BestPrivateSchoolsNear.me
Excellence Verified

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.

3
Private Schools
4.5
Average Rating
0
Total Students
3
School Types

School Overview

0
Religious Schools
3
Secular Schools
3
Different Types

Top-Rated Private Schools

St. Mary's Academy

Catholic Schools of the Columbia Gorge

4.7

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.

1201 10th St, The Dalles, OR 97058, Odell, Oregon OR 97058
Grades: K-12
Founded 2009

Programs:

K-8 Catholic EducationSTEM ProgramMusic & Arts+1 more

Mid-Columbia Christian Academy

Independent Christian School

4.5

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.

1200 E 19th St, The Dalles, OR 97058, Odell, Oregon OR 97058
Grades: K-12
Founded 2012

Programs:

K-12 Christian EducationCollege PrepAthletics+1 more

Horizon Christian School

Horizon Christian Schools

4.3

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.

2500 E 29th St, Hood River, OR 97031, Odell, Oregon OR 97031
Grades: K-12
Founded 1999

Programs:

Preschool-12 Christian EducationInternational ProgramAthletics+1 more

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.

Private Education Insights

Discover Top Affordable Private Schools Near Odell, Oregon: A Parent's Guide

As a parent in Odell, Oregon, the search for quality education that aligns with your family’s values and budget can feel like a daunting task. You want a nurturing environment with strong academics, but the phrase "affordable private schools near me" is likely at the forefront of your mind. The good news is that the Hood River Valley and surrounding areas offer several private school options that strive to balance excellence with financial accessibility. Understanding the local landscape is key to finding the right fit without stretching your family finances to the breaking point.

When we talk about affordability in Odell’s context, it’s important to consider what value these schools bring to our specific community. Schools like St. Mary’s Academy, Mid-Columbia Christian Academy, and Horizon Christian School each offer distinct educational philosophies, often with a faith-based foundation that resonates with many local families. Affordability here isn't just about the lowest tuition; it's about the return on investment in terms of small class sizes, dedicated teachers who know your child by name, and a close-knit community atmosphere that is characteristic of our area. Many of these institutions have deep roots here, understanding the blend of agricultural heritage and modern living that defines life in Odell and the greater Gorge.

Practically speaking, the first step in your search for affordable private schools near you is to look beyond the stated tuition. Virtually every private school in the region offers some form of financial assistance. This can include need-based tuition reduction, multi-child discounts, and scholarship funds specifically endowed for local families. It is absolutely appropriate—and encouraged—to have a candid conversation with the admissions office about your financial situation. They are often partners in helping make their education accessible. Additionally, consider the ancillary costs and savings. A shorter, safer commute from Odell to a local school saves both time and transportation costs compared to options in larger cities, embedding the value directly into your daily life.

Another local consideration is the unique educational approach these schools can offer, leveraging our incredible natural environment as an extension of the classroom. This experiential learning, combined with strong core curricula, provides a rich education that can rival more expensive preparatory schools. When evaluating affordability, weigh the holistic benefits: character development, community service opportunities ingrained in the local area, and the prevention of your child becoming just a number in a crowded system. For Odell parents, finding an affordable private school often means investing in a community institution that invests right back into your child and the values you hold dear. By focusing on the total package of academic, spiritual, and social growth available close to home, you may find that the perfect, financially attainable fit is much closer than you thought.

Nearby Cities

Explore private schools in nearby cities