The Best Private Schools in Monument, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Monument. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Cascades Academy
Independent
Cascades Academy is a highly regarded independent school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and small class sizes, the school emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning with a strong focus on STEM, arts, and outdoor education. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, art studios, and access to natural environments for outdoor learning. Parent satisfaction is high due to personalized attention, dedicated teachers, and a supportive community that prepares students for college and beyond.
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St. Francis of Assisi School
Catholic Diocese of Baker
St. Francis of Assisi School provides a comprehensive Catholic education for students in grades K-8, integrating academic excellence with spiritual development. The school offers a balanced curriculum that includes core subjects, religious studies, and a variety of extracurricular programs such as music, sports, and community service. With a long-standing reputation for strong teacher quality and a safe, nurturing environment, it fosters high parent satisfaction and student achievement. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and play areas, supporting a well-rounded educational experience.
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Seven Peaks School
Independent
Seven Peaks School is a progressive independent school serving pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, focusing on individualized learning and holistic development. The school's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character building through projects in arts, sciences, and technology. With small class sizes and experienced educators, it provides a supportive atmosphere that encourages student curiosity and resilience. Facilities include dedicated art and science rooms, outdoor learning spaces, and technology resources, contributing to high parent approval and academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Monument, Oregon
What are the private school options for families living in or near Monument, Oregon, and how do their educational approaches differ?
Monument itself is a very small, rural community, so families typically look to nearby Bend for private school options. The top schools serving the region include Cascades Academy (a progressive, independent Pre-K-12 school with an experiential learning focus), St. Francis of Assisi School (a Catholic Pre-K-8 school offering faith-based education), and Seven Peaks School (an independent Pre-K-12 school with a strong college preparatory program). For Monument residents, this means a significant commute is required, but it provides access to diverse educational philosophies from project-based and outdoor learning to traditional faith-based and rigorous academic models. Transportation logistics are a key local consideration.
How does tuition at private schools near Monument, Oregon, compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for the schools accessible to Monument families varies. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges such as approximately $25,000+ for upper grades at Cascades Academy and Seven Peaks, with lower rates for younger grades and Catholic education at St. Francis. A critical Oregon-specific resource is the "Opportunity Grant" (a tax-credit scholarship) administered by the Children's Scholarship Fund-Oregon, which provides need-based aid for private K-12 schooling. Additionally, all these schools offer their own financial aid and merit scholarship programs. Monument families should factor in the cost of commuting to Bend (roughly a 2-hour drive) when considering the total investment.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Monument offer that leverage the Central Oregon environment?
Schools in the Bend area are renowned for integrating the Central Oregon landscape into their curricula. Cascades Academy has a signature "Winterim" program where students engage in intensive, often outdoor, projects. Both Cascades Academy and Seven Peaks School have strong outdoor education and sustainability programs, with activities like skiing, rock climbing, and environmental science field studies. This is a major draw for Monument families who value an education connected to the region's natural resources. In contrast, St. Francis of Assisi incorporates its values into community service projects within the broader Central Oregon area.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for private schools near Monument, Oregon, and how far in advance should we apply?
Given the limited seats and competitive nature of schools like Cascades Academy and Seven Peaks, planning well ahead is crucial. The typical admission cycle begins in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year, with application deadlines often in January or February. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain. For Monument families, it's highly recommended to initiate inquiries 12-18 months in advance, especially for entry into popular grades like Kindergarten, 6th, or 9th. The process usually includes a campus visit (requiring a planned trip to Bend), application, student assessment/interview, and records review. Early contact is key to understanding logistics and availability.
For a family in rural Monument, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Bend?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Monument School (K-8) is a very small public school offering close-knit community and no commute. The trade-off for choosing a private school in Bend is a significant daily commute (approximately 100 miles round-trip) for parents or reliance on carpool networks. Academically, the private options offer smaller class sizes, specialized programs (like advanced STEM or arts), and continuity through high school, whereas Monument students would transition to a larger public high school in a different district. Families must weigh the value of an expanded academic and extracurricular menu against the time, cost, and community connection of the local rural school.