The Best Private Schools in Donald, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Donald. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Valley Catholic School
Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon
Valley Catholic School, located in Beaverton approximately 20 miles from Donald, offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education under the guidance of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. The school features an International Baccalaureate program at the high school level, extensive college preparatory courses, and outstanding facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic complex, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The campus spans 43 acres with modern academic buildings, multiple athletic fields, and dedicated spaces for arts and music. Valley Catholic is renowned for its academic rigor, with graduates consistently accepted to top-tier universities nationwide, and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams, robotics, theater, and community service programs.
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St. Paul Catholic School
Archdiocese of Portland
St. Paul Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school located just minutes from Donald in neighboring St. Paul. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, this accredited institution provides a comprehensive faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and religious education. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and extensive playground areas. The school is known for its strong community involvement, family atmosphere, and excellent preparation for high school, with many graduates attending top regional Catholic high schools.
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St. John the Apostle Catholic School
Archdiocese of Portland
Located in Oregon City approximately 15 miles from Donald, St. John the Apostle Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a rigorous academic program rooted in Catholic values. The school features a comprehensive curriculum including advanced STEM education, Spanish language instruction from early grades, and integrated technology with 1:1 device programs. Facilities include science labs, a modern library, music room, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes character development, service learning, and academic excellence, with graduates consistently performing above national averages on standardized testing and successfully transitioning to competitive high school programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Donald, Oregon
What are the private school options for families living in Donald, Oregon, and are there any located directly within the town?
Donald itself is a very small community and does not host a private school campus within its immediate town limits. However, families in Donald have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the surrounding Willamette Valley region, primarily in nearby cities like St. Paul, Sherwood, and Beaverton. The schools often referenced for this area include St. Paul Catholic School (in St. Paul), St. John the Apostle Catholic School (in Oregon City), and Valley Catholic School (in Beaverton). Enrollment from Donald is common, but it requires planning for daily transportation, which is a key local consideration.
How does tuition at private schools serving Donald, Oregon, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the private schools accessible to Donald families is generally consistent with Oregon's private school averages, often ranging from approximately $7,000 to $15,000+ per year for elementary grades, with high school levels being higher. Oregon does not have state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs, so financial aid is primarily offered directly by the schools. Most, like Valley Catholic and the Catholic elementary schools, have need-based financial aid programs and may offer parish subsidies for active church members. It's crucial for Donald parents to apply for aid early, as funds can be limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Donald, Oregon, offer that might not be available in local public districts?
The private schools in the region emphasize distinct programming. Valley Catholic School, for instance, offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12 continuum with robust arts and a strong college-prep curriculum, including extensive Advanced Placement (AP) courses. St. Paul Catholic School provides a small, tight-knit agricultural community setting with a focus on faith-based character education. A notable feature for sports-minded families is that some area private schools are members of the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), allowing for competitive athletics against larger schools, which can be an advantage over smaller local public districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools that serve students from Donald, Oregon?
The enrollment process for Donald-area families is highly time-sensitive. Most sought-after private schools in the Portland metro region, including those accessible to Donald, operate on an admissions cycle that begins in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year. Key steps include attending open houses (often held in October-November), submitting applications by January or February, and completing entrance assessments or shadow days. Siblings and parish members often receive priority. Given Donald's location, securing a spot involves early planning due to commuting logistics and limited seats, especially in the early grades.
For a family in Donald, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local public schools in the Colton School District and a private school in a neighboring city?
The decision often centers on educational philosophy, community size, and commute. Colton School District offers a close-knit, community-based public education with no commute. Choosing a private school like those in St. Paul or Beaverton involves a significant daily commute (20-45 minutes) but provides specific alternatives: a faith-based education environment, potentially smaller class sizes, and different curricular or extracurricular emphacies (e.g., intensive college prep, specific arts programs). Families must weigh the financial investment, transportation logistics, and whether the private school's mission aligns with their values against the convenience and cost-free option of the local public system.