The Best Private Schools in Medford, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Medford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Siskiyou School
The Siskiyou School
Located in nearby Ashland, The Siskiyou School serves families throughout the Rogue Valley including Medford with its acclaimed Waldorf education program for grades 1-8. The school emphasizes holistic development through integrated arts, music, movement, and hands-on learning experiences. Their curriculum balances academic rigor with creative expression and environmental stewardship. The campus features beautiful classrooms, gardens, and outdoor learning spaces that complement their nature-based approach. With small class sizes and highly trained Waldorf teachers, the school fosters critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility while preparing students for success in high school and beyond. Many Medford families commute for this unique educational experience.
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St. Mary's School
St. Mary's School
St. Mary's School is a premier independent private school serving Southern Oregon with a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade program. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and maintains small class sizes with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio. Their 17-acre campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside rigorous academics, with graduates consistently attending top universities nationwide. St. Mary's provides extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports, robotics, theater, and community service programs.
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Cascade Christian Schools
Cascade Christian Schools
Cascade Christian Schools operates multiple campuses throughout Medford and offers comprehensive education from preschool through high school. The school integrates Christian values with strong academic preparation, featuring Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, and robust fine arts programs. Their modern facilities include science laboratories, technology centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes individualized attention, with a focus on developing well-rounded students prepared for college and life beyond. Cascade Christian has a strong community reputation for academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Medford, Oregon
What are the primary private school options available in Medford, Oregon, and what are their educational philosophies?
Medford, Oregon, offers a few distinct private school options, each with a unique approach. **St. Mary's School** (PreK-12) is the oldest independent school in Oregon, offering a college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on leadership and character. **Cascade Christian Schools** is a system with multiple campuses (K-12) providing a Christ-centered education integrated across academics, arts, and athletics. **The Siskiyou School** (grades 1-8) is a Waldorf-inspired school emphasizing experiential, arts-integrated learning and developmental stages. This range allows Medford parents to choose between traditional college-prep, faith-based, and holistic developmental models.
How does tuition at Medford private schools compare to the Oregon state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Medford's private schools is generally below the average for Oregon's major metropolitan areas like Portland but aligns with Southern Oregon's cost of living. For the 2024-25 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $15,000 annually, depending on the grade level and school. All major schools in Medford offer need-based financial aid, and some, like Cascade Christian, may offer multi-child discounts. Importantly, Oregon's "Opportunity Grant" for college does not apply to K-12, but families can utilize the state's **$250 "Student Success Act" tax credit** for educational expenses, which can help offset some private school costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Medford private schools offer that leverage the Southern Oregon environment?
Medford private schools capitalize on the region's natural and cultural resources. **St. Mary's** features a renowned Outdoor Program with trips to the nearby Rogue River, Cascade Mountains, and Oregon coast, integrating environmental science and leadership. **The Siskiyou School** deeply incorporates farming, gardening, and local ecology into its curriculum, often using the surrounding bioregion as a classroom. **Cascade Christian** students frequently engage in community service projects throughout Jackson County and may take part in regional athletic leagues and arts festivals. This connection to place is a distinctive feature of education here.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Medford, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process in Medford typically begins in January for the following fall, with priority application deadlines often in February or March. Key steps include: 1) Attending a school tour or open house (held fall through winter), 2) Submitting an application with fees, 3) Providing student records and teacher recommendations, and 4) Completing a student assessment or shadow day. For popular entry grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, schools like St. Mary's and Cascade Christian can have waitlists, so early inquiry is advised. The Siskiyou School, with its specific pedagogy, often requires a family interview to ensure philosophical alignment.
For families considering the choice, how do the academic environments at Medford's private schools compare to the Medford School District's public schools?
The key differences lie in class size, curricular flexibility, and specific focus areas. Medford private schools typically have significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25-30+ in public schools), allowing for more individualized attention. Public schools in the Medford School District offer robust standard programs and may have larger, more diverse elective offerings due to scale. However, private schools here provide specialized environments: a focused college-prep track (St. Mary's), an integrated faith-based curriculum (Cascade Christian), or an alternative Waldorf model (Siskiyou School). Public schools are bound by state testing and curriculum standards, while private schools have more autonomy, which can lead to more innovative or traditional approaches depending on the mission.
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