The Best Private Schools in Dallas, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dallas. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul Catholic School
Catholic Schools of Salem
St. Paul Catholic School provides exceptional elementary education for families in the Dallas area seeking private school options. The school offers a strong foundation in core academics enhanced by faith-based values and character education. Features include technology-integrated classrooms, specialized music and art programs, and comprehensive STEM enrichment activities. The school maintains an excellent student-teacher ratio and focuses on developing well-rounded students through various extracurricular opportunities and community involvement.
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Blanchet Catholic School
Catholic Schools of Salem
Blanchet Catholic School is a highly-regarded college preparatory school serving the greater Salem area, including Dallas families. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive college counseling. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service while providing robust extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and leadership.
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Salem Academy
Independent Christian School
Salem Academy is a respected private Christian school that serves students from Dallas and throughout the Willamette Valley. The school combines strong academic preparation with faith-based education, offering advanced placement courses, dual credit options, and comprehensive college preparation. The campus features modern facilities including STEM labs, performing arts spaces, and competitive athletic programs. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes individualized attention for students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dallas, Oregon
What are the main private school options available for families living in Dallas, Oregon, and what grade levels do they serve?
For families in Dallas, Oregon, the primary private school options are Blanchet Catholic School (serving grades 6-12 in nearby Salem), Salem Academy (a Christian school serving PreK-12, also in Salem), and St. Paul Catholic School (serving PreK-8 in St. Paul, just outside Dallas). It's important to note that Dallas itself has very few private schools within its immediate city limits, so most families look to neighboring communities in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Transportation is a key consideration, as these schools are a short commute away. Each offers a distinct religious affiliation and educational philosophy.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Dallas, Oregon area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Oregon?
Tuition in the Dallas, OR area varies. For the 2024-25 year, Blanchet Catholic School's tuition is approximately $11,000-$12,000, Salem Academy is around $8,000-$10,000, and St. Paul Catholic School is roughly $5,000-$6,000 for parishioners. A significant financial consideration for Oregon families is the "Opportunity Scholarship" tax credit program. While not a voucher, it allows Oregon taxpayers to direct a portion of their state taxes to nonprofit scholarship granting organizations (SGOs), which then provide need-based aid to students attending private schools. Most local private schools work with these SGOs. Additionally, all schools offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Dallas, Oregon, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Dallas leverage their smaller size and specific missions to offer specialized programs. Blanchet Catholic School features a strong college-prep curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a distinctive House System for student mentorship. Salem Academy emphasizes a Christ-centered education integrated across all subjects and offers robust agriculture and FFA programs, appealing to the region's rural community. St. Paul Catholic School provides a strong foundational K-8 education with an emphasis on faith and service. These schools often have more flexibility in curriculum design, allowing for deeper dives into classical education, faith-based learning, or specific arts programs than what might be available in the Dallas School District.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Dallas, Oregon families?
The enrollment process for schools like Blanchet, Salem Academy, and St. Paul generally begins in the winter for the following fall. Most open applications in January or February, with priority deadlines in early spring (March/April). The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. For faith-based schools, a statement of faith or pastor recommendation may be required. Many host open houses from fall through winter. It's crucial to apply early, as some grades, especially kindergarten and 6th/9th entry points, can have waitlists. Financial aid applications usually run concurrently with admissions deadlines.
For a family living in Dallas, what are the key considerations when choosing between the Dallas Public School District and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision involves several local factors. **Logistics:** Commuting to Salem or St. Paul adds daily drive time and requires arranging transportation, as district busing is typically not provided. **Cost:** Weighing the value of "free" public education against private tuition and potential financial aid. **Educational Environment:** Dallas public schools offer larger, more diverse student bodies and comprehensive extracurriculars. Private options offer smaller class sizes, specific religious instruction, and often a more tailored college-prep focus. **Community:** Consider whether you value a neighborhood school community in Dallas versus a faith-based or mission-driven community that may draw from a wider area. Many families visit both their local Dallas public school and their top private choices to feel the difference in culture firsthand.