arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Valley Catholic emphasizes character development, academic excellence, and community service with graduates consistently achieving high college acceptance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clackamas, Oregon
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Clackamas, Oregon, and how accessible are they?
While Clackamas itself is primarily a suburban community with many strong public school districts, most of the top-tier private schools are located in neighboring Portland. Families in Clackamas commonly consider schools like Oregon Episcopal School and Catlin Gabel School in Southwest Portland, and Valley Catholic School in Beaverton. Accessibility involves a commute, typically 20-45 minutes depending on your specific location in Clackamas and traffic on highways like I-205 and I-5. Some local options include smaller parochial schools like St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Milwaukie or Clackamas Valley Christian. It's important for Clackamas parents to factor in transportation logistics when evaluating these premier private institutions.
How does tuition at top private schools near Clackamas, Oregon, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading Portland-area private schools is significant. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $30,000 to $45,000+ for upper schools. Catlin Gabel and Oregon Episcopal School are at the higher end of this spectrum. Oregon has no state-funded voucher programs, but these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. For example, Catlin Gabel awards over $7 million annually. The application for aid is separate from admissions and uses tools like the Clarity Application. Families in Clackamas should investigate each school's aid deadlines and policies, as aid can make these schools accessible to a wider range of incomes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Clackamas, Oregon, offer that might not be available in local public schools?
Schools in this region offer distinctive programs leveraging their resources and Portland-area partnerships. Oregon Episcopal School (OES) has a renowned Global Programs initiative, including a campus in China, and a 59-acre campus with extensive outdoor and sustainability programs. Catlin Gabel emphasizes experiential, student-led learning and has a strong focus on arts and innovation labs. Valley Catholic offers a unique Pre-K through 12 continuum on one campus with renowned music and arts programs. These schools often have smaller class sizes, more specialized college counseling, and unique electives (e.g., robotics, filmmaking, advanced studio art) that may be more limited in Clackamas County public schools due to budget and scale.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Clackamas, Oregon, families?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, the main admissions cycle starts in the prior fall (e.g., September/October for the next academic year). Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments and interviews (often in January/February), and receiving decisions in March. Financial aid applications usually have similar early deadlines. Because many Clackamas families are applying to the same cohort of schools, it's crucial to be organized and meet all deadlines. Some schools may have limited rolling admission after the main cycle, but spaces are scarce. Starting research 12-18 months in advance is advisable.
For a family living in Clackamas, what are the key considerations when deciding between a high-performing public school district (like West Linn-Wilsonville or North Clackamas) and a premier private school in Portland?
This decision hinges on several factors unique to the Clackamas location. First, consider the **commute**: a 45-minute each-way drive to a private school significantly impacts family time and extracurricular participation. Second, evaluate **cost**: even with aid, private tuition is a major investment versus the no-tuition, tax-supported public option. Third, assess **fit**: Clackamas public districts offer robust AP/IB programs and activities, but private schools may provide more personalized attention, specific pedagogical approaches (like progressive education at Catlin Gabel), or a particular faith-based environment (like Valley Catholic). Finally, consider **community**: attending a local public school strengthens neighborhood ties, while a private school creates a geographically dispersed social network across the metro area. Visiting both types of schools is essential.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Secular Private Schools in Clackamas, Oregon
For families in Clackamas, Oregon, beginning the search for the right educational environment can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You may be seeking a private school that offers rigorous academics, small class sizes, and a strong sense of community, but without a specific religious affiliation. This is a common priority, and the quest for excellent secular private schools near me is one many Clackamas parents undertake. Fortunately, the Portland metropolitan area, which Clackamas is a key part of, is home to several nationally recognized independent schools that fit this description, offering distinct educational philosophies within a reasonable commute.
When considering secular private schools near me, it’s essential to understand what “secular” means in this context. These schools are independently governed and do not incorporate religious doctrine or worship into their curriculum or mission. Instead, they often emphasize critical thinking, ethical reasoning, global perspectives, and a holistic approach to student development. This allows families of diverse backgrounds to find a community that aligns with their values centered on academic excellence and personal growth. For Clackamas residents, this means looking towards schools in neighboring Portland and Beaverton, as these institutions draw families from across the region.
Three standout names often on the radar are Oregon Episcopal School (OES), Catlin Gabel School, and Valley Catholic School. It’s important to note a key distinction here: while OES and Catlin Gabel are firmly secular and independent, Valley Catholic is a faith-based school. This highlights the importance of clarifying each school’s foundation in your search. Catlin Gabel, located in Portland’s West Hills, is renowned for its progressive, student-centered approach and deep commitment to experiential learning. Oregon Episcopal School, despite its historical name, is an independent, secular school that champions intellectual curiosity and inclusivity, with a beautiful campus in the Southwest Hills. The commute from Clackamas to these schools is a practical consideration, often involving I-205 or I-5, so visiting during rush hour is a wise step.
Your search for secular private schools near me should involve deep reflection on what environment will best nurture your child. Beyond the drive, consider the intangibles. Schedule visits to feel the campus culture firsthand. Does the school’s approach to project-based learning or its arts and athletics programs spark your child’s interests? Ask about community service requirements and how ethical leadership is woven into the day. For Clackamas families, these schools also offer extensive after-school programs, which can be helpful for managing the logistics of a longer school day with a commute. Engaging in this process, you’ll move beyond a simple online query to finding a partner in your child’s education—a school that doesn’t just teach, but inspires, and feels worth the journey from our community. The investment of time in this search is the first step toward an educational experience that can profoundly shape your child’s future.