The Best Private Schools in Hermiston, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hermiston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph's Academy
Catholic Diocese of Baker
St. Joseph's Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located in nearby Pendleton, serving students from Hermiston and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. Students benefit from strong STEM programs, fine arts opportunities, and character development rooted in Catholic values. The school maintains high academic standards with dedicated faculty and modern facilities, making it a popular choice for families seeking faith-based education in Eastern Oregon.
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Tri-Cities Prep
Independent Catholic School
Tri-Cities Prep is an acclaimed independent Catholic school located across the border in Richland, Washington, serving students from the broader region including Hermiston. The school features a rigorous classical education model with strong emphasis on critical thinking, writing skills, and moral development. Students consistently achieve high test scores and college acceptance rates, with comprehensive Advanced Placement offerings and competitive athletic programs. The school's dedicated faculty and supportive community environment make it a top choice for families seeking exceptional college preparation.
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DeSales Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Baker
DeSales Catholic School in nearby Walla Walla serves students from Eastern Oregon and Washington, including families from Hermiston seeking quality private education. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program with strong emphasis on academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. Modern technology integration throughout the curriculum, robust music and arts programs, and competitive sports teams provide well-rounded education. With decades of established excellence and a supportive community atmosphere, DeSales maintains strong parent satisfaction and student achievement outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hermiston, Oregon
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Hermiston, Oregon, and do they require a daily commute?
Families in Hermiston, Oregon, have a few primary private school options, though it's important to note that there are no K-12 private schools physically located within the city limits of Hermiston itself. The most commonly considered schools are Catholic institutions in nearby communities. These include **DeSales Catholic School** (PreK-8) in Walla Walla, Washington (about a 45-minute drive), and **St. Joseph's Academy** (K-8) in Pendleton, Oregon (about a 30-minute drive). For high school, **Tri-Cities Prep** (a Jesuit, college-prep 9-12 school) in Pasco, Washington, is a popular choice, involving a commute of approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Many Hermiston families form carpools to manage these commutes.
How does tuition at private schools serving Hermiston, Oregon, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the private schools accessible to Hermiston families is generally below the average for Oregon's major metropolitan private schools but represents a significant commitment. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges like $5,000-$7,000 for elementary grades and $10,000-$13,000 for high school. All the mentioned schools (DeSales, St. Joseph's, Tri-Cities Prep) offer need-based financial aid, and many have parish subsidy programs for active Catholic families. Crucially, Oregon has the **"Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit"** program, which can provide scholarships for lower- and middle-income students attending private K-12 schools. Additionally, some schools participate in the **"Children's Scholarship Fund Oregon,"** which provides partial tuition assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Hermiston offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Hermiston region often emphasize small class sizes, religious education, and specific pedagogical strengths. **Tri-Cities Prep** is renowned for its rigorous Jesuit college-preparatory curriculum, with a 100% college acceptance rate and strong programs in classics and debate. **DeSales Catholic School** and **St. Joseph's Academy** offer integrated faith-based learning and often have more traditional, structured classrooms compared to larger public institutions. A key differentiator for Hermiston-area families is the focus on a specific value system and community, which can be appealing given the rapid growth and large class sizes in the highly regarded but crowded Hermiston School District public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Tri-Cities Prep or DeSales for a family residing in Hermiston?
The enrollment process for these schools begins early in the calendar year for the following fall. **Tri-Cities Prep** typically opens applications in October, with placement exams in January and admission decisions by February. **DeSales Catholic School** and **St. Joseph's Academy** often begin open houses and applications in January-February. As a Hermiston resident, it's vital to apply as early as possible, as spots are limited and priority may be given to in-parish families or siblings of current students. The process always includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. Given the commute, attending an open house is crucial to assess the logistics.
For a family in Hermiston, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public schools and a private school requiring a significant commute?
This is a central question for Hermiston parents. Key considerations include: **Time & Logistics:** A 30-60 minute commute each way adds 5-10 hours to a child's school week, impacting family time, extracurricular participation in Hermiston, and fatigue. **Cost:** Beyond tuition, factor in fuel, vehicle maintenance, and potential before/after-care needs. **Community Connection:** Attending school outside the community can affect a child's local social network and ability to easily participate in Hermiston-based sports or activities. **Educational Fit:** The decision often hinges on whether the specific value-based education, smaller class size, or specialized academic focus of a private school outweighs the convenience and robust, diverse programs (like Hermiston's renowned agriculture and CTE pathways) offered by the large, well-funded Hermiston public school district.