The Best Private Schools in Lebanon, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lebanon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lebanon Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Lebanon Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Lebanon community with a comprehensive K-8 educational program. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Their curriculum integrates traditional academics with Christian values, offering robust STEM programs, music education, and arts. The school maintains strong parent satisfaction through consistent communication and community involvement. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and dedicated spaces for music and art instruction.
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Albany Christian School
Independent Christian School
Located just 15 minutes from Lebanon in nearby Albany, Albany Christian School serves families throughout the Mid-Willamette Valley with an exceptional K-8 private education. The school features a strong academic program that integrates biblical principles across all subjects, supported by dedicated teachers with an average of 15+ years experience. Their comprehensive program includes competitive athletics, vibrant fine arts offerings, and technology integration. The school boasts modern facilities including a gymnasium, science lab, and dedicated music room. Many Lebanon families choose ACS for its established reputation and transportation options.
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Salem Academy
Salem Academy Christian Schools
Salem Academy is a premier private Christian school serving students from Lebanon and throughout the Willamette Valley. Located approximately 30 minutes from Lebanon in Salem, this K-12 institution offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with AP courses, competitive athletics, and extensive performing arts. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, Salem Academy provides personalized education within a Christian worldview. The school draws students from Lebanon due to its strong academic reputation and comprehensive extracurricular offerings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lebanon, Oregon
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lebanon, Oregon, and do they require a commute to nearby cities?
The only private school physically located within Lebanon city limits is Lebanon Christian Academy (LCA), which serves grades K-12. Due to limited in-city options, many Lebanon families also consider schools in neighboring communities, such as Albany Christian School in Albany (approximately a 15-minute drive) and Salem Academy in Salem (approximately a 30-minute drive). This often means parents must factor in commute times and transportation logistics when choosing a private school in the Lebanon area.
How does tuition at Lebanon-area private schools compare to the Oregon state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Lebanon Christian Academy and similar regional schools like Albany Christian School tends to be below the state average for private schools in Oregon, reflecting the local cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition at these schools often ranges from $6,000 to $9,000 annually for elementary grades. Most schools offer multi-child discounts, need-based financial aid, and may participate in the Oregon Opportunity Grant for eligible students. It's also common for these schools to have work-study or service-hour programs to help offset costs for families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Lebanon, OR, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Lebanon area strongly emphasize faith-based education and character development integrated into the core curriculum. Lebanon Christian Academy and Albany Christian School offer daily Bible classes and chapel services. Academically, they often provide smaller class sizes (typically 15-20 students) and more individualized attention. While public schools may have broader elective offerings, these private schools frequently provide specialized programs in agriculture, hands-on science, and community service projects that leverage the Mid-Willamette Valley's local context.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Lebanon Christian Academy, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Lebanon-area private schools usually begins with open houses in January or February for the following academic year. Priority is often given to re-enrolling students and siblings, with new family applications due by March. Lebanon Christian Academy typically requires an application, family interview, student assessment, and records review. While not all grades have waitlists every year, popular entry points like kindergarten and 6th grade can fill quickly. It's advisable to initiate contact by early winter to secure a spot.
For a family in Lebanon, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school district and a private school option?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, class size, and cost. Lebanon's public schools offer diverse programs, no tuition, and extensive extracurricular activities. In contrast, private options like LCA provide a consistent faith-based environment, often with stricter disciplinary policies and a close-knit community feel. Parents should also consider the practical aspect of commuting to a private school outside Lebanon. Ultimately, the decision often hinges on whether a family prioritizes a religious education and smaller setting over the broader resources and geographic convenience of the public school system.