The Best Private Schools in Gladstone, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gladstone. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Catlin Gabel School
Catlin Gabel School
Catlin Gabel School is one of Oregon's premier independent schools, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located in Portland, the school draws families from Gladstone and throughout the metro area. The school emphasizes progressive education with a strong focus on critical thinking, creativity, and ethical leadership. The 67-acre campus features modern academic facilities, extensive arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Catlin Gabel offers a comprehensive curriculum with particular strengths in STEM education, visual and performing arts, and experiential learning opportunities. The school is known for its exceptional teacher quality and strong community engagement.
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Oregon Episcopal School
Oregon Episcopal School
Oregon Episcopal School is a highly regarded independent school serving the Portland metropolitan area, including Gladstone families. Founded in 1869, OES offers a rigorous college preparatory education for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features a 59-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities, small class sizes, and a strong emphasis on character development. Academic programs include comprehensive Advanced Placement offerings, extensive arts education, and unique outdoor education experiences. The school maintains a diverse community and has an excellent college placement record, with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. John the Baptist Catholic School
Archdiocese of Portland
St. John the Baptist Catholic School serves Gladstone and surrounding communities as a well-established parochial school offering education from preschool through 8th grade. The school provides a faith-based education integrated with strong academic programming. Recent curriculum enhancements include a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, Spanish language instruction beginning in kindergarten, and comprehensive technology integration. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, and extensive extracurricular offerings. Parent satisfaction is high with the school's community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and strong academic preparation for high school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gladstone, Oregon
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Gladstone, Oregon, and are they located within the city limits?
While Gladstone itself is a smaller city, it benefits from proximity to several highly-regarded private schools in the greater Portland metro area. The most prominent options often considered by Gladstone families include Oregon Episcopal School and Catlin Gabel School, both located in nearby Portland. For a more local Catholic option, St. John the Baptist Catholic School is in Milwaukie, just minutes from Gladstone. It's important to note that Gladstone does not host major independent private school campuses within its own boundaries, so commuting to adjacent communities is typical. Parents should research each school's specific transportation policies, as some offer bus services that may extend into Clackamas County.
How does tuition for top private schools near Gladstone, Oregon, compare, and what financial aid options are available for Oregon residents?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Portland area accessible to Gladstone families is significant and varies by grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, schools like Catlin Gabel and Oregon Episcopal School have tuition ranging from approximately $30,000 to $45,000. St. John the Baptist Catholic School offers a more affordable parochial option, typically between $8,000 and $12,000. Crucially, all these schools offer robust financial aid programs for qualifying families. As Oregon residents, you may also be eligible for the state's "Opportunity Grant" for private K-12 education, though amounts are limited. Each school's aid is need-based, and applying requires submitting forms like the SSS (School and Student Services) profile. It's highly recommended to apply for financial aid concurrently with admission.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Gladstone offer that leverage the Oregon environment or local resources?
Private schools in the Portland-Gladstone corridor often integrate Oregon's unique cultural and natural landscape into their curricula. Oregon Episcopal School (OES), for instance, has a renowned Outdoor Program that utilizes the nearby Cascade Range and Oregon coast for experiential learning. Catlin Gabel emphasizes project-based learning with local sustainability and tech partnerships, reflecting Portland's ethos. St. John the Baptist incorporates community service projects within Clackamas County. Furthermore, proximity to Portland provides access to partnerships with institutions like OMSI, the Portland Art Museum, and tech firms for specialized programs. These schools often have distinctive focuses, such as OES's global studies or Catlin's innovation labs, which are enriched by their Pacific Northwest location.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Gladstone, Oregon, and how early should Gladstone parents prepare?
The admission process for top-tier schools like Catlin Gabel and Oregon Episcopal School is highly competitive and begins well over a year in advance. The standard timeline involves starting research and tours in the fall (September-October) for entry the following academic year. Application deadlines are usually in early January (often January 3rd or 10th). The process includes a written application, student assessments or visits, parent interviews, and teacher recommendations. For Gladstone families, it's crucial to factor in travel time for multiple visits to campuses in Portland. For schools like St. John the Baptist, the process may be slightly less protracted but still requires early inquiry. Key advice: Initiate contact with admissions offices by the start of your child's prior school year, and inquire about specific admission events for families from Clackamas County.
For a family living in Gladstone, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school district and a private school in the metro area?
Gladstone families must weigh several local factors. Gladstone School District offers the convenience of neighborhood schools with no tuition. Choosing a private school like those in Portland involves a substantial financial investment and daily commute via I-205 or Hwy 99E, impacting family logistics. Academically, private schools often offer smaller class sizes, specialized curricula, and different educational philosophies (e.g., progressive at Catlin, college-prep with an outdoor focus at OES). For faith-based education, St. John the Baptist provides a direct alternative. Consider your child's specific needs: Gladstone High School offers certain CTE programs, while private schools may offer broader international baccalaureate or advanced arts programs. Ultimately, the decision hinges on educational philosophy fit, financial capacity, and the value placed on the unique programs and community a private school offers versus the community-centered, tuition-free public option.
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