The Best Private Schools in Hillsboro, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hillsboro. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oregon Episcopal School
Oregon Episcopal School
Oregon Episcopal School is a highly regarded independent day and boarding school serving the Portland metropolitan area, including Hillsboro families. With a 9:1 student-teacher ratio and rigorous academic program, OES consistently ranks among Oregon's top private schools. The 59-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. The school emphasizes global citizenship, ethical leadership, and intellectual curiosity through its comprehensive college preparatory curriculum.
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Catlin Gabel School
Catlin Gabel School
Catlin Gabel is one of Portland's most prestigious independent schools, serving students from preschool through 12th grade, including many families from Hillsboro. The school is known for its progressive educational approach that balances academic rigor with creative expression and ethical development. The 54-acre campus features extensive facilities including innovation labs, art studios, and athletic fields. Catlin Gabel graduates consistently gain admission to top colleges nationwide, with the school emphasizing critical thinking, collaboration, and community engagement.
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St. Mary's Academy
St. Mary's Academy
St. Mary's Academy is Oregon's oldest continuously operating secondary school and a premier all-girls Catholic independent school serving the greater Portland area, including Hillsboro. The school combines rigorous academics with character development in an empowering all-girls environment. Notable for its STEM leadership programs and strong college preparatory curriculum, St. Mary's features modern facilities in downtown Portland including science labs, innovation spaces, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities while emphasizing leadership development and social justice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hillsboro, Oregon
What are the primary private school options for families living in Hillsboro, Oregon, and are there any located directly within the city?
While Hillsboro itself has a limited number of traditional K-12 private schools, families commonly look to neighboring Portland-area institutions, which are accessible via a commute. The top-tier schools often considered include Catlin Gabel School and Oregon Episcopal School (both in Portland) and St. Mary's Academy (downtown Portland). Within Washington County, options include religious-affiliated schools like St. Matthew Catholic School and a variety of smaller private academies. Many Hillsboro families choose these Portland schools for their rigorous academics and extensive resources, factoring in the daily commute as part of their decision.
How does Oregon's unique tuition assistance landscape, including the "Opportunity Grant" and individual school aid, affect private school affordability for Hillsboro residents?
Oregon does not have state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs that directly reduce private school tuition. However, affordability is supported through two primary channels. First, every major private school like Catlin Gabel, OES, and St. Mary's offers substantial need-based financial aid, with many families receiving grants that significantly reduce the sticker price. Second, Hillsboro families can utilize the Oregon Opportunity Grant (need-based state aid for college) for future savings, but not for K-12. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are typically in January. The net cost for a Hillsboro family can vary dramatically based on demonstrated need.
Given Hillsboro's position in the Silicon Forest tech corridor, do local private schools offer specialized STEM or technology programs that align with this industry presence?
Yes, this is a significant area of focus. Schools like Catlin Gabel and Oregon Episcopal School have robust STEM programs, advanced robotics teams, and partnerships with local tech firms. Their curricula often emphasize project-based learning, coding, and engineering from lower grades onward. Specifically for Hillsboro families, some schools offer electives or internships connected to the semiconductor and tech industries prevalent in Washington County. When evaluating schools, parents should inquire about specific technology integration, maker spaces, and any unique partnerships with companies like Intel or NVIDIA that have major campuses in Hillsboro.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and key deadline for applying to top Portland-area private schools from Hillsboro?
The admission process for competitive Portland-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For entry in the fall, the key timeline is: September-December (attend open houses and tours), early January (application deadlines for schools like Catlin Gabel, OES, and St. Mary's), January-February (financial aid application deadlines and student visits/interviews), and March (admission decisions are released). For Hillsboro families, it's vital to plan for the logistics of visits and potential student assessment days, accounting for travel time to Portland. We recommend starting research and visits in the fall of the year prior to desired enrollment.
How do transportation logistics work for Hillsboro students attending private schools in Portland, and what options do families have?
Transportation is a major practical consideration. Most Portland private schools do not provide standard bus service to Hillsboro. Families typically have four options: 1) **Carpooling** with other Washington County families, often organized by the schools; 2) **Public Transit** using TriMet's MAX Light Rail (Blue Line connects Hillsboro to downtown Portland, near several schools); 3) **Private Shuttle Services** that some parent groups or schools may facilitate; and 4) **Personal Driving**, which involves significant time commitment due to I-217 and US-26 traffic. Many schools have extended before- and after-care programs to accommodate commute times. This logistical factor is a key differentiator from Hillsboro's public school system, which provides neighborhood busing.
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