The Best Private Schools in Forest Grove, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Forest Grove. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Veritas Montessori School
Independent Montessori
Veritas Montessori School is a highly-regarded private school located directly in Forest Grove, offering authentic Montessori education for children ages 3-12. The school features small class sizes with individualized learning plans, experienced AMI-trained teachers, and a strong focus on developing independent, confident learners. Their curriculum includes practical life skills, sensorial development, language arts, mathematics, cultural studies, and Spanish immersion. The school is known for its nurturing environment, beautiful campus with outdoor learning spaces, and strong parent community. They emphasize character development alongside academic excellence.
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Catlin Gabel School
Independent School
Catlin Gabel is one of Oregon's most prestigious independent schools, serving students from preschool through 12th grade and drawing families from throughout the Portland metropolitan area, including Forest Grove. The school is renowned for its exceptional college preparatory program, with 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges and universities. The 54-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic complexes, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, and character development through its honor code and community service programs. Catlin Gabel consistently ranks among the top private schools in the Pacific Northwest.
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St. Anthony School
Catholic Archdiocese of Portland
St. Anthony School is a highly-rated Catholic private school serving families in the greater Portland metro area, including Forest Grove. With over six decades of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program that combines strong academics with faith formation. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science labs, technology integration, Spanish language instruction, and extensive arts programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, library, gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. The school is particularly noted for its strong community feel, dedicated teachers, and excellent preparation for high school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Forest Grove, Oregon
What are the primary private school options available within Forest Grove, Oregon, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Forest Grove offers a few distinct private school options, each with a different approach. **Veritas Montessori School** serves preschool through elementary grades with a child-led, hands-on Montessori curriculum. **St. Anthony School** is a Catholic parish school offering a faith-based, traditional education from preschool through 8th grade, emphasizing community and service. While **Catlin Gabel School** is often associated with the area due to its prestige, its campus is actually located in Portland, about 25 miles east. For families in Forest Grove seeking a top-tier progressive, independent Pre-K-12 education, Catlin Gabel is a notable commuting option, but not within the city itself. This makes St. Anthony and Veritas the primary in-town private choices.
How does tuition for Forest Grove private schools compare to the Oregon state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Forest Grove varies significantly by school and grade level. St. Anthony School, as a parish school, generally has tuition below the state average for private schools, with active parishioner discounts. Veritas Montessori's tuition is more aligned with typical private Montessori programs in Oregon. While specific figures change annually, Oregon's private elementary school tuition average is roughly $10,000-$15,000 per year. Both local schools offer need-based financial aid, and Oregon also has state-specific programs like the "Opportunity Grant" for lower-income families and the "Individual Development Account (IDA) for Education" program that can help save for private school costs. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their current tuition schedules and aid packages.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Forest Grove area private schools offer that leverage the local Pacific Northwest environment?
Schools in and near Forest Grove often integrate the region's natural and cultural resources. Veritas Montessori, following its philosophy, likely emphasizes outdoor education and practical life skills connected to the local environment. St. Anthony School incorporates outdoor spaces for play and learning and may organize service projects within the local Forest Grove community. For families considering the broader area, Catlin Gabel is renowned for its extensive outdoor and experiential education programs, including trips to the Oregon coast and Cascade Mountains. While in-town schools have more localized focus, the proximity to Pacific University also provides unique opportunities for enrichment and a collegiate atmosphere in the community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Forest Grove, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process in Forest Grove typically begins in the winter for the following fall. St. Anthony School often prioritizes applications from registered parishioners and siblings of current students, with deadlines announced in January or February. Veritas Montessori, following a common Montessori model, may have rolling admissions but encourages early application due to limited space, especially for primary (preschool) programs. Both schools usually require a campus tour, application submission, and possibly a student visit or assessment. Given the limited number of seats, especially in popular early childhood programs, waitlists are common. It is highly advisable to initiate inquiries a full year in advance.
For families considering both, what are key differences between the Forest Grove School District public schools and the local private school options?
The key differences involve class size, curriculum, and religious/philosophical foundation. **Forest Grove School District** public schools offer diverse programs, larger class sizes, and are tuition-free. The local private options provide smaller, more intimate learning environments. **St. Anthony School** offers a structured, values-based education with daily religion classes, which is a distinct contrast to the secular public system. **Veritas Montessori** provides a multi-age classroom model and individualized learning pace, which differs significantly from the grade-level standards of public schools. Additionally, private schools often have more flexibility in curriculum but require a significant financial investment. The choice often comes down to a family's priorities regarding educational philosophy, community size, and budget.