The Best Private Schools in Odell, Oregon
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Odell. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Academy
Catholic Schools of the Columbia Gorge
St. Mary's Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Columbia Gorge region, including Odell. The school offers a comprehensive K-8 education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. Features include small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, modern technology integration, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes STEM, music, art, and physical education. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with many families commuting from Odell and surrounding Hood River County areas.
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Mid-Columbia Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Mid-Columbia Christian Academy provides a comprehensive K-12 private Christian education serving students throughout the Columbia River Gorge, including Odell families. The school features a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview instruction. Academic programs include advanced placement opportunities, dual credit courses, and comprehensive STEM education. The school boasts excellent teacher-student ratios, competitive athletic programs, and robust fine arts offerings. Many Odell-area families choose MCCA for its strong academic reputation and Christ-centered community environment.
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Horizon Christian School
Horizon Christian Schools
Horizon Christian School, located just minutes from Odell in Hood River, offers a comprehensive preschool through 12th grade Christian education. The school serves students from both Oregon and Washington sides of the Columbia River Gorge and is particularly accessible to Odell residents. Features include a strong academic program with college preparatory focus, competitive athletics, vibrant arts programs, and an international student program that enhances cultural diversity. The school maintains small class sizes, experienced faculty, and modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Odell, Oregon
What are the private school options for families living directly in Odell, Oregon, and are there transportation services available?
Odell itself is a small, unincorporated community within the Hood River County School District, so there are no private schools physically located within Odell's boundaries. Families typically look to nearby Hood River or The Dalles. The closest options you mentioned, like Horizon Christian School (Hood River) and Mid-Columbia Christian Academy (The Dalles), are a 15-25 minute drive away. St. Mary's Academy is a Portland boarding/day school, over an hour away. Most of these schools do not provide district-wide busing. Transportation is primarily the responsibility of parents, though some schools may facilitate carpool lists. This commute is a key logistical consideration for Odell residents.
How does tuition at private schools serving Odell, Oregon, compare, and are there Oregon-specific financial aid opportunities?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-25 year, Horizon Christian School in Hood River has tuition around $7,000-$9,000 for K-12. Mid-Columbia Christian Academy in The Dalles is generally lower, often between $5,000-$7,000. St. Mary's Academy in Portland is substantially higher, exceeding $20,000. Critically for Oregon residents, the state offers the "Opportunity Grant" for lower-income families, and many schools have their own need-based financial aid. Additionally, Oregon has an educational savings account (ESA) program, but it is currently limited to students with disabilities. Always inquire directly with each school's admissions office about aid packages and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Odell, Oregon, offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in the Columbia River Gorge area often integrate the unique local geography and culture into their programs. Horizon Christian School, for example, may offer outdoor education and environmental science programs that utilize the nearby forests, rivers, and mountains. Mid-Columbia Christian Academy might emphasize agricultural science or sustainability projects relevant to the Hood River Valley's orchard economy. While not a daily program for Odell students, St. Mary's Academy offers urban immersion and advanced STEM tracks. A key draw for local schools is often smaller class sizes and a community-oriented values-based education, which can be appealing in a tight-knit area like Odell.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools that Odell, Oregon, families apply to, and are there deadlines for sibling or parish preferences?
The enrollment process for schools like Horizon Christian and Mid-Columbia Christian Academy usually begins in January or February for the following fall. Key steps include: attending an open house (often in winter), submitting an application by March-April, and completing a family interview. Many schools have priority deadlines for siblings of current students and, for faith-based schools, active members of their supporting churches. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain. It's crucial to apply early, as some grades, especially kindergarten and middle school entry points, have limited seats. Contacting the admissions office by December is advisable to get on their mailing list.
For an Odell, Oregon resident, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (Odell Elementary/Mid Valley) and a private school in Hood River or The Dalles?
The decision hinges on several Odell-specific factors. The public option is Odell Elementary School (part of the Hood River County School District), which is tuition-free, within the community, and feeds into Mid Valley and Hood River Valley High School. Choosing a private school like Horizon Christian means a daily commute, added tuition cost, and often a distinct religious or pedagogical approach (e.g., project-based or classical). Parents must weigh the value of a community-centered neighborhood school against the specialized curriculum, potentially smaller class sizes, and specific mission of a private institution. The commute during winter weather in the Gorge is a significant practical consideration that public school attendance avoids.
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