The Best Private Schools in Grants Pass, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Grants Pass. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Anne's Catholic School
Diocese of Medford
St. Anne's Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving the Grants Pass community for over seven decades. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a faith-based environment. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, comprehensive music and arts education, and competitive athletics. The school maintains modern facilities including science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive outdoor spaces for physical education and recreation. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with families praising the nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent academic preparation for high school.
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Cascade Christian Schools - Grants Pass Campus
Cascade Christian Schools
Cascade Christian Schools' Grants Pass campus provides exceptional Christian education serving students from preschool through high school. As part of a respected multi-campus system, the school offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement opportunities, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science laboratories, technology centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong focus on character development and academic excellence, the school maintains small student-teacher ratios and personalized learning approaches. The institution has earned recognition for its high graduation rates and successful college placements, making it a top choice for families seeking both academic rigor and faith-based values.
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St. Mary's School
Catholic Schools of Medford
While located in nearby Medford, St. Mary's School serves students from throughout the Rogue Valley, including Grants Pass families seeking top-tier private education. This prestigious institution offers the International Baccalaureate program alongside advanced college preparatory courses, providing one of the most academically rigorous private school experiences in Southern Oregon. The school features exceptional STEM facilities, competitive athletics programs, and comprehensive arts education. With a history spanning over eight decades, St. Mary's has established itself as a leader in private education, boasting high college acceptance rates and numerous academic accolades. The campus includes modern science and technology centers, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes that rival many small colleges. Many Grants Pass families choose St. Mary's for its outstanding academic reputation and comprehensive extracurricular offerings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Grants Pass, Oregon
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Grants Pass, Oregon?
Grants Pass offers a few established private school options, primarily with religious affiliations. The main providers are Cascade Christian Schools (with a Grants Pass campus offering K-12), St. Anne's Catholic School (K-8), and St. Mary's School (Pre-K-8). Cascade Christian provides a continuous Protestant-based education through high school, while the Catholic schools typically end at 8th grade. This means families seeking a private Catholic high school experience in Grants Pass would need to look at options outside the immediate city. The limited number of schools underscores the importance of early research and application.
How does tuition at private schools in Grants Pass, OR, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Grants Pass is generally below the average for Oregon's major metropolitan areas but is a significant consideration for local families. For the 2024-2025 school year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000-$9,000 annually for elementary grades and $10,000-$12,000 for high school at Cascade Christian. Oregon offers the "Opportunity Grant" tax credit for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, which directly funds financial aid for private school students. Additionally, all major schools in Grants Pass have their own need-based financial aid and scholarship programs, and many participate in parish subsidy programs for affiliated church members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Grants Pass private schools offer that leverage the local Southern Oregon environment?
Private schools in Grants Pass often integrate the region's natural and cultural resources into their programs. Cascade Christian Schools emphasize outdoor education and may organize trips to the nearby Rogue River, Oregon Caves, or Siskiyou Mountains for science and leadership activities. St. Mary's and St. Anne's often participate in local community service projects that are central to the Grants Pass community. Furthermore, given Southern Oregon's strong arts scene, these schools frequently partner with local organizations like the Grants Pass Museum of Art or the Rogue Music Theatre for enhanced arts education, which may be less emphasized in some public school budgets.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Grants Pass, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Grants Pass private schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to re-enrolling students and siblings. Given the limited seats, especially in popular grades like kindergarten and 6th grade, applications submitted by March are strongly advised. The process typically involves a completed application, student records, a family interview, and a student assessment or visit. Waitlists are common, particularly at St. Anne's and St. Mary's for the early grades, so early inquiry is crucial. Some schools may host open houses in the fall, which is the best time to start gathering information.
For families moving to Grants Pass, what are the key considerations when choosing between the public school district (Three Rivers School District) and the local private schools?
The decision often hinges on class size, religious education, and specific program offerings. Grants Pass private schools boast significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) compared to public schools, allowing for more individualized attention. The religious component is a primary draw for families seeking faith-based education woven into the curriculum. Academically, private schools here often have strong standardized test scores and college acceptance records. However, the Three Rivers School District offers a wider range of elective choices, advanced placement courses at the high school level, and extensive extracurricular and sports programs that a smaller private school cannot match. Transportation is also a key factor, as private schools in Grants Pass do not provide district bus service.