The Best Private Schools in Lincoln City, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lincoln City. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. James Santiago School
Catholic Schools of Lincoln County
St. James Santiago School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Lincoln City and surrounding communities with a comprehensive K-8 education program. The school emphasizes faith-based education combined with strong academic fundamentals, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Their curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, Spanish language instruction from early grades, robust arts and music education, and community service initiatives. The school maintains strong parent involvement and has consistently high academic performance metrics, with graduates successfully transitioning to competitive high schools throughout Oregon.
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Newport Christian School
Independent Christian School
Newport Christian School serves families throughout Lincoln County, including Lincoln City, with a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade Christian education program. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview teaching. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, computer labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong performance in standardized testing and college acceptance rates. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports, fine arts, and community outreach initiatives.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Lincoln City provides high-quality early childhood education for children from six weeks to six years old. As part of the nationally recognized Goddard Systems network, the school offers a comprehensive play-based learning approach with structured STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum. The facility features modern, secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. The school is known for its highly qualified teachers, low student-teacher ratios, and strong focus on social-emotional development. Parent satisfaction is consistently high, with particular praise for the school's communication and individualized attention to each child's needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lincoln City, Oregon
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lincoln City, Oregon, and do they cover all grade levels?
Lincoln City itself has a limited number of private schools, with St. James Santiago School being a prominent local Catholic school offering preschool through 8th grade. For high school, families often look to neighboring communities. Popular nearby options include Newport Christian School in Newport (about 15 miles south), which offers K-12, and The Goddard School, a national early childhood education franchise with a location in Lincoln City focused on preschool and early learning. This means families with high school-aged children typically need to consider commuting to Newport or exploring boarding school options elsewhere in Oregon.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lincoln City, Oregon area compare to the state average, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Lincoln City area is generally below the average for Oregon's major metropolitan areas but is significant relative to local incomes. For the 2023-2024 year, St. James Santiago School's tuition ranges from approximately $4,500 for parishioners to $6,500 for non-parishioners. Newport Christian School tuition is around $7,000-$8,500. Oregon offers the "Opportunity Grant" for lower-income college students, but K-12 private school aid is primarily through individual school scholarships and need-based programs. Importantly, Oregon does not have a tax-credit scholarship or voucher program, so financial aid is dependent on the schools' own resources and external scholarships from organizations like the Archdiocese of Portland.
Given Lincoln City's coastal environment and economy, do any local private schools offer specialized programs that leverage the unique location?
Yes, the coastal context influences some educational programs. St. James Santiago School and Newport Christian School both emphasize environmental science and stewardship, with opportunities for beach ecology studies and field trips to local sites like the Oregon Coast Aquarium or Drift Creek Falls. While not a formal maritime academy, the proximity to the ocean and tourism industry can inform project-based learning in science and community studies. The smaller class sizes in these schools also allow for flexible, localized curriculum that a large district might not offer as easily.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Lincoln City, and are there waitlists due to limited capacity?
Enrollment timelines for Lincoln City area private schools often begin in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to existing families and parish members (for faith-based schools). St. James Santiago School, due to its smaller size, can have waitlists, particularly for preschool and kindergarten. The process usually involves an application, family interview, and submission of past academic records. For Newport Christian School, the timeline is similar, and applying early is recommended. Given the limited seats, it's advisable to contact schools by early winter to tour, understand specific requirements, and secure a spot.
For a family moving to Lincoln City, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school district (Lincoln County School District) and the available private options?
Key considerations include class size, religious education, and program continuity. Lincoln City's public schools, like Taft Elementary 7-12, offer a comprehensive K-12 pathway in one location, extensive extracurriculars, and no tuition. Private options offer smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or less), a specific religious or values-based education, and a close-knit community. However, the lack of a local private high school in Lincoln City means choosing a private elementary may lead to a necessary school change later. Parents should also consider the commute to Newport for private high school versus the local public 7-12 model. The decision often hinges on the value placed on religious instruction and personalized attention versus the convenience and breadth of the public system.