The Best Private Schools in Lake Oswego, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lake Oswego. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The French American School of Portland
French American International Schools
The French American School of Portland offers a unique bilingual French-English education with International Baccalaureate curriculum. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school provides an internationally-focused education with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive arts and athletics programs. Located just minutes from Lake Oswego, the school attracts families seeking global perspectives and academic rigor in a nurturing environment with strong community values.
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Oregon Episcopal School
Oregon Episcopal School
Oregon Episcopal School is a prestigious independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located on a 59-acre campus just north of Lake Oswego, OES offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options. The school emphasizes intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and global citizenship through its comprehensive programs in arts, athletics, and community service. With small class sizes and exceptional faculty, OES consistently ranks among Oregon's top private schools.
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Catlin Gabel School
Catlin Gabel School
Catlin Gabel School is one of Portland's most respected independent schools, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Known for its progressive educational approach and emphasis on experiential learning, the school combines academic excellence with character development. The 67-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Catlin Gabel's college counseling program is particularly renowned, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities nationwide. The school serves many Lake Oswego families seeking a comprehensive private education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lake Oswego, Oregon
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and are there any located within the city itself?
While Lake Oswego is renowned for its top-rated public schools, several prestigious private institutions serve the community, though most are located in adjacent Portland areas. Notably, **Catlin Gabel School** (PreK-12) is in Portland just north of Lake Oswego, **Oregon Episcopal School** (PreK-12) is in the Southwest Hills of Portland, and **The French American School of Portland** (PreK-8) is in nearby Mather. There are few, if any, major independent PreK-12 private school campuses physically within Lake Oswego city limits. Many Lake Oswego families choose these nearby schools for their specialized curricula, smaller class sizes, and strong college preparatory programs, accepting a short commute for these benefits.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Lake Oswego, OR, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Portland metro area, including those popular with Lake Oswego families, is significant and varies by grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition at Catlin Gabel and Oregon Episcopal School exceeds $40,000. The French American School of Portland is also a substantial investment. Importantly, all these schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs for Oregon residents. They use methodologies like the School and Student Service (SSS) to assess a family's ability to pay. It's crucial to apply for aid concurrently with admissions, as funds are limited. Some schools also offer merit scholarships, though need-based aid is more common.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Lake Oswego offer that differentiate them from the excellent public schools?
The private schools near Lake Oswego provide distinct educational models not typically found in public districts. **Catlin Gabel** emphasizes experiential, student-centered learning and has a renowned outdoor program. **Oregon Episcopal School (OES)** features a global curriculum, a 40-acre campus with a robotics lab and forest, and a required Interim trip program for experiential learning. **The French American School of Portland** offers a fully bilingual (French/English) immersion program leading to an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme. These schools often have more flexibility for specialized arts, advanced STEM projects, and global travel opportunities, complementing the strong foundational education provided by Lake Oswego Public Schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Portland area that Lake Oswego families apply to?
The admissions process for schools like Catlin Gabel, OES, and the French American School is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by early January (with deadlines typically between Jan. 1-15), completing student assessments and interviews (January-February), and receiving decisions in mid-March. For kindergarten and middle school entry points, demand is especially high. Lake Oswego parents should note that sibling and legacy applicant considerations can impact availability. It is strongly advised to start research and campus visits 12-18 months before the desired enrollment date.
For a family moving to Lake Oswego, what are the key considerations when deciding between the highly-rated public schools and the nearby private options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, specific student needs, and logistical factors. Lake Oswego Public Schools (LOSD) are consistently ranked among the best in Oregon, offering a comprehensive, tuition-free education with advanced placement and arts programs. Choosing a private school may be driven by desire for a specific pedagogy (e.g., bilingual, IB, progressive), smaller average class sizes, or a particular community ethos. The trade-offs include the substantial financial cost and, for most, a daily commute into Portland. Many families in Lake Oswego find the public schools exceptional, while others seek the distinct mission and specialized resources of the private institutions, viewing the investment as aligned with their child's unique learning style or aspirations.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Top Private Schools in Lake Oswego, Oregon: A Parent's Guide
For families in Lake Oswego, the search for the "best private schools near me" is often driven by a desire for exceptional educational opportunities that align with specific values, whether that’s a global perspective, a rigorous college-prep curriculum, or a progressive, student-centered approach. Our community’s proximity to Portland provides access to some of the region's most prestigious institutions, each offering a distinct environment. Understanding the nuances of these schools is key to finding the right fit for your child and your family’s lifestyle in the Lake Oswego area.
When evaluating options, consider the daily commute. While Lake Oswego boasts excellent public schools, many families look just north to schools like Catlin Gabel and the Oregon Episcopal School (OES), both located in Portland's southwest hills. This short drive can mean the difference between a large, comprehensive high school experience and a smaller, intimate K-12 continuum. Catlin Gabel is renowned for its progressive, inquiry-based education that emphasizes critical thinking and ethical leadership, often appealing to families seeking an alternative to traditional lecture-based models. Meanwhile, OES offers a strong college-preparatory program within a spiritual, though non-dogmatic, framework, featuring a beautiful 59-acre campus that feels like a retreat, yet is remarkably close.
Another outstanding option that frequently appears in searches for the "best private schools near me" is The French American School of Portland, located in nearby Mocks Crest. This is a compelling choice for Lake Oswego families interested in a bilingual, multicultural education from preschool through 8th grade. The school’s immersion model not only fosters fluency in French and English but also cultivates a truly global mindset, which can be a significant differentiator. For younger children, this can mean a seamless transition from Lake Oswego’s community into a diverse, internationally-focused environment without the need for a lengthy cross-city drive.
Beyond academics, the local context matters deeply. Lake Oswego parents often value a strong sense of community, extensive arts and athletics, and outdoor education—all hallmarks of these top-tier schools. It’s wise to consider how a school’s culture complements your family’s values. Does the school’s approach to homework and student well-being match your priorities? How do after-school activities and traffic patterns align with your schedule? We recommend scheduling in-person tours to truly gauge the atmosphere. Driving from Lake Oswego during morning rush hour to visit a campus will give you a realistic feel for the daily journey.
Ultimately, the "best" school is the one where your child will thrive. The investment in private education is significant, but for many Lake Oswego families, the tailored attention, specialized programs, and close-knit communities found at schools like Catlin Gabel, OES, and The French American School provide invaluable returns. Take the time to look beyond the rankings and find the environment that will best nurture your child’s unique potential, right here in our corner of Oregon.
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